Read Online The Affair of the Mutilated Mink by James Anderson - Free Book Online

so, and then just stood, panting.
    'So,' she said to Haggermeir, 'somebody play the — what you call — practical joke, yes?'
    'It would seem so.'
    'When I find him he will know what practical jokes really are.'
    Paul said, 'May I see that telegram?'
    Haggermeir passed it to him. 'Better read it out, son.'
    Paul read aloud, 'Signorina Laura Lorenzo, Savoy Hotel, London, WC2. Offer starring role my next movie stop. Great English civil war extravaganza stop. Top payment stop. Cordially invite you come stay weekend Alderley to discuss stop. Cyrus S. Haggermeir.' He looked up. 'Handed in at Westchester post office five p.m. yesterday.'
    'At that time I was still in London,' Haggermeir said.
    Lord Burford said, ' 'Straodinary thing.'
    Almost for the first time, Laura seemed to become aware of the other people in the room. She looked round at them vaguely. She said, 'I am sorry I will not have a chance to meet all you folks. But I go now.' She turned back to Haggermeir. 'Goodbye.' She started for the door.
    Haggermeir said hastily, 'Now, hang on, signorina, please. The only reason I've never offered you a part is because I never figured you'd be interested. Can't we discuss it some more?'
    She eyed him appraisingly. 'So, you do invite me to stay, after all?'
    Haggermeir looked embarrassed. 'Well, I can hardly do that—'
    She stiffened. 'May I ask why not?'
    'Well, I'm only a guest here myself.'
    She looked blank. 'Only a guest? I do not understand. Have you not taken this house? Rented it?'
    'Good grief, no. I'm just staying with Lord and Lady Burford here.'
    Laura's face was a study. She seemed quite disconcerted. She turned towards the Earl and Countess. 'Oh, Lord Burford, Lady Burford, I am so sorry. I took you all to be members of Signore Haggermeir's party - feelm people.'
    'Well, I for one am flattered,' said the Earl. 'Just what sort of film person did you think I might be?'
    'But an actor, of course.'
    'Really?' Lord Burford preened himself. 'Hear that, Lavinia?'
    'Yes, George. Signora, allow me to make some introductions.'
    She went round the circle. Laura was now all charm, smiling bewitchingly at everybody. When Lady Burford came to Rex she said. 'And I'm sure I don't have to tell you who this is?'
    Laura puckered her brow. 'The gentleman's face is familiar, but I regret I do not . . .'
    Lord Burford interrupted. 'This is Rex Ransom!'
    'Ah, yes, of course.' Laura held out her hand. 'Do forgeev me, but I have not seen any of your peectures - er, unfortunately.'
    Rex shook hands and gave a stiff smile. 'That's quite OK. I haven't seen any of yours either.'
    Lady Burford said hurriedly, 'Mr Hugh Quartus.'
    Hugh said, 'While I, on the contrary, have seen all your films, Signorina Lorenzo. May I say it's an honour to meet one of the world's great actresses.' Then, in Italian, he added: 'This has made the weekend worthwhile.'
    Laura looked delighted. 'Grazie, signore. Siete davvero troopo gentili.'
    When Lady Burford had completed the introductions she said, 'Now I do hope that you'll stay for the weekend.'
    'Unfortunately, that will not be possible. I must be on the set in Roma early Monday, and I go back to London first to see my English agent. I would like to stay two nights, but is vital I leave here by meed-day Saturday.'
    'Then that's settled,' said the Countess. 'Now, will you excuse me?' She rang the bell, then went outside to meet Merryweather in the hall. 'Merryweather, Signorina Lorenzo will be staying two nights. Where do you suggest we put her?'
    'Apart from the Royal suite, my lady, on the first floor the Spangled and Lilac rooms in the west wing, and the Dutch in the east are free.'
    'Not the Royal Suite. And both the Dutch and the Lilac are rather small.'
    'Yes, my lady, but on the other hand, the Spangled bedroom is where the - the' - he cleared his throat - 'the sudden death took place. It occurs to me that if Signorina Lorenzo should become cognisant of the fact it might disturb her.'
    'Yes, quite right.