The Talleyrand Maxim by J. S. Fletcher Fiction Mystery & Detective Historical

<p><strong>Linford Pratt had once during one of his visits to the town Reference Library lighted on a maxim of that other unscrupulous person Prince Talleyrand: With time and patience the mulberry leaf is turned into satin.</strong> This seemed to Linford Pratt one of the finest and soundest pieces of wisdom which he had ever known put into words.</p><p>It's old Mr. Bartle sir he whispered. He's in your room there -- dead! Dead? exclaimed Eldrick. Dead! Pratt shook his head again. He came up not so long after you'd gone sir he said. Everybody had gone but me -- I was just going. Wanted to see you about something I don't know what. He was very tottery when he came in -- complained of the stairs and the fog. I took him into your room to sit down in the easy chair. And -- he died straight off. Just concluded Pratt just as if he was going quietly to sleep! You're sure he is dead? -- not fainting? asked Eldrick. He's dead sir -- quite dead replied Pratt. I've rung up Dr. Melrose -- he'll be here in a minute or two -- and the Town Hall -- the police -- as well. Will you look at him sir?</p>