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Allen, Grant, 1848-1899

"Hilda Wade, a Woman with Tenacity of Purpose"

"The unhappy lady died instantaneously, by all
appearances, and the dastardly crime was not discovered by the servants
till eight o'clock this morning. Mr. Le Geyt is missing."
I rushed up with the news to Nurse Wade, who was at work in the accident
ward. She turned pale, but bent over her patient and said nothing.
"It is fearful to think!" I groaned out at last; "for us who know
all--that poor Le Geyt will be hanged for it! Hanged for attempting to
protect his children!"
"He will NOT be hanged," my witch answered, with the same unquestioning
confidence as ever.
"Why not?" I asked, astonished once more at this bold prediction.
She went on bandaging the arm of the patient whom she was attending.
"Because... he will commit suicide," she replied, without moving a
muscle.
"How do you know that?"
She stuck a steel safety-pin with deft fingers into the roll of lint.
"When I have finished my day's work," she answered slowly, still
continuing the bandage, "I may perhaps find time to tell you."

CHAPTER IV
THE EPISODE OF THE MAN WHO WOULD NOT COMMIT SUICIDE

After my poor friend Le Geyt had murdered his wife, in a sudden access
of uncontrollable anger, under the deepest provocation, the police
naturally began to inquire for him.


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