An Introduction to Project Management Sixth Edition With a Brief Guide to Microsoft Project 2016 Kathy Schwalbe
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- 5. An Introduction to Project Management, Sixth Edition With a Brief Guide to Microsoft Project Professional 2016 By Kathy Schwalbe Professor Emeritus, Augsburg College Department of Business Administration Minneapolis, Minnesota
- 6. An Introduction to Project Management, Sixth Edition Cover Photo: Dan Schwalbe ©2017 Schwalbe Publishing ISBN-13: 978-1544701899 ISBN-10: 1544701896 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this work covered by the copyright hereon may be reproduced, transmitted, stored, or used in any form or by any means graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, scanning, digitizing, taping, Web distribution, information networks, or information storage and retrieval systems, except as permitted under Section 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without the prior written permission of the author. Materials from Kathy Schwalbe’s Information Technology Project Management are used with permission from Cengage Learning. Microsoft and the Office logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All screenshots from Microsoft products are used with permission from Microsoft. Information and screenshots from MindView are used with permission from MatchWare. Information and screenshots from Basecamp are used with permission from Basecamp. Some of the product names and company names used in this book have been used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective manufacturers and sellers. This publication is a derivative work of A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Sixth Edition, which is copyrighted material of and owned by, Project Management Institute, Inc. (PMI), Copyright 2017. This publication has been developed and reproduced with the permission of PMI. Unauthorized reproduction of this material is strictly prohibited. The derivative
- 7. work is the copyrighted material of and owned by, Schwalbe Publishing, Copyright 2017. PMI, PMP, CAPM, OPM3, and PMBOK are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc. Published by Schwalbe Publishing in Minneapolis, MN, September 2017. Free companion website at www.intropm.com. Visit www.pmtexts.com or www.kathyschwalbe.com for more information on this and other books by Kathy Schwalbe.
- 8. For Dan, Anne, Bobby, and Scott My husband and children continue to be my inspiration. My son-in-law, Jeremy, and grandson, Freddie, are welcome additions to our family!
- 9. BRIEF TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1 An Introduction to Project, Program, and Portfolio Management Chapter 2 Project, Program, and Portfolio Selection Chapter 3 Initiating Projects Chapter 4 Planning Projects, Part 1 (Project Integration and Scope Management) Chapter 5 Planning Projects, Part 2 (Project Time and Cost Management) Chapter 6 Planning Projects, Part 3 (Project Quality, Resource, Communications, Stakeholder, Risk, and Procurement Management) Chapter 7 Executing Projects Chapter 8 Monitoring and Controlling Projects Chapter 9 Closing Projects Chapter 10 Best Practices in Project Management
- 10. Appendix A Brief Guide to Microsoft Project 2016 Appendix B Resources Appendix C Case Studies Glossary
- 11. DETAILED TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1: An Introduction To Project, Program, And Portfolio Management Introduction What Is A Project? Examples Of Projects Project Attributes Project Constraints What Is Project Management? Project Stakeholders Project Management Process Groups And Knowledge Areas Project Management Tools And Techniques Project Success Program And Project Portfolio Management Programs Project Portfolio Management The Project Management Profession Suggested Skills For Project, Program, And Portfolio Managers PMI Talent Triangle And The Importance Of Leadership Skills Project Management Certification Ethics In Project Management Project Management Careers Project Management Software Chapter Summary Quick Quiz Quick Quiz Answers Discussion Questions Exercises Team Projects
- 12. Key Terms End Notes Chapter 2: Project, Program, And Portfolio Selection Aligning Projects With Business Strategy Strategic Planning Swot Analysis Traditional And Agile Approaches To Project Planning Traditional Project Planning Process Agile Approach To Project Planning Methods For Selecting Projects Focusing On Competitive Strategy And Broad Organizational Needs Performing Financial Projections Net Present Value Analysis Return On Investment Payback Analysis Using A Weighted Scoring Model Implementing A Balanced Scorecard Addressing Problems, Opportunities, And Directives Project Time Frame Project Priority Program Selection Focusing On Coordination And Benefits Approaches To Creating Programs Project Portfolio Selection Sample Approach For Creating A Project Portfolio Five Levels Of Project Portfolio Management Chapter Summary Quick Quiz Quick Quiz Answers Discussion Questions Exercises Key Terms End Notes Chapter 3: Initiating Projects Project Management Process Groups
- 13. Project Life Cycle Mapping The Process Groups To The Knowledge Areas Developing A Project Management Methodology Agile Project Management The Importance Of Top Management Commitment The Need For Organizational Standards Pre-Initiating And Initiating Global Construction’s Just-In-Time Training Project Pre-Initiating Processes And Outputs Preparing A Business Case Contents Of A Business Case Sample Business Case Initiating Processes And Outputs Identifying Stakeholders Sample Stakeholder Register And Stakeholder Analysis Creating A Project Charter And Assumptions Log Contents Of A Project Charter Sample Project Charter Contents Of An Assumption Log Sample Assumption Log Holding A Project Kick-Off Meeting Sample Kick-Off Meeting Agenda Chapter Summary Quick Quiz Quick Quiz Answers Discussion Questions Exercises Team Projects Key Terms End Notes Chapter 4: Planning Projects, Part 1 (Project Integration and Scope Management) Project Planning Should Guide Project Execution Summary Of Planning Processes And Outputs For Integration And Scope Project Integration Management
