Sparkling Cyanide

SparklingCyanide
Contents
TitlePage
Book1:Rosemary
ChapterOne:IrisMarle
ChapterTwo:RuthLessing
ChapterThree:AnthonyBrowne
ChapterFour:StephenFarraday
ChapterFive:AlexandraFarraday
ChapterSix:GeorgeBarton
Book2:AllSouls’Day
ChapterOne
ChapterTwo
ChapterThree
ChapterFour
ChapterFive
ChapterSix
Book3:Iris
ChapterOne
ChapterTwo
ChapterThree
ChapterFour
ChapterFive
ChapterSix
ChapterSeven
ChapterEight
ChapterNine
ChapterTen
ChapterEleven
ChapterTwelve
ChapterThirteen
ChapterFourteen
AbouttheAuthor
TheAgathaChristieCollection
RelatedProducts
Copyright
AboutthePublisher
BOOK1ROSEMARY
“WhatcanIdotodriveawayremembrancesfrommineeyes?”
SixpeoplewerethinkingofRosemaryBartonwhohaddiednearlyayearago..
One
IRISMARLE
I
IrisMarlewasthinkingabouthersister,Rosemary.
FornearlyayearshehaddeliberatelytriedtoputthethoughtofRosemaryawayfromher.Shehadn’twantedtoremember.
Itwastoopainful—toohorrible!
Thebluecyanosedface,theconvulsedclutchingfingers….
ThecontrastbetweenthatandthegaylovelyRosemaryofthedaybefore…Well,perhapsnotexactlygay.Shehadhad’flu—shehadbeendepressed,run-down…Allthathadbeenbroughtoutattheinquest.Irisherselfhadlaidstressonit.Itaccounted,didn’tit,forRosemary’ssuicide?
Oncetheinquestwasover,Irishaddeliberatelytriedtoputthewholethingoutofhermind.Ofwhatgoodwasremembrance?Forgetitall!Forgetthewholehorriblebusiness.
Butnow,sherealized,shehadgottoremember.Shehadgottothinkbackintothepast…Toremembercarefullyeveryslightunimportantseemingincident….
ThatextraordinaryinterviewwithGeorgelastnightnecessitatedremembrance.
Ithadbeensounexpected,sofrightening.Wait—haditbeensounexpected?Hadn’ttherebeenindicationsbeforehand?George’sgrowingabsorption,hisabsentmindedness,hisunaccountableactions—his—well,queernesswastheonlywordforit!Allleadinguptothatmomentlastnightwhenhehadcalledherintothestudyandtakenthelettersfromthedrawerofthedesk.
Sonowtherewasnohelpforit.ShehadgottothinkaboutRosemary—toremember.
Rosemary—hersister….
WithashockIrisrealizedsuddenlythatitwasthefirsttimeinherlifeshehadeverthoughtaboutRosemary.Thoughtabouther,thatis,objectively,asaperson.
ShehadalwaysacceptedRosemarywithoutthinkingabouther.Youdidn’tthinkaboutyourmotheroryourfatheroryoursisteroryouraunt.Theyjustexisted,unquestioned,inthoserelationships.
Youdidn’tthinkaboutthemaspeople.Youdidn’taskyourself,even,whattheywerelike.
WhathadRosemarybeenlike?
Thatmightbeveryimportantnow.Alotmightdependuponit.Iriscasthermindbackintothepast.HerselfandRosemaryaschildren….
Rosemaryhadbeentheelderbysixyears.
II
Glimpsesofthepastcameback—briefflashes—shortscenes.Herselfasasmallchildeatingbreadandmilk,andRosemary,importantinpigtails,“doinglessons”atatable.
Theseasideonesummer—IrisenvyingRosemarywhowasa“biggirl”andcouldswim!
