One question more. Did I speak loud enough
this afternoon? Did Mrs. Lecount hear me?"
"Yes. Lecount opened her door; Lecount heard you. What made you give me
that message? I see no pictures here. Is this another pious fraud, Mr.
Bygrave?"
"Admirably guessed, Mr. Vanstone! You will see the object of my
imaginary picture-dealing in the very next words which I am now about to
address to you. When you get back to Sea View, this is what you are to
say to Mrs. Lecount. Tell her that my relative's works of Art are two
worthless pictures--copies from the Old Masters, which I have tried
to sell you as originals at an exorbitant price. Say you suspect me of
being little better than a plausible impostor, and pity my unfortunate
niece for being associated with such a rascal as I am. There is your
text to speak from. Say in many words what I have just said in a few.
You can do that, can't you?"
"Of course I can do it," said Noel Vanstone. "But I can tell you one
thing--Lecount won't believe me."
"Wait a little, Mr. Vanstone; I have not done with my instructions yet.
You understand what I have just told you? Very good. We may get on from
to-day to to-morrow.
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