It was the last month of the year 1860. The commission of inquiry wasalready at work; having begun its investigations on December 6. On the10th, the term for which the late Lord Montbarry had hired the Venetianpalace, expired. News by telegram reached the insurance offices thatLady Montbarry had been advised by her lawyers to leave for London withas little delay as possible. Baron Rivar, it was believed, wouldaccompany her to England, but would not remain in that country, unlesshis services were absolutely required by her ladyship. The Baron,'well known as an enthusiastic student of chemistry,' had heard ofcertain recent discoveries in connection with that science in theUnited States, and was anxious to investigate them personally.
These items of news, collected by Mr. Troy, were duly communicated toMrs. Ferrari, whose anxiety about her husband made her a frequent, atoo frequent, visitor at the lawyer's office. She attempted to relatewhat she had heard to her good friend and protectress. Agnes steadilyrefused to listen, and positively forbade any further conversationrelating to Lord Montbarry's wife, now that Lord Montbarry was no more.'You have Mr. Troy to advise you,' she said; 'and you are welcome towhat little money I can spare, if money is wanted. All I ask in returnis that you will not distress me. I am trying to separate myself fromremembrances--' her voice faltered; she paused to controlherself--'from remembrances,' she resumed, 'which are sadder than eversince I have heard of Lord Montbarry's death. Help me by your silenceto recover my spirits, if I can. Let me hear nothing more, until I canrejoice with you that your husband is found.'
Time advanced to the 13th of the month; and more information of theinteresting sort reached Mr. Troy. The labours of the insurancecommission had come to an end--the report had been received from Veniceon that day.