Rosemarygoingtoboardingschool—cominghomefortheholidays.Thensheherselfatschool,andRosemarybeing“finished”inParis.SchoolgirlRosemary;clumsy,allarmsandlegs.“Finished”RosemarycomingbackfromPariswithastrangenewfrighteningelegance,softvoiced,graceful,withaswayingundulatingfigure,withredgoldchestnuthairandbigblackfringeddarkblueeyes.Adisturbingbeautifulcreature—grownup—inadifferentworld!
Fromthenontheyhadseenverylittleofeachother,thesix-yeargaphadbeenatitswidest.
Irishadbeenstillatschool,Rosemaryinthefullswingofa“season.”EvenwhenIriscamehome,thegapremained.Rosemary’slifewasoneoflatemorningsinbed,forkluncheonswithotherdébutantes,dancesmosteveningsoftheweek.IrishadbeenintheschoolroomwithMademoiselle,hadgoneforwalksinthePark,hadhadsupperatnineo’clockandgonetobedatten.Theintercoursebetweenthesistershadbeenlimitedtosuchbriefinterchangesas:
“Hullo,Iris,telephoneforataxiforme,there’salamb,I’mgoingtobedevastatinglylate,”or
“Idon’tlikethatnewfrock,Rosemary.Itdoesn’tsuityou.It’sallbunchandfuss.”
ThenhadcomeRosemary’sengagementtoGeorgeBarton.Excitement,shopping,streamsofparcels,bridesmaids’dresses.
Thewedding.WalkinguptheaislesbehindRosemary,hearingwhispers:
“Whatabeautifulbrideshemakes….”
WhyhadRosemarymarriedGeorge?EvenatthetimeIrishadbeenvaguelysurprised.Therehadbeensomanyexcitingyoungmen,ringingRosemaryup,takingherout.WhychooseGeorgeBarton,fifteenyearsolderthanherself,kindly,pleasant,butdefinitelydull?
Georgewaswell-off,butitwasn’tmoney.Rosemaryhadherownmoney,agreatdealofit.
UnclePaul’smoney….
Irissearchedhermindcarefully,seekingtodifferentiatebetweenwhatsheknewnowandwhatshehadknownthen:UnclePaul,forinstance?
Hewasn’treallyanuncle,shehadalwaysknownthat.Withouteverhavingbeendefinitelytoldthemsheknewcertainfacts.PaulBennetthadbeeninlovewiththeirmother.Shehadpreferredanotherandapoorerman.PaulBennetthadtakenhisdefeatinaromanticspirit.Hehadremainedthefamilyfriend,adoptedanattitudeofromanticplatonicdevotion.HehadbecomeUnclePaul,hadstoodgodfathertothefirstbornchild,Rosemary.Whenhedied,itwasfoundthathehadlefthisentirefortunetohislittlegoddaughter,thenachildofthirteen.
Rosemary,besidesherbeauty,hadbeenanheiress.AndshehadmarriednicedullGeorgeBarton.
Why?Irishadwonderedthen.Shewonderednow.Irisdidn’tbelievethatRosemaryhadeverbeeninlovewithhim.Butshehadseemedveryhappywithhimandshehadbeenfondofhim—yes,definitelyfondofhim.Irishadgoodopportunitiesforknowing,forayearafterthemarriage,theirmother,lovelydelicateViolaMarle,haddied,andIris,agirlof
Agirlofseventeen.Irisponderedoverthepictureofherself.Whathadshebeenlike?Whathadshefelt,thought,seen?
ShecametotheconclusionthatthatyoungIrisMarlehadbeenslowofdevelopment—unthinking,acquiescinginthingsastheywere.Hadsheresented,forinstance,hermother’searlierabsorptioninRosemary?Onthewholeshethoughtnot.Shehadaccepted,unhesitatingly,thefactthatRosemarywastheimportantone.Rosemarywas“out”—naturallyhermotherwasoccupiedasfarasherhealthpermittedwithherelderdaughter.Thathadbeennaturalenough.Herownturnwouldcomesomeday.ViolaMarlehadalwaysbeenasomewhatremotemother,preoccupiedmainlywithherownhealth,relegatingherchildrentonurses,governesses,schools,butinvariablycharmingtotheminthosebriefmomentswhenshecameacrossthem.HectorMarlehaddiedwhenIriswasfiveyearsold.Theknowledgethathedrankmorethanwasgoodforhimhadpermeatedsosubtlythatshehadnottheleastideahowithadactuallycometoher.
