Carolyn Wells

A Chain of Evidence Carolyn Wells

It was perhaps half an hour later when I again opened my front door, to start for mydowntown office. Laura accompanied me into the hall, as she often does and chattered afew parting inanities as we stood by the elevator. The car was rising, and as we are only onthe third floor I had a half-formed intention of walking down the stairs, when the door ofthe other apartment flew open and Miss Pembroke ran out to meet the elevator. She wasgreatly excited, but not with anger, for her face was white and her eyes looked big andfrightened. Surely the word tumultuous applied to the girl now. But, it was plain to be seen thatwhatever caused her excitement it was something of importance. She had received a shockof some kind, and though she had herself well in hand, yet she was fairly trembling withalmost uncontrollable emotion. She paid not the slightest attention to Laura or me, butclutched at the coat of an elderly gentleman who stepped out of the elevator."Oh, Doctor Masterson," she cried, "come in quickly, and see what is the matter with UncleRobert! He looks so strange, and I'm afraid he's--"She seemed suddenly to realize our presence, or perhaps she noticed the staring face of theelevator boy, for she left unfinished whatever she had been about to say, and, still clutchingthe doctor's coat, urged him toward her own door. I did not presume to speak to Miss Pembroke, but I could not resist an impulse that mademe say to the doctor: "If I can be of any assistance, pray call upon me."There was no time for response-I was not even sure that the doctor heard me-but Iturned back with Laura into our own apartment."Something has happened," I said to her, "and I think I'll wait a bit.""Do," said my sister. "It may be that we can be of assistance to that poor girl; for if her unclehas a serious attack of any kind she will certainly want help."I looked at Laura with admiring affection, for I saw at once that she had realized that MissPembroke was in serious trouble of some sort, and her true womanly heart went out to thegirl, forgetting entirely her previous dislike and suspicion. Almost immediately our door-bell rang, and, feeling sure that it was a summons inresponse to my offer, I opened the door myself.