The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-05-16
CHAPTER XV. Fessenden's Detective Work.

1 CHAPTER XV.
 l Fessenden's Detective Work. 1 Next morning Rob went over to the Van Norman house with clearly developed plan of action. He de- clared to himself that he would allow no circumstance to shake his faith in his friend, that he would hold Carle- ton innocent of all wrongdoing in the affair. and that he would put all his | ingenuity and cleverness to work to discover the criminal or any clue that might lead to such discovery. l Although some questions he had wished to ask Cicely Dupuy were yet unanswered, Fessenden had discover being admitted to the house, he lock- ed about him for a quiet spot to sit down and tabulate them in black and white. The florists men were still in the library. Here he found only Mrs. Markham and Miss Morton, who were l apparently discussing question on which they held opposite opinions.
 Come in, MT. Fessenden," said Mrs. Markham, as he was about to withdraw. "I should be glad of your advice. Ought I to give over the reins of government at once to Miss Morton?'' | "Why not?" interrupted Miss Nor ton, herself. 'The house is mine; why should I not be mistress here ?' Fessenden repressed smile. It seemed to him absurd that these two middle-aged women should discuss an issue of this sort with such precipit- ancy.
 Tt seems to me matter of good taste,'' he replied. ''The house, Miss Morton, is legally yours, but as its mistress, I think you'd show a more gracious manner if you would wait for time before making any changes in the domestic arrangements" | Apparently undesirous of pursuing the gracious course he recommend ed. Miss Morton rose abruptly and | flounced out of the room. | ''Now she's annoyed again." ob- served Mrs. Markham placidly. ''The least little thing sets her off, | "If not intrusive Mrs. Markham, won't you tell me how it comes about that Miss Morton inherits this beauti- full house? Is she a relative of the Van Normans?
 "Not bit of it. She was Richard Van Normans sweetheart, years and years and years ago. They had a falling out, and neither of them ever married. Of course he didn't leave her any of his fortune. But only a short time ago, long after her. uncle's death, Madeleine found out about it from some old letters. She deter mined then to hunt up this Miss Morton, and she did so, and they had quite a correspondence. She came here for the wedding, and Madeleine intended she should make a visit, and intended to give her a present Of money when she went away. In the meantime Madeleine had made her will, though I didn't know this until today leaving the place and all her own money to Miss Morton. I'm not surprised at this. for Tom Willard has plenty, and as there was no other heir. I know Madeleine felt that part of her uncle's fortune ought to be used to benefit the woman he had loved in his youth"
 "This explains Miss Morton, then,' Hsaid Fessenden. "But what a pecu- liar woman she is!"
 ham, in her serene way. But I'm used to queer people. Richard Van Norman used to give way to the most violent bursts of temper I ever saw
 Maddy and Tom are just like him They would both fly into furious rages, though I must say they didn't do it often, and never unless for some
 deep reason"
 MT. Carleton-has he a high tenn per-"
 Mrs. Markhams brow clouded. l |, don't understand that man." she said , slowly. 'I don't think he has quick
 temper, but there's something deep
 about him that can't make out. Oh MT. Fessenden, do you think he killed
 cur Madeleine?"
 , Do you?" said Fessenden sudden. ly, looking straight at her