- 14. Project Management Plans Sample Project Management Plan Project Scope Management Planning Scope Management Sample Requirements Management Plan Collecting Requirements Sample Requirements Traceability Matrix Defining Scope Sample Scope Statement Creating The Work Breakdown Structure Example Wbss Approaches To Developing Work Breakdown Structures Using Guidelines or Templates The Analogy Approach The Top-Down Approach The Bottom-Up Approach Mind Mapping Sample Wbs Creating The Wbs Dictionary Sample Wbs Dictionary Entry Chapter Summary Quick Quiz Quick Quiz Answers Discussion Questions Exercises Team Projects Key Terms End Notes Chapter 5: Planning Projects, Part 2 (Project Time and Cost Management) Introduction Summary Of Planning Processes And Outputs Project Schedule Management Planning Schedule Management Defining Activities Creating The Activity List And Attributes
- 15. Sample Activity List And Attributes Creating A Milestone List Sample Milestone List Sequencing Activities Project Schedule Network Diagrams Estimating Activity Duration Sample Activity Duration Estimates Developing The Project Schedule Critical Path Analysis Calculating The Critical Path Growing Grass Can Be On The Critical Path Using Critical Path Analysis To Make Schedule Trade-Offs Importance Of Updating Critical Path Data Critical Chain Scheduling Sample Project Schedule Sample Project Calendar Project Cost Management Planning Cost Management Estimating Costs Cost Estimation Tools And Techniques Sample Cost Estimate Cost Budgeting Sample Cost Baseline Chapter Summary Quick Quiz Quick Quiz Answers Discussion Questions Exercises Key Terms End Notes Chapter 6: Planning Projects, Part 3 (Project Quality, Resource, Communications, Stakeholder, Risk, and Procurement Management) Introduction Summary Of Planning Processes And Outputs Project Quality Management
- 16. Planning Quality Management Sample Quality Management Plan Quality Metrics Sample Project Dashboard And Quality Metrics Description Project Resource Management Project Organizational Charts Sample Project Organizational Chart Responsibility Assignment Matrices Sample Responsibility Assignment Matrix Resource Histograms Sample Resource Histogram Staffing Management Plans Sample Staffing Management Plan Team Charter Sample Team Charter Estimating Activity Resources Sample Activity Resource Requirements Project Communications Management Communications Management Plans Sample Communications Management Plan Project Websites Sample Project Website Project Stakeholder Management Stakeholder Engagement Plans Project Risk Management Planning Risk Management Sample Risk Management Plan Identifying Risks Performing Qualitative Risk Analysis Sample Probability/Impact Matrix Performing Quantitative Risk Analysis Planning Risk Responses Risk Registers Sample Risk Register Risk-Related Contract Decisions Sample Risk-Related Contract Decisions
- 17. Project Procurement Management Make-Or-Buy Decisions Sample Make-Or-Buy Decision Procurement Management Plans Types Of Contracts Sample Procurement Management Plan Bid Documents: Requests For Information, Proposals, Or Quotes Sample Requests For Proposal Procurement Statements Of Work Sample Procurement Statement Of Work Source Selection Criteria And Supplier Evaluation Matrices Sample Supplier Evaluation Matrix Chapter Summary Quick Quiz Quick Quiz Answers Discussion Questions Exercises Team Projects Key Terms End Notes Chapter 7: Executing Projects Introduction Summary Of Executing Processes And Outputs Project Integration Management Deliverables Sample Deliverables Work Performance Data Sample Work Performance Data Issue Logs Sample Issue Log Change Requests Sample Change Request Sample Implemented Solutions To Problems Issues With Competence And Motivation Poor Conflict Management
- 18. Managing Project Knowledge Lessons Learned Register Sample Lessons Learned Register Managing Quality Quality Improvement Tools And Techniques Sample Kanban Board Sample Cause And Effect Diagram Project Resource Management Motivation Maslow’s Hierarchy Of Needs Herzberg’s Motivation-Hygiene Theory Mcclelland’s Acquired-Needs Theory Mcgregor’s Theory X And Theory Y Thamhain And Wilemon’s Influence Bases Covey’s Effectiveness Research Acquiring Resources Resource Loading And Leveling Sample Project Team Assignments Developing The Project Team Training Team-Building Activities Reward And Recognition Systems Sample Team Performance Assessment Managing The Project Team Project Communications Management Important Project Communications Concepts Formal And Informal Communications Nonverbal Communications Using The Appropriate Communications Medium Understanding Individual And Group Communication Needs The Impact Of Team Size On Project Communications Project Communications And Updating Business Processes Sample Updates To Business Processes Project Stakeholder Management Managing Stakeholder Engagement Project Risk Management
- 19. Implementing Risk Responses Project Procurement Management Conducting Procurements Sample Qualified Seller List Sample Agreement Or Contract Chapter Summary Quick Quiz Quick Quiz Answers Discussion Questions Exercises Team Projects Key Terms End Notes Chapter 8: Monitoring and Controlling Projects Introduction Summary Of Monitoring And Controlling Processes And Outputs Project Integration Management Monitoring And Controlling Project Work Forecasting With Earned Value Management Sample Forecast Using An Earned Value Chart Performance Reports Sample Performance Report Integrated Change Control Project Scope Management Validating Scope Sample Of Accepted And Unaccepted Deliverables Controlling Scope Project Schedule Management Sample Work Performance Information Project Cost Management Project Quality Management Sample Quality-Control Tools Project Resource Management Project Communications Management Project Stakeholder Management Project Risk Management
- 20. Sample Risk Register Updates Project Procurement Management Sample Written Notice Of A Closed Contract Chapter Summary Quick Quiz Quick Quiz Answers Discussion Questions Exercises Team Projects Key Terms End Notes Chapter 9: Closing Projects Introduction Summary Of Closing Outputs Project Integration Management Sample Customer Acceptance/Project Completion Form Sample Final Report Sample Transition Plan Lessons Learned Purpose And Objectives Lessons Learned Questions Project Close-Out Meeting And Knowledge Transfer Advice On Closing Projects Chapter Summary Quick Quiz Quick Quiz Answers Discussion Questions Exercises Team Projects Key Terms End Notes Chapter 10: Best Practices in Project Management Introduction Defining Project Management Best Practices The Project Management Institute’s Definition Of Best Practices Ultimate Business Library Best Practices Best Practices Of Individual Project Managers
