Petrie was stationed at the door to
waylay casual strangers, but any who offered possible light upon the
matter, eye-witnesses or otherwise, were allowed to enter. It was
astonishing how many people there were who confessed to having "seen
things" connected with the whole distressing affair. By one o'clock
almost everyone was in place. At a quarter past, 'Toinette Brellier
arrived, dressed in black and with a heavy veil shrouding her pallor. She
was accompanied by her uncle.
Cleek met them in the hall. Upon sight of him 'Toinette ran up and caught
him by the arm.
"You are Mr. Headland, are you not?" she stated rather than asked, her
voice full of agitation, her whole figure trembling. "My name is
Brellier, Antoinette Brellier. You have heard of me from Nigel, Mr.
Headland. I am--engaged to be married to him. This is my uncle, with whom
I live. Mr. Headland--Mr. Brellier."
She made the introduction in a distrait manner, and the two men bowed.
"I am pleased to meet you, sir," said Brellier, in his stilted English,
"but I could wish it were under happier circumstances.
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