The Mystery at Underwood House (An Angela Marchmont Mystery) by Clara Benson Page B

be as safe as houses, and she had been told that she could withdraw her money at any time. She had hoped to increase her capital significantly, as there were a number of charitable concerns which required her assistance, and she had initially agreed to leave the money with this person for a period of one year on the promise of a return of something in the region of thirty per cent.’
    Angela pursed her lips as though to whistle but stopped herself just in time.
    ‘ Good gracious!’ she said instead.
    ‘ Quite,’ said Mr. Faulkner. ‘At all events, it so happened that one of her projects found itself in need of funds rather sooner than she had expected, and so she asked to withdraw some of the money before the year was up. This, it seems, was not at all to the liking of her mysterious correspondent, who at first tried to dissuade her from doing so, then attempted to convince her that she was under a legal obligation to keep the money on deposit. According to her story, she stood firm—most unlike her, I should say—and pointed out that as she had not signed any agreement, she was perfectly entitled to have her money back whenever she chose.’
    ‘ She hadn’t signed anything!’ exclaimed Mrs. Marchmont.
    ‘ It appears not. And so, after some further prevarication, Winifred’s unnamed adviser finally agreed to pay her the sum she had requested. She waited a month, but the funds were not forthcoming and, what was worse, her correspondent appeared to have begun to avoid her, since her letters went unanswered and he could not be contacted by telephone, although she tried on several occasions. It was at this point that she came to consult me but, as I said, I did not give the matter the attention that perhaps it deserved. On the contrary,’ he went on, ‘I am ashamed to say that I made excuses for this person, and encouraged her to wait another week or two. A fortnight later, she was dead.’
    ‘ And you have no idea who the person was?’
    ‘ None at all. It does strike me, however, that her reluctance to give his name is suggestive.’
    ‘ Yes, it does seem to indicate that whoever it was must have been a friend or member of the family. Why refuse to give his name, otherwise?’
    Mr. Faulkner inclined his head.
    ‘ That would appear to be a rational deduction,’ he said. ‘But to go any further than that would be indulging in mere speculation.’
    Angela was just about to ask again to see the will when the lawyer, who had been gazing past her down the street, suddenly started, glanced at his watch and gave an exclamation.
    ‘ Dear me! I have been so caught up with the fine morning and the charming company that I had quite forgotten I have an appointment. I am five minutes late already, and you must know I make it quite a rule never to keep a client waiting.’
    He rose to his feet, as did Angela.
    ‘ I’m afraid I must rush,’ he said. ‘You will forgive me, won’t you? But of course you will. Think of me trapped among my musty old papers while you enjoy the beauty of this delightful morning.’ He waved an expansive hand and indicated the Downs in the distance. ‘Indeed, if you have time, I highly recommend you take a trip to Beningsdown Hill. There is a very fine view from the top.’
    ‘ I should love to. But when can I see Philip’s will?’
    ‘ Another time, another time,’ he said. ‘Believe me, I shall be only too delighted—’ he bowed and was off.
    Angela returned thoughtfully to the Bentley, where William was polishing the paint-work in a desultory fashion. He stood to attention when he saw her.
    ‘ William,’ she said, ‘you saw the gentleman I was just talking to, I believe?’
    ‘ Yes ma’am,’ he replied.
    ‘ Did you see the woman who went into his office a few minutes before him?’
    ‘ I guess I did. Straight as a ramrod, looked like a fury. That the one you mean?’
    Angela smiled at the apt description.
    ‘ That’s the one,’ she said. ‘I want you to watch the