The Mystery at Lilac Inn Read Online Free PDF

here.”
    “Emily, you’ve nothing to worry about,” John declared. “Everything will be fine.”
    The young man stood up, saying he had a supper engagement in town. “Sorry I’ll miss the festivities, Emily. I’ll see your glittering gems later.”
    Emily, her face brightening, explained to Nancy that her aunt had planned a festive meal that evening. “To celebrate my receiving the diamonds.”
    “That’ll be fun,” Nancy said. “Helen, let’s go now and change our clothes.”
    The two girls took the suitcases from Nancy’s convertible. As they unpacked in the cottage and dressed, Helen discussed Nancy’s impersonator.
    “It’s positively creepy, Nancy,” she said worriedly. “Your double doesn’t sound like an ordinary thief.”
    The girls quickly finished dressing. Nancy had put on a pink sheath dress and pumps. Helen wore an aqua organdy. They went to the patio where Emily joined them a minute later. She said that Jean Holmes, the waitress, had arrived unexpectedly for her interview. The girl had explained that she had heard of a second position, and wanted to make a decision immediately.
    “Jean seems quite satisfactory,” Emily stated. “She’ll move in here tomorrow and start work.”
    Maud Potter joined the girls. “I’m so glad you approve my choice, Emily,” she said ingratiatingly. “Now, let’s have supper and see your diamonds.”
    Emily led the group to a small private dining room which opened off the larger room and overlooked a garden. They said good evening to Mr. Daly who stood just outside the connecting door.
    Mrs. Willoughby was waiting for them near an open window and greeted Emily with a “Happy Birthday in advance, dear!”
    “Oh, thank you, Aunt Hazel. Everything looks divine!”
    All the girls admired the table, set with gleaming silver, a creamy lace cloth, and a beautiful birthday cake surrounded by red roses for a centerpiece. Soft light from colonial wall fixtures completed the picture, as shadows danced on the old paneled walls.
    Emily’s aunt beamed. “I want everything to be perfect tonight,” she said.
    Mrs. Willoughby sat at one end of the table, her back to the open windows, Emily opposite her. By the time the main course was finished, it was almost dark outside. Then the candles were lighted on the cake and everyone joined in singing “Happy Birthday” as Emily blew out the candles.
    After dessert, Mrs. Willoughby asked Mr. Daly to close the door to the private dining room. The elderly man nodded understandingly and shut the door.

    Nancy realized what the sale of the diamonds
would mean to Lilac Inn
    Mrs. Willoughby withdrew a white velvet jewel Case from her handbag. Getting up, she went to place it on the table before Emily, then returned to her chair. With a smile she said:
    “This is a wonderful moment for you, Emily dear—the inheritance from your mother. I only hope these gems will bring you happiness.”
    Nancy noticed that Emily’s hands trembled slightly as she opened the case. Everyone gasped. Against the white satin lining were the twenty diamonds which glowed and flashed.
    “Oh!” Emily exclaimed. “Aren’t they beautifull” She set the box on the table.
    Maud stared in fascination, and Nancy and Helen expressed their delight at Emily’s good fortune. Nancy realized what the sale of these gems would mean in financial assistance to Lilac Inn.
    Emily arose and gave her aunt a hug and kiss. “Oh, Aunt Hazel, you’re a love. I’m sure Mother would understand my wanting to use the gems for my future and Dick’s.”
    Suddenly the group was startled by a clattering crash from the adjoining dining room. Simultaneously, the lights went out. Nancy hurriedly rose and flicked the wall switch back and forth, but the room remained dark.
    “Mr. Daly,” called Emily, opening the door, “will you please check the fuse box in the cellar ?”
    “I will,” he replied. “I think a main circuit’s blown—all our lights are out.”
    “Oh,