Mrs. Willoughby’s Call
The housekeeper vanished at Mr. Drew’s words to reappear almost at once followed by the elegant Mrs. Willoughby. Mr. Drew arose and politely offered her a chair. Mrs. Carter discreetly withdrew.
“Oh, Mr. Drew, I’m in such trouble!” The visitor stopped short as she noticed Nancy for the first time.
“Don’t mind my daughter. Anything that you may say will be held in strict confidence. Nancy is a close friend of your ward’s and will help you if she can.”
“Then you’ve already heard?”
The lawyer indicated the evening paper.
“I read the account in the paper. Were the details correct?”
“In the main,” Mrs. Willoughby admitted reluctantly. “Oh, it’s dreadful! Emily is heartbroken!”
Nancy, who was studying the woman closely, tried to make up her mind whether or not she was pretending. Either she was an excellent actress or genuinely agitated.
“ Mr. Drew, you must help me,” Mrs. Willoughby went on. “I feel my position keenly. Even the police are blaming me. It’s so unjust.”
“Has your ward accused you?”
“Oh, no! Emily wouldn’t think of doing that. She’s been wonderful. But the loss of the jewels will leave her destitute. I can’t bear to think that I