- 21. Project Management Maturity Capability Maturity Model Integration Project Management Maturity Models Research On Project Management Maturity PMI’s Pulse Of The Profession® Reports PM Solutions Research Ibbs’ The Value Of Project Management Research Thomas And Mullaly Research On Project Management Value Crawford And Cook-Davies Study On Best Industry Outcomes Pricewaterhousecoopers’ Study On Boosting Business Performance Summary Of Best Practices Mentioned In This Text Final Advice On Project Management Chapter Summary Quick Quiz Quick Quiz Answers Discussion Questions Exercises Key Terms End Notes Appendix A: Brief Guide to Microsoft Project 2016 Introduction Project Management Software Basic Features Of Project Management Software What’s New In Project Professional 2016 Before You Begin Using The 60-Day Trial Of Project Professional 2016: Overview Of Project Professional 2016 Getting Started And Finding Help Understanding The Main Screen Elements Exploring Project Professional 2016 Using A Template File Project Professional 2016 Views Project Professional 2016 Reports Project Professional 2016 Filters
- 22. Creating A New File And Entering Tasks In A Work Breakdown Structure Creating A New Project File Creating A Work Breakdown Structure Hierarchy Creating Summary Tasks Numbering Tasks Saving Project Files Without A Baseline Developing The Schedule Calendars Entering Task Durations Manual And Automatic Scheduling Duration Units And Guidelines For Entering Durations Entering Task Durations Establishing Task Dependencies Gantt Charts, Network Diagrams, And Critical Path Analysis Project Cost And Resource Management Entering Fixed And Variable Cost Estimates Entering Fixed Costs In The Cost Table Entering Resource Information And Cost Estimates Using The Team Planner Feature Using The New Resource Engagement Feature Entering Baseline Plans, Actual Costs, And Actual Times Viewing Earned Value Management Data Integrating Project Professional 2016 With Other Applications And Apps For Office Copying Information Between Applications Creating Hyperlinks To Other Files Using Project Professional 2016 Apps Synching With Project Server And Project Online Discussion Questions Exercises End Notes Appendix B: Resources Introduction Companion Websites For Students (www.intropm.com Or www.pmtexts.com)
- 23. For Instructors Template Files Mindview Software Basecamp Project Management Software Appendix C: Case Studies: Introduction Case Study 1: Real Projects Individual Homework: Project Proposal (100 Points) Individual Homework: Self-Assessment (100 Points) Syllabus Description Of Team Projects Case Study 2: New Business Venture Part 1: Initiating Part 2: Planning Part 3: Executing Part 4: Monitoring And Controlling Part 5: Closing Case 3: Fixer Upper Part 1: Initiating Part 2: Planning Part 3: Executing Part 4: Monitoring And Controlling Part 5: Closing Glossary
- 24. PREFACE The rapidly changing world has made organizations appreciate the need for good project, program, and portfolio management skills more than ever. Many organizations, including corporations, government agencies, non-profit organizations, colleges, and universities have responded to this need by establishing courses and programs in project management. Hundreds of books are now available on this topic. After publishing the first two editions of this book, my publisher, Course Technology, now a branch of Cengage Learning, decided not to update it. They publish other books with higher sales, including my Information Technology Project Management book, now in its eighth edition. I personally used this text, An Introduction to Project Management, in my project management courses at Augsburg College since 2001 because most of my students were not majoring in information technology (IT) fields. I thank Cengage Learning for giving me the rights to self-publish the third and subsequent editions and permission to use some of the content from my IT book. I am also thankful for learning how to self-publish. I also self-published Healthcare Project Management in 2013 (after several people asked me to do so) with co-author Dan Furlong. I hope to keep writing books for years to come. If you have suggestions, let me know! What makes this book different from other project management books? First of all, people actually enjoy reading it. I get emails every week from readers like you who appreciate my straight-forward, organized writing style. They like the way that I explain concepts and then provide realistic examples to help them learn to apply those concepts. Since I use this text in my own classes, I get a lot of feedback from students and see first-hand
- 25. what works and does not work in a classroom setting. Several people have commented that they like the cartoons, Jeopardy games on the companion website, and my honest, sometimes humorous style. Project management can be a boring subject, but I think it’s one of the most exciting topics and careers, especially if you want to change the world for the better. This text addresses the need for people in all majors and industries to understand and apply good project, program, and portfolio management. It includes many real-world examples in the “What Went Right,” “What Went Wrong,” “Media Snapshot,” “Best Practice,” and “Video Highlights” segments. People like to read about and watch videos about real projects to learn from the successes and failures of others. They also realize that there are projects in all aspects of life, from remodeling a house to running a political campaign to developing a new software application. I’m most excited about the fact that this book provides comprehensive samples of applying various tools and techniques to a realistic project. Many people learn best by example, so I’ve provided detailed examples of applying project management to a project everyone can relate to. I have never come across a textbook that presents project management concepts and then brings them to life in a fully developed sample project. I also provide template files for creating the sample documents. I believe this approach helps many people truly understand and apply good project management. NEW TO THE SIXTH EDITION Building on the success of the previous editions, An Introduction to Project Management, Sixth Edition introduces a uniquely effective combination of features. The main changes include the following: The entire text has been updated to align with PMI’s A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) – Sixth Edition.
