The nearness of death
seems to have frightened him into an act of retribution. He made a new
will, constituting your Richard his heir, and he died the day before
our caravan left Pajura."
A certain cold disdain had crept into Irene's face as she listened.
Mrs. Haxton was well aware of the change in the girl's manner, but she
did not interrupt the thread of her story, nor seek to alter its
significance.
"Mr. Royson knows nothing of these later events that are so vitally
important to him?" she asked, when the other woman's quiet narration
ceased its even flow.
"No."
"Then how is it--"
"That I am better informed? It is quite simple. Baron von Kerber
intercepted and read all letters and telegrams that came for him by
camel post."
Irene rose. Anger flamed in her face, and her brown eyes darkened.
"You dare to tell this to me?" she said.
"Exactly. You gave me permission to speak unreservedly. Please sit
down. I have not finished yet."
Somehow, despite her indignation, the girl was swayed into compliance.
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