Seventeen-year-oldIrisMarlehadacceptedlifeasitcame,haddulymournedforhermother,hadwornblackclothes,hadgonetolivewithhersisterandhersister’shusbandattheirhouseinElvastonSquare.
Sometimesithadbeenratherdullinthathouse.Iriswasn’ttocomeout,officially,untilthefollowingyear.InthemeantimeshetookFrenchandGermanlessonsthreetimesaweek,andalsoattendeddomesticscienceclasses.Thereweretimeswhenshehadnothingmuchtodoandnobodytotalkto.Georgewaskind,invariablyaffectionateandbrotherly.Hisattitudehadnevervaried.Hewasthesamenow.
AndRosemary?IrishadseenverylittleofRosemary.Rosemaryhadbeenoutagooddeal.Dressmakers,cocktailparties,bridge….
WhatdidshereallyknowaboutRosemarywhenshecametothinkofit?Ofhertastes,ofherhopes,ofherfears?Frightening,really,howlittleyoumightknowofapersonafterlivinginthesamehousewiththem!Therehadbeenlittleornointimacybetweenthesisters.
Butshe’dgottothinknow.She’dgottoremember.Itmightbeimportant.
CertainlyRosemaryhadseemedhappyenough….
III
Untilthatday—aweekbeforeithappened.
She,Iris,wouldneverforgetthatday.Itstoodoutcrystalclear—eachdetail,eachword.Theshiningmahoganytable,thepushedbackchair,thehurriedcharacteristicwriting….
Irisclosedhereyesandletthescenecomeback….
HerownentryintoRosemary’ssittingroom,hersuddenstop.
Ithadstartledherso;whatshesaw!Rosemary,sittingatthewritingtable,herheadlaiddownonheroutstretchedarms.Rosemaryweepingwithadeepabandonedsobbing.She’dneverseenRosemarycrybefore—andthisbitter,violentweepingfrightenedher.
True,Rosemaryhadhadabadgoof’flu.She’donlybeenupadayortwo.Andeveryoneknewthat’fludidleaveyoudepressed.Still—
Irishadcriedout,hervoicechildish,startled:
“Oh,Rosemary,whatisit?”
Rosemarysatup,sweptthehairbackfromherdisfiguredface.Shestruggledtoregaincommandofherself.Shesaidquickly:
“It’snothing—nothing—don’tstareatmelikethat!”
Shegotupandpassinghersister,sheranoutoftheroom.
Puzzled,upset,Iriswentfartherintotheroom.Hereyes,drawnwonderinglytothewritingtable,caughtsightofherownnameinhersister’shandwriting.HadRosemarybeenwritingtoherthen?
Shedrewnearer,lookeddownonthesheetofbluenotepaperwiththebigcharacteristicsprawlingwriting,evenmoresprawlingthanusualowingtothehasteandagitationbehindthehandthatheldthepen.
DarlingIris,
Thereisn’tanypointinmymakingawillbecausemymoneygoestoyouanyway,butI’dlikecertainofmythingstobegiventocertainpeople.ToGeorge,thejewelleryhe’sgivenme,andthelittleenamelcasketweboughttogetherwhenwewereengaged.ToGloriaKing,myplatinumcigarettecase.ToMaisie,myChinesePotteryhorsethatshe’salwaysadmired—
Itstoppedthere,withafranticscrawlofthepenasRosemaryhaddasheditdownandgivenwaytouncontrollableweeping.
Irisstoodasthoughturnedtostone.
