Octave Braulard, better known as Gaston
Vandeloup, poisoned Selina Sprotts in mistake for Madame Midas.'
If Doctor Gollipeck had thought to upset Vandeloup by this recital,
he was never more mistaken in his life, for that young gentleman
heard him coolly to the end, and taking the cigarette out of his
mouth, smiled quietly.
'In the first place,' he said, smoothly, 'I acknowledge the truth of
all your story except the latter part, and I must compliment you on
the admirable way you have guessed the identity of Braulard with
Vandeloup, as you have no proof to show that they are the same. But
with regard to the death of Mademoiselle Sprotts, she died as you
have said; but I, though the maker of the poison, did not administer
it.'
'Who did, then?' asked Gollipeck, who was quite prepared for this
denial.
Vandeloup smoothed his moustache, and looked at the doctor with a
keen glance.
'Kitty Marchurst,' he said, coolly.
The rain was beating wildly against the windows and someone in the
room below was playing the eternal waltz, 'One summer's night in
Munich', while Vandeloup, leaning back in his chair, stared at Dr
Gollipeck, who looked at him disbelievingly.
'It's not true,' he said, harshly; 'what reason had she to poison
the woman Sprotts?'
'None at all,' replied Vandeloup, blandly; 'but she had to poison
Mrs Villiers.'
'Go on,' said Gollipeck, gruffly; 'I've no doubt you will make up an
admirable story.
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