Inspector Cutler:   

Seeks - Lady Mary Wellesley.

Chapter 1

The Note.

I sat behind the frosted glass panel which was a wall between my office and the foyer of the police station itself.       By placing my drinking glass with the large open end against the glass panel, and the base of the glass against my ear; then by controlling my breathing, I can make out the words spoken by the gentleman on one side of the counter and the constable from the other (many duplicates of the first.)          Unable to see (through the glass panel,) yet confident that each and every word spoken was being written down.          Judging by the shadow cast there by the overhead lighting, the gentleman on the other side of the glass panel ... stands no more than five foot tall (a little taller if he were to replace his hat.)        He is of slender stature (for the shadow is of no great width,) the only other features of interest ... his hair is shoulder length and his nose a little pointed.         Weary from eavesdropping, I return the drinking glass to its decanter and replenish the contents (returning to by desk,) notice the gentleman has left the foyer.       In no hurry; quite happy to sit and enjoy the port, my eye falls upon the note (placed on the desk — by the constable-unnoticed, as my back was turned from the door.)           My thoughts just for a moment flashed towards the idea that I could be dead, without knowing how and by whom.       Lucky for me I'm an Inspector in my safe office.        Another thought appeared to me as the port travelled passed my lips to my stomach ... that I should take more care. 

The note read.    I first saw (who I later came to know as Lady Wellesley) on the 11.30 morning tram from Picton; she was already seated when I entered at Havelock station.     We just glanced in each other's direction — but no introduction was made.      I could she was a person of sound up bringing and possibly a lady of some wealth (however,) I did wonder to myself; why such a lady as she ... would be travelling on this mode of transport, and at this time of the morning.        From my seat four rows behind and on the opposite side,  could observe the lady in question and those to her front, rear and to her side ... she spoke to no one and no one attempted to converse with her.       The constable under lined this entry, twice.         The narrative continued.      On the request to show her ticket she did by removing it from the small red silk-lined clutch purse carried in a gloved hand.        As I watched this take place not once did her eyes deviate from what ever held her attention outside.     On the need to produce my ticket (and the time it took to do so,) the tram had stopped and she had gone.                        'Is this women known to you sir?'

The constable wrote and under lined the reply.                                      'Not at this time.

I had returned to the decanter several occasions during reading (refilling the glass with ever increasing amounts,) and increasing the flame of the gas light as the room was being invaded by darkness.       I had discarded my boots and waistcoat, also loosed my belt.        My stomach felt full although, I had not eaten since breakfast (I guess the alcohol was fulling the void.)         Distracting my attention for a moment; some activity in the foyer beyond the frosted glass panel was causing people to run in many directions (none however into his office.)        A policeman's whistle could be heard (maybe two blocks away,) thus causing all the commotion.  

The narrative continued on the second page; the gentleman told the constable he again saw the lady ten days later, on the same tram, and at the same time.        He did on this occasion, look directly at her and said good-morning.       Unfortunately the adjacent seating was occupied, she did however return his look ... but no words passed her lips.      So he sat several seats back.        The constable noted this fact, underling the comment (but no words passed her lips.)    Today; although she looked as beautiful as the first day, and still dressed in fine clothes of a lady ... yet there was just that something different about her person (nothing I could put my mine to, just something a little strange.)    Again she left the tram at the same station as on the first encounter.       He continued.        The next time I saw her was on the first day of the following month, a Tuesday; again she was seated near the door ... this day she raised her eyes to acknowledge my greeting of good morning, but still no word passed her lips.      I was able to sit behind her.       Her scent drifted with the slight breeze being encouraged through the open tram door (it had an aroma of a rose,) a singular thread of a tangled ringlet found itself free from confinement ... something on another day would have be return to its tie.       Put back into its place.   The constable wrote and underlined.       Also the gentleman joined the last comment (the reason for the escaping rogue hair,) was the lady's missing bonnet — absent from her head today.        The tram arrived at her station; she gathered her coat (together with a paper bag,) rose from her set, and without a glance in my direction was gone.     However once outside, did look back towards the tram.  

I was none the wiser why this had be brought to the attention of the police; who was this person (the gentleman who earlier in the day recited this narrative to the constable,) and who was the women, and why did he find it necessary to follow her on these occasions?

The decanter was now empty and hunger had conquered my thoughts (bring to my brain the need for food.)       At tap on the glass panel drew my attention to the time.      'Sir'. The constable suggested it was time to go home, as he was locking the door.      I slipped the note into my jacket pocket and left.       My thoughts now distracted from the note (folded safety in my pocket,) if only for a short time ... as I recall faces of those I've scanned, those carrying out business of their own or doing business of others.      Some in disguise, with distinguished features covered by a large rimmed top hat or a bonnet tied with a scarf.      How I have laughed at those wearing long greatcoats standing under lampposts of a night — with cigarette and newspaper in hand; with one eye in each direction.        Have I (deep in thought,) with a hand in my pocket (fingering the note,) ever recorded in such detail~details so thorougher, as has this gentleman of this lady. 

