The Problem of the Missing Miss by Roberta Rogow Read Free Book Online

are to the Church. You should not be involved in political maneuverings.”
    Henry shook his head, setting his plump jowls wobbling. “Here we must disagree, Charles. In matters of morality, the Church should take the lead. I quite agree with my parishioners that something should be done. I read this morning that a Bill is before the House of Commons, and a vote is being called for. I shall most certainly lead the fight to get it passed.” The little cleric looked positively militant.
    Mrs. Barclay nodded her approval of her husband’s statement. “Henry is quite right,” she stated. “As a rule, I do not approve of such matters being discussed in the public forum, but if half of what these articles say is true, something must be done!” She emphasized her statement with a curt nod.
    Mr. Dodgson disagreed. “I am all too aware of this Bill,” he complained. “It has been read at least two times, and twice it has failed of passage. There is no reason to expect any better now. Mr. Stead has overreached himself with these articles.”
    â€œOn the contrary,” the Rector argued, “by publishing these facts, Mr. Stead has brought them to the attention of the people, and the people will be heard!”
    Mrs. Barclay closed the discussion. “Henry, that will do. Charles has had a dreadful experience, first losing that child, and then the police. Charles, you must go to your room and change for dinner. You will be able to think more clearly with some sustenance.”
    Mr. Dodgson rose and allowed himself to be led away. “You are undoubtedly right. I must have my dinner, and then I shall think about this. There are dark forces at work here, Henry. I do not like it at all.”
    Down the hill, Dr. Doyle and his bride had sallied forth to enjoy the splendors of the Esplanade. Touie had changed from her traveling tartan to a flowered chintz dress, buttoned up to the neck, and covered with a warm woolen shawl. Dr. Doyle had added a deerstalker cap to his traveling suit by way of marking the transition from day to night. Together they walked happily to Muttons, that venerable establishment where a signboard announced: TURTLE SOUP AVAILABLE AT ALL HOURS . Under the famous glass dome, the honeymooners enjoyed the turtle soup and each other’s company, while Dr. Doyle told his wife of their reception at the John Street Police Station.
    â€œâ€¦ So you see, Touie,” he finished, “there’s nothing for it. I feel it is my duty to assist Mr. Dodgson in any way I can. Scholar he may be, but he is no match for any ruffians or villains that may be after him. And Marbury! Think of it, Touie, the daughter of a Member of Parliament, the Marquis of Waltham’s brother! If those fiends can abduct her, then no child is safe.”
    Touie placidly spooned up the dregs of her turtle soup. “Of course, Arthur. Mr. Dodgson needs you, and afterwards, once you have found the child, you may be able to use his name as a reference. It would be too much to expect him to be a regular patient, if he lives in Oxford, but one never can tell when he might be called on to recommend someone in Portsmouth. After all, you and I have the rest of our lives together.”
    Dr. Doyle smiled fondly at his bride. “Touie, you are a woman in a million! Most new brides would have their husbands dancing attendance on them day and night …”
    Touie interrupted him. “Arthur, dear, I know how much you want to be part of this adventure. You needn’t worry that I will be bored or mope. Mrs. Keene has told me of several quaint shops where I may purchase a few things for our establishment, and Mother has asked that I get her some small things as well. Then I shall sit on the beach and watch the bathers, and perhaps even go for an ice. Now, I want you to tell me everything, as soon as you can, and you must bring the child to me as soon as she is found, poor little