- 26. Chapter 1 includes a new section on the PMI Talent Triangle and the importance of leadership skills. Chapter 2 includes a new section on using an agile approach to project planning Updated examples and references are provided throughout the text, and user feedback is incorporated. The free book website has been updated. New information will be added to the site as needed, and the Links tab will be continuously updated to provide links to recent articles and sites. APPROACH This text provides up-to-date information on how good project, program, and portfolio management can help you achieve organizational as well as individual success. Distinct features of this text include its: relationship to the Project Management Body of Knowledge as a derivative work instructions on using Microsoft Project 2016 and other resources use of MindView software comprehensive samples of applying tools and techniques to a realistic project inclusion of templates and seamless integration of various software applications robust and free companion website PMBOK® Guide Framework The Project Management Institute (PMI) created A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (the PMBOK® Guide) as a framework for understanding project management. The PMBOK® Guide is, however, just that—a guide. This text uses the PMBOK® Guide – Sixth Edition as a foundation, but goes
- 27. beyond it by providing more details, highlighting additional topics, and providing a real-world context for project, program, and portfolio management. Instructions for using Microsoft Project 2016 and other resources Appendix A of the text includes basic information on project management software and detailed, step-by-step instructions on using the number one stand-alone product, Microsoft Project 2016. You do not need to buy a separate book to learn how to use Project 2016 effectively. Appendix B provides information on other resources, including companion websites, templates, and other project management tools. Appendix C provides detailed information instructors can use for assigning case studies, real and fictitious, as part of their classes. Examples of using MindView and Basecamp software Many people like to create mind maps to perform a SWOT analysis, create a WBS, and perform other creative activities. This text includes examples of using MindView software by MatchWare, Inc. and access to a free trial of this software. It also includes a brief user guide for using Basecamp, a totally online project management tool. Comprehensive Samples of Applying Tools and Techniques to a Realistic Project After explaining basic concepts, tools, and techniques, this text shows the reader how an organization selected, initiated, planned, executed, monitored and controlled, and closed a realistic project, called the Just-In-Time Training project. It provides over 50 sample project management deliverables such as a business case, stakeholder register, project charter, project
- 28. management plan, work breakdown structure, Gantt chart, cost baseline, Pareto chart, resource histogram, performance report, risk register, contract, lessons-learned report, and so on for this project. You can also access the template files used to create them from the free companion website for this text or from the author’s personal website. As one reviewer stated: It comprehensively communicates what it really takes to manage a large project, including required deliverables, work products, and documentation. I haven’t seen either a text or documentation in industry which communicates this subject this comprehensively or this accurately. (Gilbert S. Leonard, Adjunct Professor and retired project manager, Exxon Mobil Corporation) Provides Templates and Seamless Integration of Various Software Applications You do not have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to much of the documentation required for managing projects. This text uses over 50 free template files for creating various documents, spreadsheets, diagrams, and charts. Various software applications are used throughout the text in a seamless fashion. I purposely created the templates in a simple format. Feel free to modify them to meet your needs. Includes a Free Companion Website (www.intropm.com) A companion website provides you with a one-stop location to access informative links and tools to enhance your learning. This site will be a valuable resource as you access links mentioned in the text, take online quizzes, and download templates and files for Project 2016. Instructors can access a protected instructor site, which includes the same information plus copyrighted lecture slides, solution files, sample syllabi,
- 29. and other information. Instructors can also share information on how they use this text in their classes ORGANIZATION AND CONTENT An Introduction to Project Management, Sixth Edition, is organized into ten chapters and three appendices. The first two chapters introduce project, program, and portfolio management and discuss different approaches for their selection. You’ll read about Global Construction, Inc. and how they decided to pursue the Just-In-Time Training project. The next seven chapters follow the five process groups of project management: initiating, planning (broken down into three chapters), executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing. These seven chapters apply various tools and techniques in each of these process groups to the Just-In-Time Training project. Chapter ten describes recent information and research on best practices. Appendix A provides general information on project management software and a step-by-step guide to using Microsoft Project Professional 2016. Appendix B includes resource information, and Appendix C provides several running case studies students can use to apply what they have learned to real or fictitious projects.
- 30. Another Random Scribd Document with Unrelated Content
- 31. "Mr. Alpenny is connected with them. Mr. Snow says that he was a fence who disposed of stolen goods." "Where did Mr. Snow hear this story?" "From various people in Whitechapel." "Rumours only," said Durban, striving to appear calm; "there is not a word of truth in it. Mr. Alpenny was wicked, but not so bad as that, missy. I swear it." "I believe that Mr. Snow has spoken the truth," said Beatrice sharply. "You are still trying to keep me in the dark." "For your good, missy--for your good." "Or for Mr. Paslow's safety--which?" "I don't know what you mean," gasped Durban hoarsely. "I don't know myself exactly, since you will not be candid," said the girl wearily; "but I have found out much, and I shall find more. When I discover that necklace----" "The Obi necklace? You have never found that?" "No. But I am looking for it." "Missy, do not. I implore you, do not. There is a curse on that necklace. It caused the death of your father, the disgrace of your mother, and the murder of Mr. Alpenny." "How do you know that? Had Mr. Alpenny the necklace?" "Yes. Your mother gave it to Alpenny for you." "Then where is it?"
- 32. "I don't know--I cannot tell. And if I did know I would never tell, missy. Enough sorrow and trouble has come about over that necklace--the accursed thing! I--I----" Durban broke down, and, with a groan, fairly ran away, leaving the amazed Beatrice mistress of the field. CHAPTER XVI AN INTERRUPTION There was certainly enough to think about. Beatrice retreated to her room, and proceeded to reason out the meaning of all she had heard. It was evident that both Vivian and Durban were in some way connected with criminality in connection with Mr. Alpenny's vocation of "fence," since both refused to speak. Waterloo, apparently, was a member of the Black Patch Gang, and had come down the other day to see Vivian. Beatrice remembered now how Vivian had hinted that he was connected with rogues and vagabonds, and how he appeared to be fearful as to what Major Ruck might say. Ruck himself probably was a member of this criminal association. In any case, as Durban had confessed, he was a decoy duck to lure the unwary into the late Mr. Alpenny's nets. But the question which now presented itself to the puzzled girl was, whether, Alpenny being dead, the organisation would end. The old usurer had been extremely clever, and, wanting his brains, this association might disband for want of a competent head. Ruck certainly,--as he appeared to have some authority,--might become the moving spirit; but from what Beatrice had seen of him, she did not think he was capable of handling such difficult matters. And she
- 33. did not much care. All she desired was to learn what Paslow had to do with these rascalities,--if Durban was implicated in the rogueries,- -and, if so, to rescue both. She could not believe that either of these kind men, and whom she loved so dearly, would act in a blackguardly way. In some manner the two had become entangled in Alpenny's nets, and knowing this, Ruck was making capital out of the knowledge. This was the conclusion which Beatrice arrived at, and she determined to force Vivian to explain. "I love him dearly," she assured herself, as she stared at her pale drawn face in the looking-glass; "but I cannot marry him until I know exactly what part he has taken in all these terrible doings." With this resolve she went down to dinner, and found Vivian there in a very happy state of mind. Lately the cloud had passed away from his brow, and he seemed more like his old self, of the days when she had never guessed what an abyss there was under her feet--under their feet, indeed, as she could not separate herself, even in thought, from Vivian Paslow. "My dear Beatrice," he said, coming towards her with a smile: and then, when he saw her face, he stopped short, just as Durban had done. "Why, my darling, what have you been doing with yourself?" "Nothing," replied Beatrice quietly. "After dinner I'll tell you." "Then there is something," said Paslow, seeing how she contradicted herself, and trying to make her speak out. "Yes," she answered with an effort, "there is some thing. I have learned much to-day." "About what?--from whom?" Paslow gasped out the questions, and his heart beat violently. He felt sick with apprehension. What had she heard, and why did she look at him in this way? "I'll tell you after dinner."
