What could the offices do but pay? A death by bronchitis, certified by
two physicians, was surely the least disputable of all deaths. 'I wish
you hadn't put that question into my head!' he broke out irritably.
'Ah!' said his friend, 'you think the widow will get the money?
So do I! so do I!'





CHAPTER VII


Some days later, the insurance offices (two in number)
received the formal announcement of Lord Montbarry's death,
from her ladyship's London solicitors. The sum insured in each
office was five thousand pounds--on which one year's premium only
had been paid. In the face of such a pecuniary emergency as this,
the Directors thought it desirable to consider their position.
The medical advisers of the two offices, who had recommended
the insurance of Lord Montbarry's life, were called into council
over their own reports. The result excited some interest
among persons connected with the business of life insurance.
Without absolutely declining to pay the money, the two offices
(acting in concert) decided on sending a commission of inquiry
to Venice, 'for the purpose of obtaining further information.'

Mr. Troy received the earliest intelligence of what was going on.
He wrote at once to communicate his news to Agnes; adding, what he
considered to be a valuable hint, in these words: