On the 17th he was so much worse that it was decided to send for medical help whether he liked it or not. Baron Rivar, after inquiry at the consuls, secured the services of Doctor Bruno, an eminent physician in Venice. The doctors own report is attached.
My medical diary informs me that I first saw the English Lord Montbarry, on November 17. He was suffering from a sharp attack of bronchitis. Some precious time was lost. So he was in a delicate state of health. His nervous system was out of order he was at once timid and contradictory. When I spoke to him in English, he answered in Italian; and when I tried him in Italian, he went back to English. Then he could only speak a few words at a time, and those in a whisper.
I at once applied the necessary remedies. Copies of my prescriptions (with translation into English) accompany the present statement.
For the next three days I was in constant attendance on my patient. Lady Montbarry was indeed a very devoted wife. She did not allow anybody to attend on her husband but herself. Night and day this estimable woman was at his bedside. In her brief intervals of repose, her brother watched the sick man in her place. This brother dabbled in chemistry; and he wanted to show me some of his experiments.
Up to the 20th, then, things went well enough. I was quite unprepared for the disastrous change that showed itself, when I paid Lord Montbarry my morning visit on the 21st. He relapsed, and seriously relapsed. I examined him to discover the cause. I found symptoms of pneumonia. He breathed with difficulty. Lady Montbarry suggested a consultation with another physician. Her ladyship instructed me to get the best medical opinion in Italy. The first and foremost of Italian physicians is Torello of Padua. He arrived on the evening of the 21st, and confirmed my opinion about pneumonia, and that our patients life was in danger. He approved of my treatment. He made some valuable suggestions, and he deferred his return to Padua until the following morning.
The disease was steadily advancing. In the morning Doctor Torello left. I can be of no further use, he said to me. Nothing can help this and he must know it.
Later in the day I warned my lord that his time had come. Lord Montbarry received the news with composure, but with a certain doubt. He whispered faintly, Are you sure? It was no time to deceive him; I said, Positively sure. He waited a little, and then he whispered again, Feel under my pillow. I found under his pillow a letter, sealed and stamped, ready for the post. His next words were audible: Post it yourself. I answered, of course, and I did post the letter with my own hand. I looked at the address. It was directed to a lady in London. The street I cannot remember. The name I can perfectly recall: it was an Italian name: Mrs. Ferrari.
That night my lord nearly died of asphyxia. He lingered in a state of insensibility until the 25th, and died on the evening of that day.
As to the cause of his death, it seems simply absurd to ask the question. Bronchitis, terminating in pneumonia. Doctor Torellos own note is added here to a duplicate of my certificate.
Doctor Brunos evidence ends here.
Lady Montbarry can give us no information on the subject of the letter which the doctor posted at Lord Montbarrys request. When his lordship wrote it? what it contained? why he kept it a secret from Lady Montbarry (and from the Baron also)? why did he write to the wife of his courier? Application to Mrs. Ferrari may perhaps clear up the mystery.
Anyway, it is impossible to dispute the statement on the certificate that his lordship died a natural death. Therefore, we report that there are no valid grounds for refusing the payment of the sum for which the late Lord Montbarrys life was assured.
We shall send these lines to you by the post of tomorrow, December 10.
Chapter IX
Now, my dear, what do you have to say to me? I dont want to hurry you; but these are business hours, and I have other peoples affairs.
Addressing Ferraris wife, Mr. Troy looked at the watch on his desk, and then waited to hear what his client had to say to him.
Its something more, sir, about the letter with the thousand-pound note, Mrs. Ferrari began. I have found out who sent it to me.
Mr. Troy started. This is news indeed! he said. Who sent you the letter?
Lord Montbarry sent it, sir.
Nonsense! There is some mistake it cant be! he said.
There is no mistake, Mrs. Ferrari rejoined. Two gentlemen from the insurance offices told me. They heard of the letter and of the bank-note inside. And they know who sent the letter. The doctor in Venice posted it at his lordships request. Go to the gentlemen yourself, sir, if you dont believe me. They asked me why Lord Montbarry had written to me and sent me the money. I said it was like his lordships kindness.
Like his lordships kindness? Mr. Troy repeated, in amazement. A very pretty explanation! What did your visitors from the insurance offices think of it?
They asked if I had any proof of my husbands death.
And what did you say?
I said, I give you better than proof, gentlemen; I give you my positive opinion.
That satisfied them, of course?
They didnt say anything, sir. They looked at each other and wished me good-morning.
Well, Mrs. Ferrari, I think I shall wish you good-morning too. In the absence of proof, I can do no more.
I can provide you with proof, sir if that is all you want, said Mrs. Ferrari. You probably know that Lady Montbarry has arrived in London, at Newburys Hotel. I propose to go and see her.
May I ask for what purpose?
Mrs. Ferrari answered in a mysterious whisper.
For the purpose of catching her in a trap! The first words I say to her will be these: I come, my lady, to acknowledge the receipt of the money sent to Ferraris widow. And I am going there now, sir. You will hear how it ends. I wish you good-morning.
With those brave words the couriers wife gathered her mantle, and walked out of the room. Mr. Troy smiled not satirically, but compassionately:
I wonder how it will end?
Chapter X
In the meantime, Mrs. Ferrari went straight from Mr. Troys office to Newburys Hotel. Lady Montbarry was at home, and alone. In spite of her resolution, Mrs. Ferrari was nervous, when the maid led her into the ante-room, and knocked at the door. A low, grave voice from the inner room said,
Come in.
The maid, opening the door, announced,
A person to see you, my lady, on business, and immediately retired.
In the one instant, timid little Mrs. Ferrari stood in the presence of Lord Montbarrys widow.
It was still early in the afternoon, but the light in the room was dim. Lady Montbarry sat with her back to the windows. She looked at the stranger with a moments languid curiosity.
I dont know you, she said. What do you want with me?
Mrs. Ferrari tried to answer. Her courage went away. The bold words died on her lips. There was a moment of silence. Lady Montbarry looked again at the speechless stranger.
Are you deaf? she asked.
There was another pause.
Do you want money?
Money! The couriers wife recovered her courage.
Look at me, my lady, if you please, she said.
Lady Montbarry looked at her for the third time. The fatal words passed Mrs. Ferraris lips.
I come, my lady, to acknowledge the receipt of the money sent to Ferraris widow.
Lady Montbarrys glittering black eyes rested on the woman. Not the faintest expression of confusion or alarm, not even a momentary flutter of interest. The test was failed.
There was another silence. The smile that came slowly and went away suddenly the smile at once so sad and so cruel showed itself on Lady Montbarrys thin lips. She pointed to a seat at the farther end of the room.