The Bungalow Mystery Read Online Free Page B

act,” Lavington returned impatiently. “Because if you could, I think I see a way. I believe we might manage—”
    A gleam of hope came into the brown eyes watching him.
    â€œIf you would explain, I think perhaps I might.”
    Lavington caught up his copy of the play.
    â€œHave you ever taken part in any theatricals? Do you think you could help in this?” holding it out.
    The girl glanced at it in his hand; a tinge of colour was creeping back to her pale cheeks.
    â€œI think I could. I have always been fond of that sort of thing. But when? I cannot understand.”
    â€œTo-morrow night,” Lavington explained quickly. “My cousin Zoe was expected, but she is down with influenza. Luckily, I have not told anyone that she is prevented; and, if until after to-morrow evening you could take her place, the next day I might go to London with you, and I do not think any suspicion would be roused.”
    She turned the pages over rapidly.
    â€œI could soon learn the part, but the dress—”
    â€œOh, that is all waiting for Zoe at Freshfield. You see, the scene is laid in Japan. You are the Japanese maiden who fascinates the hero, while Elsie Thornton personates the English girl who finally wins. But the Thorntons were so much afraid that the get-up wouldn’t be correct that they have ordered the Japanese costumes from town. They’re all loose, flowing garments, so that it is only a question of height; and I shouldn’t think ’’—eyeing her critically —“that there can be an inch between you and Zoe.”
    Though the tears were still standing in her eyes, a tiny dimple played for one moment round the girl’s mouth.
    â€œThat will be all right, then.”
    â€œYes; I think so.” Lavington acquiesced. “And now, the sooner we go in to my aunt the better. I will tell her you managed to get away by the last train to-night, instead of the first to-morrow—the one by which she expected you.”
    â€œIn one moment.” She turned to the small mirror over the mantelpiece and, with a few deft touches, restored her hair to order and, after pinning her fur toque securely in its place, pulled a veil over her face.
    â€œNow, tell me what I have to do,” she said, turning to Roger with a charming air of dependence.
    Lavington briefly put her in possession of the circumstances, and told her all that he thought necessary of Zoe’s surroundings. In a very few moments she professed herself ready to accompany him to his aunt.
    Miss Chilton was still sitting in the little drawing-room where he had left her, her hands busy with her knitting, her thoughts on household cares intent. Secretly, she was rather inclined to dread the coming of Roger’s London-bred cousin, and to feel distinctly glad that the young lady had postponed making her acquaintance to the last possible moment. Her usually tranquil smile was scarcely as placid as usual when Lavington put his head in at the door.
    â€œWho do you think I have brought you, Aunt Minnie?”
    Her expression changed to one of real alarm as she said hastily, “Not—not—”
    â€œZoe!” he finished, with a laugh. “Here she is, to speak for herself. She found she could get away to-night after all.”
    â€œAnd I hope you will not mind?” this new Zoe said, coming swiftly into the room as Roger stood aside. “You must not let me give you any trouble. Really, I was obliged to come.”
    Miss Chilton took the outstretched hand in hers.
    â€œDo not talk of trouble, my dear,” she said with her pretty air of old-fashioned hospitality. “Your coming here is only a pleasure to us, I am sure.” Then as if moved by some sudden impulse, she drew the girl down and kissed the fresh, young cheek. “I am sure I shall love to have you, and I hope you will stay a long time with us, if you can put up with my old-fashioned ways.”
    The brown eyes