He
had found her a merry chatter-box in the past, possibly he could
gain valuable information from her. He found Mrs. Brewster just
completing her dance with a fine looking Italian officer whose
broad breast bore many military decorations.
"Dance the encore with me" - Kent could be very persuasive when
he wished, and Mrs. Brewster dimpled with pleasure, but there was a
faint indecision in her manner which he was quick to note. What
prompted it? He had been on friendly terms with her; in fact, she
had openly championed his cause, so Barbara had once told him, when
Colonel McIntyre had made caustic remarks about his frequent calls
at the McIntyre house.
"Just one turn," she said, as the foreigner bowed and withdrew. "I
am feeling a little weary to-night - the strain of the inquest," she,
added in explanation.
"Perhaps you would rather sit out the dance," he suggested. "There
is an alcove in that window; oh, pshaw!" as a man and a girl took
possession of the chairs.
"Never mind, we can roost on the stairs," Mrs. Brewster preceded
him to the staircase leading to the third floor, and sat down,
bracing her back very comfortably against the railing, while
Kent seated himself at her feet on the lower step.
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