"Maxwell Grant - The Shadow - 112 - Death By Proxy" - читать интересную книгу автора (Grant Maxwell)

cared for Jim.

“When Howard was thrown from his horse in the polo match, he was killed instantly. He had no chance
to speak to any one. That was a year ago; my grief has never lessened. But not once would I ever have
accused you of being glad that Howard was dead.

“I thought that all of us had grieved for him. I have learned that I was wrong. You never grieved for
Howard; and it is your own guilty conscience that has caused you to think that I am glad because Jim has
died.”

COLDLY, Owen turned away from his cousin and walked from the room. Roy stared; then sank to his
chair, where he stooped and clasped his hands to his forehead. Walter remained beside him; Eleanor
hurried after Owen. She overtook her brother near the front door.

“You must forgive Roy,” pleaded the girl. “He is not himself to-day, Owen. He is broken by Jim's death.”

“I understand,” returned Owen. “I feel it, too, Eleanor. That is why I am going out. I can talk to Roy
when I return to-morrow.”

“Where are you going?”

“To Baltimore, as I originally intended. You knew that I had to be there to-night to see that chap who
talked about buying my stock in the speedboat company.”

“But it is only a matter of a few thousand dollars, Owen. Since Jim has died, you should stay here.”

“I would stay, Eleanor. I was going to postpone the Baltimore appointment; but it's better for me to go
to-day. It will give Roy a chance to come to his senses.”

Joland arrived from the living room just as Eleanor began a new plea for her brother to remain. Quietly,
the elderly man joined sides with the girl; but Owen shook his head.

“I'm on my way,” he announced firmly. “I'll stop a few minutes to see Doctor Denburton when I drive by
his house. You will be able to reach me at the Colonial Hotel in Baltimore, this evening.”

Owen strode from the house. They heard his car drive away. Joland shook his head; then turned to
Eleanor.

“You Lengoods are temperamental,” he told the girl. “Just like your grandfather. That is, all of you except
Roger. I have never met him during the few years that I have been the administrator of the Lengood
estate.”

Eleanor managed a smile. Joland's reference was to her brother Roger, younger than Owen but older
than Eleanor. Five years ago, Roger had gone to China; Eleanor had heard from him only at long-spaced
intervals since his departure. She imagined that Roger might be the most temperamental of all the
Lengood family.

Joland and Eleanor walked back to the living room, to find Roy apologetic; sorry that he had quarreled
with Owen. He wanted to talk to his cousin; Joland decided that a telephone conversation would be the
best means. Going out into the hall, Joland picked up the telephone and called a number. The others