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You decide, first of all, to pay a call on Howard Grimstone, the new owner of the Thrombey house. You’re sitting at your desk thinking about what to ask him when a woman appears at your front door. “I’m Sylvia Ruston, Jane Thrombey’s niece,” she says. “May I come in?” “Of course.” You take a close look at your visitor as you usher her into your office. She is a rather plump, round-faced woman- in her forties, you’d guess. Her skin is so fair you imagine she must sunburn very easily. Her yellowish hair is curly, she looks as if she has a basically happy nature, but right now she seems tense and anxious. You had heard that Jane Thrombey had left most of her money to Sylvia, and you’re curious to know what brought her to see you. “Sit down…what seems to be the problem?” you motion her toward the old couch next to your desk. “I’m penniless, and I should be rich.” You search Sylvia’s eyes for a clue to her character. “What do you mean? I heard you inherited most of your Aunt Jane’s wealth-everything except the house.” Turn to page 26
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