Whatdiditmean?Rosemarywasn’tgoingtodie,wasshe?She’dbeenveryillwithinfluenza,butshewasallrightnow.Andanywaypeopledidn’tdieof’flu—atleastsometimestheydid,butRosemaryhadn’t.Shewasquitewellnow,onlyweakandrun-down.
Iris’seyeswentoverthewordsagainandthistimeaphrasestoodoutwithstartlingeffect:
“…mymoneygoestoyouanyway….”
ItwasthefirstintimationshehadhadofthetermsofPaulBennett’swill.ShehadknownsinceshewasachildthatRosemaryhadinheritedUnclePaul’smoney,thatRosemarywasrichwhilstsheherselfwascomparativelypoor.ButuntilthismomentshehadneverquestionedwhatwouldhappentothatmoneyonRosemary’sdeath.
Ifshehadbeenasked,shewouldhaverepliedthatshesupposeditwouldgotoGeorgeasRosemary’shusband,butwouldhaveaddedthatitseemedabsurdtothinkofRosemarydyingbeforeGeorge!
Buthereitwas,setdowninblackandwhite,inRosemary’sownhand.AtRosemary’sdeaththemoneycametoher,Iris.Butsurelythatwasn’tlegal?Ahusbandorwifegotanymoney,notasister.Unless,ofcourse,PaulBennetthadleftitthatwayinhiswill.Yes,thatmustbeit.UnclePaulhadsaidthemoneywastogotoherifRosemarydied.Thatdidmakeitratherlessunfair—
Unfair?Shewasstartledasthewordleapttoherthoughts.HadshebeenthinkingthatitwasunfairforRosemarytogetallUnclePaul’smoney?Shesupposedthat,deepdown,shemusthavebeenfeelingjustthat.Itwasunfair.Theyweresisters,sheandRosemary.Theywerebothhermother’schildren.WhyshouldUnclePaulgiveitalltoRosemary?
Rosemaryalwayshadeverything!
Partiesandfrocksandyoungmeninlovewithherandanadoringhusband.
TheonlyunpleasantthingthateverhappenedtoRosemarywashavinganattackof’flu!Andeventhathadn’tlastedlongerthanaweek!
Irishesitated,standingbythedesk.Thatsheetofpaper—wouldRosemarywantitleftaboutfortheservantstosee?
Afteraminute’shesitationshepickeditup,foldeditintwoandslippeditintooneofthedrawersofthedesk.
Itwasfoundthereafterthefatalbirthdayparty,andprovidedanadditionalproof,ifproofwasnecessary,thatRosemaryhadbeeninadepressedandunhappystateofmindafterherillness,andhadpossiblybeenthinkingofsuicideeventhen.
Depressionafterinfluenza.Thatwasthemotivebroughtforwardattheinquest,themotivethatIris’sevidencehelpedtoestablish.Aninadequatemotive,perhaps,buttheonlyoneavailable,andconsequentlyaccepted.Ithadbeenabadtypeofinfluenzathatyear.
NeitherIrisnorGeorgeBartoncouldhavesuggestedanyothermotive—then.
Now,thinkingbackovertheincidentintheattic,Iriswonderedthatshecouldhavebeensoblind.
Thewholethingmusthavebeengoingonunderhereyes!Andshehadseennothing,noticednothing!
Hermindtookaquickleapoverthetragedyofthebirthdayparty.Noneedtothinkofthat!Thatwasover—donewith.PutawaythehorrorofthatandtheinquestandGeorge’stwitchingfaceandbloodshoteyes.Gostraightontotheincidentofthetrunkintheattic.
IV
ThathadbeenaboutsixmonthsafterRosemary’sdeath.
