ونیز

PART FIVE

Venice

Lord Arthur met his brother, Lord Surbiton, in Venice. The two young men spent two wonderful weeks there together. They went up and down the city’s canals in gondolas; they ate in fine restaurants; they talked and laughed while they sat in the Piazza. However, Lord Arthur was not happy. Every day he bought The Times expecting to see Lady Clementina’s name in the obituary columns. Every day he was disappointed. Had some accident happened to her? Sybil also worried him, but for a completely different reason. Her letters were full of love, but they were also very sad. He began to think that their separation was forever. One morning, at the hotel, the owner brought him some telegrams. One of them changed his mood. His plan had been successful, Lady Clementina had died.

He decided to return to London immediately. He sent a telegram to Sybil telling her to prepare for his return in a few days’ time. He received a letter from Lady Clementina’s solicitor. The old lady had died after dinner with friends. She had gone home early complaining of indigestion. The solicitor also informed Lord Arthur that Lady Clementina had left him her little house in Curzon Street. How kind of the old lady! For a moment he felt angry with Mr Podgers. It was after all his responsibility. Then he thought of Sybil. He had done his duty, and this gave him peace and comfort. When he arrived in London, he was a happy man.

When Lord Arthur saw Sybil, she asked him to promise never to leave her again. Their wedding day was fixed for 7th June. Life was bright and beautiful again, and Lord Arthur felt the same happiness he had felt before Mr Podgers’ prophecy.

One day, he and Sybil were tidying the old lady’s house in Curzon Street when Sybil found something.

‘What have you found, Sybil?’ said Lord Arthur happily.

‘This lovely little silver box, Arthur. Isn’t it beautiful? Can I have it?’

Lord Arthur was shocked. He had almost forgotten about what he had done. What a strange coincidence that Sybil was the first person to remind him!

‘Of course you can have it, Sybil. I gave it to poor Lady Clem.’

‘Can I have the sweet inside, too?’

‘Sweet, Sybil? What do you mean?’ replied Lord Arthur, now pale and worried.

‘Arthur, what’s the matter? You look so white!’

Lord Arthur quickly went to Sybil and took the box. Inside was the pill. Lady Clementina had died a natural death! He had not murdered anyone.

In despair, he threw the pill into the fire, and asked Sybil to postpone the wedding a second time.