- 34. "But I want you to tell me now." "No," said Beatrice very directly, and was spared further speech, for at that moment Dinah came into the room, followed by Jerry in evening dress. "I've made it up with Jerry. He has asked my pardon," she said in a cheerful voice, "so I invited him to dinner as a reward." "I hope it is a good dinner," said Jerry blandly. "I deserve a big reward for having given in to you." "It is always a man's duty to give in to a woman," said Miss Paslow. "I hope you don't think it is the wife's duty to bully the husband?" "On occasions. A little storm clears the air." Further argument was cut short by the sound of the gong. Vivian, who had been watching Beatrice all the time, gave her his arm, and they led the way into the dining-room, while the lovers wrangled behind. The table looked dainty and neat, as it was brilliant with flowers and glittered with old silver and cut crystal. In spite of his difficulties Paslow had always kept up a certain state at the Grange, and, looking at the table, no one would have guessed that its owner was nearly bankrupt. Dinah, who with Mrs. Lilly was responsible for the meal, pointed out to Jerry the various dishes set down on the menu, and described what share she had taken in preparing the same. "So you see, Jerry darling, I am a magnificent housekeeper." "On your brother's income," said Jerry, with a shrug, and enjoying the soup. "What will you be on mine?" "On ours," corrected Dinah. "I'll be splendid, of course. Your income cannot be very much less than Vivian's. We live here like Elijah, who was fed by ravens."
- 35. "I am fed by a dove," said Mr. Snow gallantly. "How sweet!" sighed Dinah sentimentally. Then feeling really hungry after her argument with Jerry, she began to eat, and laid all sentiment aside: that could come afterwards in the moonlight. Beatrice and Vivian exchanged few words during the meal. They talked about the weather, about the various trifles in the newspapers which interested idle people, and made a light meal. But at the back of their thoughts lay the consciousness that a crisis was approaching in their lives, and neither one knew how it would end. Would love be strong enough to make the girl overlook youthful folly? That was what Vivian asked himself. And Beatrice wondered if Vivian's love would be powerful enough to make him confess plainly what was the meaning of all these mysterious things which raised a barrier between them. The dinner was a mere farce so far as they were concerned; but Dinah and Jerry ate enough for four, and chatted meanwhile so gaily that any silence on the part of the remaining two was overlooked. The meal ended, Vivian and Jerry did not linger over the bottle of old port which the host placed before his guest. Jerry was at an age when love was preferable to strong drink, and Vivian wished to have a confidential conversation with Beatrice as speedily as possible. Therefore by common consent they adjourned to the drawing-room, and found the two girls drinking coffee on the terrace. It was a deliciously warm night with a full moon, and countless stars gemming the heavens. Quite a night for Romeo and Juliet, meet for love and for soft whisperings. Nightingales sang in the thickets, and the trees were absolutely still owing to the want of the faintest breath of wind. Dinah, finishing her coffee, began to get sentimental again and beckoned to Jerry. The two went down the steps into the sleeping gardens, and Beatrice was left seated at the small table on the terrace with Vivian smoking at her elbow.
- 36. She glanced at him in the ivory moonlight while she made up her mind what to say. He looked slim and handsome in his well-cut clothes--a dark and somewhat stern man with a finely-featured face, Greek in its perfect lines. It seemed impossible that such a man could be involved in sordid roguery. He looked what Beatrice, in spite of circumstances, always believed him to be--an honourable English gentleman who was her lover and who would be her adoring husband. Vivian was staring at the retreating forms of Jerry and Dinah as they vanished down the avenue; but he became conscious that Beatrice was looking at him, and turned to look at her. Surely a lover never saw a fairer maid. In her black dress, with her white neck and arms shining in the moonlight, she looked wonderfully beautiful. The pale glimmer of the moon concealed all the ravages which trouble had made, and she appeared like an angel ready to take flight. It was with difficulty that Paslow prevented himself pressing her in his arms; but until matters were cleared up between them, there was no chance that she would allow him to embrace her. He could see that, in the sad, stern way in which she looked at him, and so restrained himself with a violent effort "Well?" he said stiffly, and prepared to listen. "What is it you wish to know?" she asked in a low voice. "I wish to know what has changed you?" "Am I changed?" "Very much. This morning when I went to Brighton with Dinah, you were bright and happy; now you are sad, and look as though you had received bad news." "Only you can give me bad news," said Beatrice in an embarrassed manner. "I want you to be plain with me to-night, Vivian. I have promised to marry you. I take that promise back----" "Beatrice--oh Beatrice!"
- 37. "Unless you satisfy me that you really and truly love me." "Oh, my darling, is there any question of that?" "There is every question. It is easy for a man to say that he loves a woman; it is not so easy to prove it." "I can prove it, in any way you will." "Good," said Beatrice, leaning forward and placing her arms on the small table between them. "I shall tell you what I have heard to-day; and then you must tell me what you know." "About what?" asked Paslow, lighting another cigarette with shaking hands, and not daring to look at her. "In the first place, about my parentage." This time he did look at her, and in much amazement. "You are the stepdaughter of Alpenny," he said quietly, "and the daughter of Mrs. Hedge, whomsoever she may be." "Is that all you know?" she asked, looking at him. "Yes. I have never heard anything else." "But I have. I heard this day, and from Orchard the shepherd, who was your father's servant, that I am the daughter of Colonel Hall." Vivian dropped his cigarette and jumped up with an exclamation of genuine surprise. "Did Orchard tell you that?" he asked. "He did. Mrs. Hedge, my mother, was really Mrs. Hall, and married Mr. Alpenny because--because----" She hesitated. "Because why? She must have had a strong reason to marry that old rascal."