IrishadcontinuedtoliveatthehouseinElvastonSquare.AfterthefuneraltheMarlefamilysolicitor,acourtlyoldgentlemanwithashiningbaldheadandunexpectedlyshrewdeyes,hadhadaninterviewwithIris.HehadexplainedwithadmirableclaritythatunderthewillofPaulBennett,Rosemaryhadinheritedhisestateintrusttopassatherdeathtoanychildrenshemighthave.IfRosemarydiedchildless,theestatewastogotoIrisabsolutely.Itwas,thesolicitorexplained,averylargefortunewhichwouldbelongtoherabsolutelyuponattainingtheageoftwenty-oneoronhermarriage.
Inthemeantime,thefirstthingtosettlewasherplaceofresidence.Mr.GeorgeBartonhadshownhimselfanxiousforhertocontinuelivingwithhimandhadsuggestedthatherfather’ssister,Mrs.Drake,whowasinimpoverishedcircumstancesowingtothefinancialclaimsofason(theblacksheepoftheMarlefamily),shouldmakeherhomewiththemandchaperonIrisinsociety.DidIrisapproveofthisplan?
Irishadbeenquitewilling,thankfulnottohavetomakenewplans.AuntLucillasherememberedasanamiablefriendlysheepwithlittlewillofherown.
Sothematterhadbeensettled.GeorgeBartonhadbeentouchinglypleasedtohavehiswife’ssisterstillwithhimandtreatedheraffectionatelyasayoungersister.Mrs.Drake,ifnotastimulatingcompanion,wascompletelysubservienttoIris’swishes.Thehouseholdsettleddownamicably.
ItwasnearlysixmonthslaterthatIrismadeherdiscoveryintheattic.
TheatticsoftheElvastonSquarehousewereusedasstorageroomsforoddsandendsoffurniture,andanumberoftrunksandsuitcases.
Irishadgoneupthereonedayafteranunsuccessfulhuntforanoldredpulloverforwhichshehadanaffection.GeorgehadbeggedhernottowearmourningforRosemary,Rosemaryhadalwaysbeenopposedtotheidea,hesaid.This,Irisknew,wastrue,sosheacquiescedandcontinuedtowearordinaryclothes,somewhattothedisapprovalofLucillaDrake,whowasold-fashionedandlikedwhatshecalled“thedecencies”tobeobserved.Mrs.Drakeherselfwasstillinclinedtowearcrêpeforahusbanddeceasedsometwenty-oddyearsago.
Variousunwantedclothes,Irisknew,hadbeenpackedawayinatrunkupstairs.Shestartedhuntingthroughitforherpullover,comingacross,asshedidso,variousforgottenbelongings,agreycoatandskirt,apileofstockings,herskiingkitandoneortwooldbathingdresses.
ItwasthenthatshecameacrossanolddressinggownthathadbelongedtoRosemaryandwhichhadsomehoworotherescapedbeinggivenawaywiththerestofRosemary’sthings.Itwasamannishaffairofspottedsilkwithbigpockets.
Irisshookitout,notingthatitwasinperfectlygoodcondition.Thenshefoldeditcarefullyandreturnedittothetrunk.Asshedidso,herhandfeltsomethingcrackleinoneofthepockets.Shethrustinherhandanddrewoutacrumpled-uppieceofpaper.ItwasinRosemary’shandwritingandshesmootheditoutandreadit.
Leoparddarling,youcan’tmeanit…Youcan’t—youcan’t…Weloveeachother!Webelongtogether!YoumustknowthatjustasIknowit!Wecan’tjustsaygood-byeandgooncoollywithourownlives.Youknowthat’simpossible,darling—quiteimpossible.YouandIbelongtogether—foreverandever.I’mnotaconventionalwoman—Idon’tmindaboutwhatpeoplesay.Lovemattersmoretomethananythingelse.We’llgoawaytogether—andbehappy—I’llmakeyouhappy.Yousaidtomeoncethatlifewithoutmewasdustandashestoyou—doyouremember,Leoparddarling?Andnowyouwritecalmlythatallthishadbetterend—thatit’sonlyfairtome.Fairtome?ButIcan’tlivewithoutyou!I’msorryaboutGeorge—he’salwaysbeensweettome—buthe’llunderstand.He’llwanttogivememyfreedom.Itisn’trighttolivetogetherifyoudon’tloveeachotheranymore.Godmeantusforeachother,darling—IknowHedid.We’regoingtobewonderfullyhappy—butwemustbebrave.IshalltellGeorgemyself—Iwanttobequitestraightaboutthewholething—butnotuntilaftermybirthday.IknowI’mdoingwhat’sright,Leoparddarling—andIcan’tlivewithoutyou—can’t,can’t—CAN’T.Howstupiditisofmetowriteallthis.Twolineswouldhavedone.Just“Iloveyou.I’mnevergoingtoletyougo.”Ohdarling—
Theletterbrokeoff.
