The Master of Black

TWIGGER, as usual, was prompt to answer the bell. Leonard Arrinel entered with the accustomed air of a warm welcome in a guarded household, yet ever aware that it was a guarded household. He let the man take his hat and gloves and coat; and nodded to Juliette, who happened to be on the great winding stair.

“The dad in?” he queried shortly.

For a moment the girl did not answer. Then she smiled a bit one-sidedly and gave a little shrug of her white shoulder.

“In there,” she replied, with a directive nod of her head. Then added meaningfully: “As usual.”...