- 38. "She had. Alpenny, according to Mrs. Snow----" "What does Mrs. Snow know about your affairs?" asked Vivian angrily. "A great deal. She was my mother's best friend,--so she says--and her bitterest enemy, as I have found out. Mrs. Snow declared that my mother married Alpenny to prevent Alpenny accusing her of murdering her husband, and my father." "Oh! It is incredible," muttered Vivian, clutching his hair. "Wait till you hear details. I think my mother is innocent myself, but certainly the evidence seems to be against her," and Beatrice, without giving Vivian time to intervene, told him all that she had heard from the old shepherd and from Mrs. Snow. He listened in silence, although his amazement was too profound and too openly expressed, to be anything else than genuine. "What do you think?" said Beatrice, when she had finished. "I don't know what to think," he muttered, glancing sideways at her and then away into the shadowy garden. "I believe Orchard is right, and that you are the daughter of the man who was murdered in this house. But I do not believe what Mrs. Snow says. Your mother--or, indeed, any woman--would never commit a crime in so brutal a manner. I don't believe any woman unless an Amazon would have the strength, for one thing." "So I think," said Beatrice heartily; "and I am glad that you agree with me. However, the discovery of my parentage does not make any difference to my position." "I don't know so much about that," said Paslow, meditatively. "It might be that Colonel Hall left money. As he is dead, and your mother is dead--as Alpenny's wife, any money that there is should come to you."
- 39. "Well," said Beatrice, watching the effect of her words, "it seems to me that the necklace is mine. I understand that it is valued--so Major Ruck said--at ten thousand pounds. If I can find that, I certainly will be an heiress. But Durban wants me to leave it alone." "For what reason?" "He declares that the necklace is accursed." "Pooh!" said Vivian, with supreme contempt. "That is his African superstition. You must not forget, Beatrice, that Durban is half a negro. If the necklace can be found, it certainly must be given back to you, for your own sake. Not for mine," he added quickly; "I don't care if you are an heiress or a pauper. I marry you because I love you, my darling." He offered to take her in his arms, but she drew back. "One moment, Vivian," she said rapidly. "Can you tell me where the necklace is to be found?" "I!" He started back in great surprise, and met her gaze frankly but with a puzzled look. "How should I know?" "Mr. Alpenny, I truly believe, was killed for the sake of that necklace, as was my father before him. I do not believe that my father gave it to my mother. He was killed and robbed--so was Alpenny." "Beatrice, do you imply that I know anything of this murder?" "I can explain," she said, and came closer. "Alpenny was killed by a man who wore a black patch over his left eye. A black patch was found under the window of the room in which my father, Colonel Hall, was murdered. Both crimes were committed, if not by the same man, as I have hitherto believed, at least by a member of the Black Patch Gang to which Alpenny belonged."
- 40. Paslow covered his face with a groan, unable to meet the vivid lightning of her eyes. "What do you know about the Black Patch Gang?" he asked in stifled tones. "All that Jerry Snow could tell me. He was in Whitechapel, and heard many remarks about this gang of thieves which the police are always trying to break up. Now that the gang is concerned in murder as well as in thievery, the police will make every effort to capture the man who heads them. What is his name?" "How should I know?" demanded Paslow hoarsely. "Because you do know. Alpenny hinted that you had committed crimes." "He lied--he lied," said Vivian passionately. "I am as innocent of evil- doing as you are; folly, perhaps, but never crime." "I believe that. I am certain that the man I love would never descend to sordid crime. But you have been drawn into the toils of this gang. I believe that Alpenny was the head--he decoyed you into his snares; or else Ruck--Major Ruck, his decoy-duck." "There is some truth in what you say, but----" "No; you must speak out. I will stand by you to the end, and do all I can to reveal my love more and more. But I refuse"--she drew herself upright--"to marry you unless you tell me the whole truth." "Give me time," he panted, and clenched his hands. "No. You must tell me now, or to-night we part for ever." Paslow uttered a groan, and moved forward two or three steps as though about to seek safety in flight. "Beatrice!" he said brokenly. "Your answer?" she demanded, making every effort to appear calm.
- 41. But the answer was not to come from Paslow. Even while he opened his mouth to speak, Jerry appeared on the lawn with two ladies. One was Dinah, as they could see by the evening-dress; the other a tall, slim, fair-haired woman, fashionably arrayed in walking-costume. The moonlight was strong, but neither Beatrice nor Paslow could tell who the strange woman was. "Hullo, Vivian!" shouted Jerry; "here is Miss Carr, who wants to see you." He would have said more, but was drawn back by Dinah, who apparently was still jealous of the stranger. Beatrice remembered that this was the woman with whom Jerry had been speaking during the day, the same that had awakened the jealousy of Dinah. Also, she was the daughter of the ex-butler. She advanced with gliding steps, and looked like a beautiful lithe tigress stealing towards her prey. With Dinah, still jealous, Jerry after that one abrupt introduction disappeared down the avenue, probably to be scolded. But Beatrice did not look at the retreating lovers, nor indeed at the advancing Miss Carr, whose foot was now on the lowest step of the terrace. All her attention was concentrated on Vivian Paslow, who stood at the top of the steps as though frozen into stone. The woman came up the steps, and was now so near that Beatrice could see the smile on her fair face. "You!" said Vivian hoarsely, and fell back a pace. "Myself," said Miss Carr, "and no ghost either." Beatrice rose with a bound, and felt a sudden jealous anger surge in her heart. She looked from one to the other imperiously. "Who is this woman?" she asked the cowering man. "My--my--wife," he said in low, broken tones. "God help me, my wife come back from the dead!"