Irisstoodmotionless,staringdownatit.
Howlittleoneknewofone’sownsister!
SoRosemaryhadhadalover—hadwrittenhimpassionateloveletters—hadplannedtogoawaywithhim?
Whathadhappened?Rosemaryhadneversenttheletterafterall.Whatletterhadshesent?WhathadbeenfinallydecidedbetweenRosemaryandthisunknownman?
(“Leopard!”Whatextraordinaryfanciespeoplehadwhentheywereinlove.Sosilly.Leopardindeed!)
Whowasthisman?DidheloveRosemaryasmuchasshelovedhim?Surelyhemusthavedone.Rosemarywassounbelievablylovely.Andyet,accordingtoRosemary’sletter,hehadsuggested“endingitall.”Thatsuggested—what?Caution?HehadevidentlysaidthatthebreakwasforRosemary’ssake.Thatitwasonlyfairtoher.Yes,butdidn’tmensaythatsortofthingtosavetheirfaces?Didn’titreallymeanthattheman,whoeverhewas,wastiredofitall?Perhapsithadbeentohimamerepassingdistraction.Perhapshehadneverreallycared.SomehowIrisgottheimpressionthattheunknownmanhadbeenverydeterminedtobreakwithRosemaryfinally….
ButRosemaryhadthoughtdifferently.Rosemarywasn’tgoingtocountthecost.Rosemaryhadbeendetermined,too..
Irisshivered.
Andshe,Iris,hadn’tknownathingaboutit!Hadn’tevenguessed!HadtakenitforgrantedthatRosemarywashappyandcontentedandthatsheandGeorgewerequitesatisfiedwithoneanother.Blind!Shemusthavebeenblindnottoknowathinglikethataboutherownsister.
Butwhowastheman?
Shecasthermindback,thinking,remembering.Therehadbeensomanymenabout,admiringRosemary,takingherout,ringingherup.Therehadbeennoonespecial.Buttheremusthavebeen—therestofthebunchweremerecamouflagefortheone,theonlyone,thatmattered.Irisfrownedperplexedly,sortingherremembrancescarefully.
Twonamesstoodout.Itmust,yes,positivelyitmust,beoneortheother.StephenFarraday?ItmustbeStephenFarraday.WhatcouldRosemaryhaveseeninhim?Astiffpompousyoungman—andnotsoveryyoungeither.Ofcoursepeopledidsayhewasbrilliant.Arisingpolitician,anundersecretaryshipprophesiedinthenearfuture,andalltheweightoftheinfluentialKidderminsterconnectionbehindhim.ApossiblefuturePrimeMinister!WasthatwhathadgivenhimglamourinRosemary’seyes?Surelyshecouldn’tcaresodesperatelyforthemanhimself—suchacoldself-containedcreature?Buttheysaidthathisownwifewaspassionatelyinlovewithhim,thatshehadgoneagainstallthewishesofherpowerfulfamilyinmarryinghim—amerenobodywithpoliticalambitions!Ifonewomanfeltlikethatabouthim,anotherwomanmightalso.Yes,itmustbeStephenFarraday.
Because,ifitwasn’tStephenFarraday,itmustbeAnthonyBrowne.
