The Mary Fortune Mystery & Suspense Megapack by Mary Fortune

Author:Mary Fortune
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: mystery, crime, suspense, woman, detective
ISBN: 9781479404605
Publisher: Wildside Press LLC
Published: 2014-12-03T16:00:00+00:00

THE SECRET OF THE KEYS

“You are very silent tonight, my dear father,” said Gerald Devann, as he raised his head from his book, and looked into the face of a grey-haired and worn-looking gentleman who was seated opposite to him. “I hope you are not feeling unwell?”

“I am not well, Gerald, and the knowledge that my case is more serious than I had hoped has made me thoughtful on your account, my son.”

“I trust you have exaggerated the source of your indisposition, father,” the young man said, as he pushed his book from him and anxiously scanned the well-known face; “but, as for me, you have no reason whatever to be uneasy on my account. Thanks to you, I have a profession of which I am proud, and it already promises to be one which may enrich me before I am too old to enjoy ease and wealth.”

“And already you are doing it honor, my son, and I am proud of you; but I shall not live to rejoice in your eminence.”

“Father,” said the young man, as he rose and drew his chair nearer to Mr. Devann’s, “do not encourage such sad forebodings; it is not like yourself. Perhaps the sea air is too strong for you, and you spend most of your time here. Let us take a house in town, where you can have the best medical advice, and an entire change of scene.”

Mr. Devann rose and walked to the window, from which he could see the widespread ocean, and the sands and cliffs of a rocky coast. He was a tall man, of slender build, and there was in his carriage that listless droop that betokens nearly always a delicacy of health. He might have been about fifty, but looked younger. It seemed as though he was taking an almost last farewell of his favorite view; for he stood long at the window, nor did his son interrupt him until he returned to his seat, and turned with a shiver toward the fire that burned in the low grate at his left hand.

“Ring the bell, Gerald, and let us have lights, and the evening shut out. Have you ever felt the lonely influence of a sea view when the sun has set? I have always, but never so deeply as tonight. There must be a storm approaching, for the clouds hang low over the horizon, and the shadows are dark on the water. Draw your chair nearer, for I have a story to tell you—a story that has been of my life, and that may be completed in yours. Joseph, when you have drawn the curtains, bring me my traveling desk from my own room.”

And so when they were again alone Mr. Devann leaned back in his chair and began.

“It is time that you should know all, my son, and I do not fear so much the telling of it now as I should have done years ago, for you have mastered your profession, and have a

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