- 42. CHAPTER XVII A STORY OF THE PAST Miss Carr, or Miss Orchard, or Mrs. Paslow--Beatrice thought of her by all these three names--smiled quietly when her husband made the confession, and sank gracefully into the seat he had vacated. She was certainly a handsome woman, and if not entirely a lady, was an extremely good imitation of the same. Vivian still stood as in a dream, staring at the wife he had believed to be dead and buried, and Beatrice stared alternately at him and at the strange woman. A silence ensued, for each of the three was thinking hard. Beatrice was the first to break silence. "Will you explain?" she asked Vivian quietly. "I think," he answered in a harsh, dry tone, "that my wife had better explain. I have the certificate of her death, and----" "And you can consider it so much waste-paper. The woman who was buried was my double," said Mrs. Paslow composedly. "You cannot deceive me in that way, Maud. I saw you ill in bed." "And so I was. I had a bad attack of influenza," said his wife, with a calm smile. "Oh, my illness was genuine enough; but I did not die,-- although I appeared to do so, for reasons connected with a second marriage."
- 43. "With Mr. Paslow's marriage to me?" asked Beatrice, striving to regain her calmness, and emulate the sang-froid of this cold, audacious woman, who appeared to have no feelings. "Well, no," drawled Mrs. Paslow, "not exactly. I never did care to benefit my fellow-creatures to that extent. I refer to a marriage I wished to make with a rich American. However, his mother stopped the marriage, and I found myself without a natural protector. Therefore, as I heard from Major Ruck that Vivian proposed to make you his wife, I came here to save you, and stop him from committing bigamy." "Which you just now proposed to commit yourself?" said Beatrice, with cold contempt. Mrs. Paslow looked at her between half-closed eyelids, and shrugged her finely moulded shoulders. "Quite so," she said politely; "but I have my reasons for risking imprisonment." "Reasons connected with money," sneered Vivian. "Connected with over a million--pounds, not dollars. Well?" "Well,"--he faced her squarely--"and what do you propose to do now?" "One moment," interposed Beatrice, now perfectly calm, and determined to break down this woman's composure; "I should like to know how you carried out this plot of a feigned death." There was a case of cigarettes on the table belonging to Vivian: Mrs. Paslow cast a disdainful, and rather amused look on Beatrice, and lighted one of the little rolls of tobacco. When the smoke was wreathing round her fashionable hat, she spoke with great calmness and appeared in no way upset by the imperious tone of the woman whom her husband loved. "Certainly," she replied in a low, sweet voice, which seemed to be one of her greatest charms, and she had
- 44. many. "As I explained, I wanted to be free of Vivian to marry a richer man than he was, or is likely to be. When I was ill, and he came to see me, the plan suggested itself. I took the doctor into my confidence, and he agreed, for a consideration, to forward my aims. My double was really ill,--oh yes, with consumption; she could not live, so----" "What do you mean by your double?" asked Beatrice abruptly. "Vivian can tell you. He knew of my double." "I did,--I do: but I did not think you would pass her off as yourself, Maud." Mrs. Paslow removed the cigarette from her mouth and smiled. "It was a capital plot," she said musingly; "and but that I want you to be again my husband, would have succeeded." "What about your double?" asked Beatrice pertinaciously. "Oh, she was not a twin sister, as you seem to think. I am the only daughter and only child of Joseph Orchard, who was a butler, and is a shepherd. You see," she added, leaning her arms on the table and addressing her rival in an amused tone, "I have no false pride about me. When occasion serves I can say that I am the daughter of an army officer, or of a clergyman, or of anyone with a position. I have done such things in my time. But to you I can be frank, since there is nothing to be gained by telling lies." "Your double--your double, Miss Carr, or Miss Orchard?" "Neither name is mine. Mrs. Paslow, if you please. Unless"--she glanced contemptuously at Vivian--"my husband denies----" "I deny nothing. I cannot," he said savagely. "Say what you have to say, Maud, and then I shall tell Miss Hall how we met and into what troubles you led me."
- 45. "Miss Hall!" echoed Mrs. Paslow, with a glance at Beatrice. "Then you know that, do you?" "How do you know?" asked Beatrice, pointedly. "Oh, my father told me long ago. Later I might have made capital out of the affair, but now----" She shrugged again. "I believe that you are a bad woman," said Beatrice hotly. "I am--what God made me," retorted Mrs. Paslow, in no wise disturbed by the speech. "But about my double. She was a girl on the stage extremely like me: in fact we might have passed for twins. I also went on the stage--I have done most things in my time; and we--that is Miss Arthur my double and myself--appeared in a play as twins. If you knew anything of the theatre, Miss Hall, you would be surprised to hear how successful that play was. The author was unknown and Major Ruck financed the play, and----" "I want to hear nothing about that, Mrs. Paslow. I know now how you carried out the deception, though it seems to me that as you did not let Vivian see the dead body, it was needless to have this double." "Well," admitted Mrs. Paslow apologetically, as though excusing a fault, "it was necessary to make sure. Vivian, after a few visits, never came near me----" "The doctor would not let me," said her husband quickly. "Good old doctor," murmured Mrs. Paslow, selecting a fresh cigarette; "he knew what I wanted. However, to make a long story short, Miss Arthur died in my place and was buried under my name. You have the certificate, my dear Vivian, so all is well. You were so easily deceived that there was no fun in deceiving you. A clever man would have made more certain of his wife's death before arranging to take another one, especially as you were cheated once before."
- 46. "I did hear that you were dead before Mr. Alpenny was murdered, and I then asked Miss Hall here to be my wife," confessed Vivian; "afterwards, Major Ruck told me that you were alive, but ill. I went to see you, and you really seemed to be dying----" "I am a good actress, Vivian. I was on the stage, remember." "So I thought, when I saw the doctor and got the certificate, that you were really and truly dead. Oh, I shall see that the doctor is punished for this deception." "I think not," said Mrs. Paslow, narrowing her eyes and looking at him very directly. "No doubt he will be punished in time, but not by your will, Vivian dear." The tone and words were so peculiar and significant that Beatrice looked straight at the woman, who now had a mocking smile on her face, and spoke quietly: "You have some power over Mr. Paslow?" "Why not call him Vivian?" sneered the stranger. "He was"--she emphasised the word--"to be your husband, remember." "If you speak like that," said Paslow standing over her and speaking in a low, angry voice, "I shall forget that I am your husband." His wife glanced slightingly at Beatrice. "It seems to me that you have forgotten," she scoffed. What the infuriated man would have said or done on the spur of the moment, it is impossible to say; but he was dangerous. Beatrice saw that, and drew him back with an exclamation. "Don't," she said quickly; "let her say what she will. It cannot hurt me. And let me remind you, Mrs. Paslow, that you have not answered my question." "Nor do I intend to," said the woman, rising and throwing aside the cigarette. The contemptuous words of Beatrice stung her not a little. "This is my husband, and I want him to return to town with me."
