VI: “HE SHOT ME!”
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I WENT next to the music-room, where Lord Clarence was dismissing the guests who, less than a half-hour before, had been so hilarious.
The Earl acted like a splendid fellow, and his cool head and capable management proved to be just what was needed for the sorry situation.
In a short time nearly all the guests had gone.
Gilbert Crane remained, and Mr. Hunt, who was a sort of society detective, asked to be allowed to stay.
The coroner arrived just then, and learning in a few words the facts of the case, he advised Hunt to stay, for a time, at least. Miss Lathrop, a trained nurse, who had been sent for by Dr. Sheldon, also came, and she was taken at once to Mildred’s apartment.
“Mysterious case,” said the coroner, after a long look at the room and its conten