Chapter 2

The Lady

The gentleman began to explain to the constable (how the lady appeared that first day,) describing her appearance in some detail.      Most ladies of any standing in society, would take pleasure of his observations ... men in general can struggle in describing a ladies attire.       From where I sat those seats behind (he now added to his narrative,) I spent my time observing, (hopefully undetected,) her hair.      Her hair light brown in colour with a fullness in body (very fashionable at the time — the constable had underlined those five words.)    

Those reading with any knowledge in ladies hairstyles of this period; would be aware ... to achieve this look — the lady's maid would wind her mistress's hair around balls of padding, (called "rats",) thus providing the platform for an elegant picture hat.

Her hat he rejoined (which the lady I am observing - removed,) with it sitting on her lap ... the ostrich feathers waving in a circular motion with the breeze.        'This lady Sir, is very much a lady of our period.'        As I explained earlier; we did not exchange words.     Now as she rose to leave the tram (he informed the constable,) her hourglass figure became obvious to all viewers; her beauty only equal to the jewellery carried by her long neck, the pearl neckless — resting nicely on two very high boned collars.     With her slender fingers, I watched as she expertly attached again her elegant hat with two silver hat pins.       

It was a warm day, she worn only a white blouse and a long cream dress  — held to her narrow by a red sash or belt (the style described as ... full in front and puffed into a "pigeon breast".)

'Sir, again I must add ... pretty as a picture'.

Again these words underline. 

The second time of our encounter ... was as I said — was ten days later.        As I had said before her appearance was similar, however sometime was different.        She left the tram at the same station as on the other occasions ... her long cream skirt brushed the floor.     Today I noticed her shoes (or a small boot,) they were narrow and had a pointed toe with a high heel — leather, and laced ... with a little fur around the edges.

Chapter 3

Tram from Picton

I woke with a clear head — deciding over night to experience this tram trip; and to in counter this lady (so interesting enough to report missing,) by a gentleman unknown to her.       The platform was busy.     I wondered if I would recognise the lady in question from her description, and if the gentleman (who reported her absence,) would he be on the tram; and would I be able to recognise him from the silhouette gained through the frosted glass panel in my office.    I entered the last carriage, waited until the tram started moving ... then in no urgency made my way through the tram.        In my job tram trips at this time of the morning (or at anytime in fact,) have be far a few between.

Today this Electric tram (new to this route, replacing the earlier horse drawn tram ... forever late to timetable — due to frequent changes of horse,) carried many fine people, going about their businesses ... although not the lady described in my notes.       Four seats from the front door a figure of some resemblance to he that stood the other side of my frosted glass panel.       The set next to him was vacant; he looked up to me and I down to him.     I asked if the seat was taken. He replied no, and I sat down.     We sat without a word for some way, then I asked if he had advised a constable of a missing lady from this tram.        Our eyes meet, his eyebrows lifted, his ears twisted, his mouth opened — then shut.      Finally, in a low voice (having moved closer to my face — his breath has a fresh scent (no smell of tobacco.)   'Why do you ask?'       'You came to the police station and left a report ... which I have in my pocket.'         I replied.

The gentleman (his name Jack Overtone, he would advise — before our parting,) once having travelled to and back from East Edgeton - without the lady in question having boarded the tram.

More at ease and with time to spare, volunteered ... It was another two weeks before I saw her again, this day the set next to her (as it was today for you,) vacant.    I asked as you did, if I could sit — she showed no objection.      She smelt like roses and lavender and spices of the orient.    I made comment about the weather, about the electric tram, before that the steam tram and before the horse drawn tram ... small talk between stations.    She never involved yourself in the conversation until she made to leave; and only to say, thank for your company.     With butterflies buzzing within my stomach, and the rushing blood to my head — starving by heart.      I asked her name.     She only gave a sight smile ... she was at the door, before turning back — 'Lady Mary Wellesley.' 

Lady Wellesley looked back towards the tram in his direction (a pause in her step ... a thought in her head.)      Yes, he is certainly wonderfully handsome — with his finely curved scarlet lips; his frank blue eyes; his shinning black hair.      (Held in praise for that split second,) yes (she whispered to no one but herself,)  there is something in his face that draws one to him at once.      At any age ... still has all the qualities of youth — plus all youth's passionate purity (innocence,) still he has the  pulse and passion of youth, but he was becoming self-conscious.       The tram moves forward, their eyes meet, unable to suppress a smile, an involuntary wave ... she quickly looks away.   

'Inspector with this war upon us — rumoured just weeks from now; I fair I will never see her again.      (Jack Overtone, turns back from the window,) I need to tell her I love her and have from that first day.      You see Sir.      I have enlisted and will be leaving for Europe before  November.'

The End.