- 47. "You are my wife," said Vivian in quiet anger, "and you were willing to commit bigamy after deceiving me by a feigned death. I refuse to have anything more to do with you." "The law will make you!" she threatened. "The law will do nothing of the sort. As my wife, I will allow you enough to live on; but no law will ever make me have anything to do with you again." "Then I shall make you!" "Ah," interposed Beatrice, "you exercise this power?" "I want my husband," said the woman sullenly. "I refuse to have anything to do with you," retorted Paslow once more. His wife was rapidly losing her temper. She had come prepared for victory; and, meeting with this opposition, all the disdainful certainty of her assumed nature wore away, and the coarser feelings became apparent. Her face flushed a dark red, the expression changed, and instead of a quiet, ladylike person, Beatrice saw before her a virago of the worst. "You shall come!" she shouted, "or rather, I shall stay here. This is my house, and you,"--she turned on Beatrice,--"you shall leave it." "I am here with Mr. Paslow's sister, and I decline to leave it at the word of a disgraced wife." "I!" Mrs. Paslow sprang forward with upraised fist. "You dare to say that to me, you----" Before she could strike, Vivian caught her arm, and flung her back with such force that she fell against the balustrade of the terrace. "Do you want me to commit murder?" he said savagely. "Why not another, since you killed Alpenny?" she panted, and glared at him like a tigress losing her prey.
- 48. "That is a lie!" cried Beatrice before Vivian could speak. "Mr. Paslow was with me on that night, and about the time the crime was committed." "Oh!" sneered the woman, seizing her advantage, "Vivian was with you, indeed? And what would be said were that known, Miss Hall, as you call yourself?" "Be silent," said her husband, catching her arm in an iron grip, and his face whiter than that of the dead; "you shameless creature! Go away at once, and cease your insults." "Leave me alone!" cried Mrs. Paslow, wrenching herself free. "I intend to stop in my own house." "My house--not yours." "I am your wife." "And just now you confessed to a feigned death to commit bigamy? I have a great mind to give my lawyers instructions to apply for a divorce." "Give them to Tuft, then," cried Mrs. Paslow, her fair face convulsed with fury. "He is Alpenny's lawyer, and knows all about me, and all about you. See! see!"--she pointed a mocking finger at Vivian who had turned away with a gesture of despair--"he dare not face the law!" "If you mean that you will denounce him for having killed Mr. Alpenny," said Beatrice in a clear low voice, "you are wrong. I can clear Mr. Paslow's character. I can save him, and I will!" "Indeed! Why?" "Because I love him. Why he married you, how he married you, I do not know; but I believe that you trapped him into----"
- 49. "Trapped him, indeed!" shouted Mrs. Paslow. "I could have married a dozen better men than he. He is a coward--a milksop--a--a thief! Ah!" she cried as Beatrice recoiled with a shudder, "you know the truth now. This dainty, well-born gentleman--this honourable man--is a thief, who was tried for shoplifting." "And who was acquitted," said Paslow, deadly pale. "It was you who were condemned, and rightly: God forgive me for saying so. After all, bad as you are, you are my wife." "Vivian," said Beatrice, with her face drawn with agony, "is what this woman says true?" "True--quite true. And I'll thank you to speak of me more respectfully," snapped Mrs. Paslow. "Is it true?" asked Beatrice again, paying no attention to this spiteful speech. "Quite true," said Vivian, drawing a long breath and prepared to face the worst; "this is the power she has held over me. That she can send me to prison is a lie; but she can disgrace my name, by telling my friends that I was accused of shoplifting." "But was it not in the papers?" asked Beatrice anxiously. "No. I was accused under another name, Beatrice. I married that woman"--he pointed to Mrs. Paslow, who was still fuming with rage-- "when my father was alive. She was the daughter of our old servant, who became a shepherd. Afterwards, when a child, and when I was a child, she came here, and Mrs. Lilly helped her for the sake of her father. I was a boy and foolish. She was clever and unscrupulous. She grew weary of this quiet life, and went to town. I thought that I loved her----" "And you did," panted Mrs. Paslow.
- 50. "I did not," said Vivian sternly. "I was entrapped, as you know well.-- It was a year later that I met her, when in town, and then she was the associate of thieves and rogues. Alpenny had seen her here; he inveigled her into his nets, and used her in the West End as a decoy in the same way as he used Major Ruck. She met me. I believed that she was good--that she was still my old playfellow. I married her under my own name, but in order to save the feelings of my father, I lived with her as my wife under another name." "I wanted to take my own and come down here," said the woman. "I know you did, but I would not allow it," said Vivian, and continued his story rapidly, while Beatrice, perfectly still, listened intently. "It would have broken my father's heart. And then," he added, turning to Beatrice, "I found out how vile she was." "I never deceived you--never," said Mrs. Paslow. "No. You had that redeeming point," said her husband; "as a wife I could find no fault with you in that way. Had you been good and kind, I might have come to love you, as I did when we were children together. But your nature was essentially false and wicked. Under the tuition of Alpenny you developed into an adventuress, and made the worst use of your talents." "But for Alpenny we should have starved," she reminded him. "I did not know that," he retorted. "You said that the money had been left to you by your god-mother; only when it was too late did I learn that Alpenny gave you the money for having stolen things. And then I was dragged into your evil ways." "You did steal," insisted Mrs. Paslow. "I did not. Beatrice, one day we were in a draper's shop in the West End. This woman stole some lace; she was arrested, and I was arrested also as her accomplice."
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