Waterbury evening Democrat., 1888-02-27
CHAPTER VII.

Some days later the insurance offices two in number) received the formal announce ment of Lord Montbarry's death, from her ladyship's London solicitors. The sum in- sured in each office was e5, ,0O0-on which one years premium only had been paid In the face of such pecuniary emergency as this: the directors thought it desirable to consider their position. The medical advisers of the two offices, who had recommended the insur- ance of Lord Montbarry's life, were called into council over their own reports. The re- suit excited some interest among persons con- nected with the business of life insurance. Without absolutely declining to pay the money, the two offices-acting in concert decided on sending commission of inquiry to Venice, flor the purpose of obtaining further information"
 MT. Troy received the earliest intelligence of what was going on. He wrote at once tc communicate his news to Agnes; adding what he considered to be a valuable hint, in these words:
 'You are intimately acquainted, know with Lady Barville, the late Lord Mont barry's eldest sister. The solicitors employed by her husband are also solicitors to one oi the two insurance offices. There may possi bly, be something in the report of the commis sion of inquiry touching on Ferraris disap. pearance. Ordinary persons would not be permitted, of course, to see such document. But sister of the late lord is SO near a rela. tive as to be an exception to general rules. If Sir Theodore Barville puts it on that foot ing, the lawyers, even if they do not allow his wife to look at the report, will at least answer any discreet question she may ask re- ferring to it."
 The reply was received by return of post. <o of proposal.
 My interference, innocent as it was," she wrote, "has already been productive of such deplorable results that cannot and dare not stir any further in the case of Ferrari. If I had not consented to let that unfortunate | man refer to me by name, the late Lord Montbarry would never have engaged him, and his wife would have been spared the mis- cry aud suspense from which she is suffering now. I would not even look at the report to which you allude if it was put in my hands have heard more than enough already of that hideous life in the palace at Venice. If Mrs. Ferrari chooses to address herself to Lady Barville-with your assistance--that is, of course, another thing. But, even in this case must make it positive condition that my name shall not be mentioned. Forgive me, my dear MT. Troy! am very unhappy, and very unreasonable-but l am only a woman, and you must not expect too much 1 from me-"
 | Rolled in this direction, the lawyer next 1 advised making the attempt to discover the present address of Lady Montbarry's English maid. This excellent suggestion had one drawback: it could only be carried out by | spending money-and there was no money to spend. Mrs. Ferrari shrunk from the bare idea of making any use of the R1 900 note. l had hoon Horoeitad in tho ofo of = 1 bank. If it was even mentioned in her hear. ing, she shuddered and referred to it, with melodramatic fervor, as ''my husbands blood money!"
 So, under stress of circumstances, the at tempt to solve the mystery of Ferrari's dis appearance was suspended for awhile.
 It was the last month of the year 1880. The commission of inquiry was already at work having begun it's Investigations on Dec. G. On the 10th the term for which the late Lord Montbarry had hired the Venetian palace ex. pired. News by telegram reached the insu rance offices that Lady Montbarry had been advised by her lawyers to leave for London with as little delay as possible. Baron Rivar it was believed, would accompany her te England, but would not remain in that coun try unless his services were absolutely re quired by her ladyship. The baron, "wel known as an enthusiastic student of chemis try" had heard of certain recent discoveries in connection with that science in the United States, and was anxious to investigate then personally.
 These items of news, collected by Mir Troy, were duly communicated to Mrs. Fer rari, whose anxiety about her husband made her a frequent-a too frequent-vis itor at the lawyers office. She at tempted to relate what she had heard to her good friend and protectress. Agne steadily refused to listen, and positively for bade any further conversation relating tt Lord Montbarry's wife, now that Lord Mont barry was no more. ssYou have Mir. Troy tt advise you" she said; land you are welcom' to what little money can spare, if money ! wanted. All ask in return is that you vii