Harp's Manor

INSTALLMENT XXXVII

November 17, 1928

Unfortunately Miss Thornton is still ill. However, Miss Walters and I have managed to wrest this installment from Miss Burgess's grip, so you needn't worry about THAT reading experience again. We were going to just let another week pass by without an installment, but if we did that, Burgess threatened she'd write another one and mail it in herself, and we couldn't let that happen. Therefore, here we are this week with another installment.

To answer all of your questions that I just know you're dying to have answered, I'm perfectly fine. Inspector Cromwell apologetically explained to me that he needed to have me arrested in order for the assassin to grow less cautious and strike again. In my opinion, it was a very risky plan and I wouldn't have done it, but at least I wasn't treated like scum at the prison. I still dislike Inspector Cromwell. Additionally, we've finally figured out where I was during the afternoon Hansen tried to drop a statue on Miss Walters. Apparently I was in the second courtyard. Yes, there are two courtyards. If someone would only have told me this sooner! I knew I was in a courtyard somewhere.

The most interesting matter to discuss is the arrival of another member of the manor. Yes, Mr. Harp has invited another person to stay here at his mansion. It's very kind, when you think about it. Considering one of the people that was just removed from here destroyed an entire room in one night, I was surprised to hear of Harp's plan. He came over a few nights ago to explain his idea for the future of the group. He is certain that more good will come out of it, and wants to fill up the gap Miss Hansen has left.

Miss Walters agreed with me that this is a dubious idea to say the least, but it is Harp's Manor for a reason, so we couldn't object to his proposal. Apparently within the time I was immured, Harp told everyone that he actually had an exhibition planned for our artwork, and we need to work together in order to have a chance at winning ten million dollars. This incentive has set up a sort of schedule, which surprised me upon my re-entry. Fortunately I have chosen not to be bitter that I've missed three weeks in which I could have been making art for the exhibition. I have actually done the calculations, and I do not know that I will be able to work with everyone else before October first of next year, if we switch every two weeks. I don't think Harp particularly cares, though. If you ask me, he just wants everyone to work together as much as possible so he has something to show at the exhibition.

The person whom he has chosen to invite to the manor is Walton Young, the owner of Young Jewelers. I admit that when I first heard the name of his company, I thought it was a little funny, but the items they make are really nice. I don't know much about the jewelry world, but apparently Mr. Young has made a name for himself, and managed to do it without becoming obnoxious like Weaver. He is fairly short, only about five feet nine inches, with fair hair and hazel eyes. The only piece of jewelry that he wears is an obsidian ring on his left hand. His aide is always following him around. I have become accustomed to Weaver's assistant Miller popping up occasionally, but Young is never without his aide. Our first conversation went something like this:

"It's a pleasure to have you here, Mr. Young," I said.

He didn't appear to hear me, so I repeated my remark. His aide nudged his shoulder, and Young turned. Almost immediately his thin face broke into a broad grin. "Well, I'll be! You're Harry Forrest, aren't you? I'd recognize those eyes anywhere. I'm sorry if you were saying something, I'm a little deaf in my right ear after a bit of head trauma caused by a stray pigskin when I was nine. It's so great to meet you!" He vigorously shook my hand, jarring me a little.

"It's very good to meet you, too," I said, massaging my hand a little after his firm grip.

"I'm excited to be here," Young told me. "Although, I'm not exactly sure what I'm going to be doing here, if I'm completely honest with you. Helen here-" he gestured to his aide- "has been reading me the serial, and it's all very exciting, but I'm not sure how I can help. I mean, I don't need any more money, you know-" he laughed- "but I'll try my best to get the exhibit ready." He paused, then shook my hand again. "I'm sorry, but you're one of my favorite members," he said with a chuckle. "It's so exciting meeting you all in person! I feel like I already know you all so well."