AndIrisdidn’twantittobeAnthonyBrowne.
True,he’dbeenverymuchRosemary’sslave,constantlyatherbeckandcall,hisdarkgood-lookingfaceexpressingakindofhumorousdesperation.Butsurelythatdevotionhadbeentooopen,toofreelydeclaredtogoreallydeep?
OddthewayhehaddisappearedafterRosemary’sdeath.Theyhadnoneofthemseenhimsince.
Stillnotsooddreally—hewasamanwhotravelledalot.HehadtalkedabouttheArgentineandCanadaandUgandaandtheU.S.A.ShehadanideathathewasactuallyanAmericanoraCanadian,thoughhehadhardlyanyaccent.No,itwasn’treallystrangethattheyshouldn’thaveseenanythingofhimsince.
ItwasRosemarywhohadbeenhisfriend.Therewasnoreasonwhyheshouldgooncomingtoseetherestofthem.HehadbeenRosemary’sfriend.ButnotRosemary’slover!Shedidn’twanthimtohavebeenRosemary’slover.Thatwouldhurt—thatwouldhurtterribly…
Shelookeddownattheletterinherhand.Shecrumpleditup.She’dthrowitaway,burnit….
Itwassheerinstinctthatstoppedher.
Somedayitmightbeimportanttoproducethatletter….
Shesmootheditout,tookitdownwithherandlockeditawayinherjewelcase.
Itmightbeimportant,someday,toshowwhyRosemarytookherownlife.
V
“Andthenextthing,please?”
TheridiculousphrasecameunbiddenintoIris’smindandtwistedherlipsintoawrysmile.Theglibshopkeeper’squestionseemedtorepresentsoexactlyherowncarefullydirectedmentalprocesses.
Wasnotthatexactlywhatshewastryingtodoinhersurveyofthepast?Shehaddealtwiththesurprisingdiscoveryintheattic.Andnow—onto“thenextthing,please!”Whatwasthenextthing?
SurelytheincreasinglyoddbehaviourofGeorge.Thatdatedbackforalongtime.Littlethingsthathadpuzzledherbecameclearnowinthelightofthesurprisinginterviewlastnight.Disconnectedremarksandactionstooktheirproperplaceinthecourseofevents.
AndtherewasthereappearanceofAnthonyBrowne.Yes,perhapsthatoughttocomenextinsequence,sinceithadfollowedthefindingoftheletterbyjustoneweek.
Iriscouldn’trecallhersensationsexactly….
RosemaryhaddiedinNovember.InthefollowingMay,Iris,underthewingofLucillaDrake,hadstartedhersocialyounggirl’slife.Shehadgonetoluncheonsandteasanddanceswithout,however,enjoyingthemverymuch.Shehadfeltlistlessandunsatisfied.ItwasatasomewhatdulldancetowardstheendofJunethatsheheardavoicesaybehindher:
“ItisIrisMarle,isn’tit?”
Shehadturned,flushing,tolookintoAnthony’s—Tony’s—darkquizzicalface.
Hesaid:
“Idon’texpectyoutorememberme,but—”
Sheinterrupted.
“Oh,butIdorememberyou.OfcourseIdo!”
“Splendid.Iwasafraidyou’dhaveforgottenme.It’ssuchalongtimesinceIsawyou.”
“Iknow.NotsinceRosemary’sbirthdaypar—”
Shestopped.Thewordshadcomegaily,unthinkingly,toherlips.Nowthecolourrushedawayfromhercheeks,leavingthemwhiteanddrainedofblood.Herlipsquivered.Hereyesweresuddenlywideanddismayed.
AnthonyBrownesaidquickly:
“I’mterriblysorry.I’mabrutetohaveremindedyou.”
Irisswallowed.Shesaid:
“It’sallright.”
(NotsincethenightofRosemary’sbirthdayparty.NotsincethenightofRosemary’ssuicide.Shewouldn’tthinkofit.Shewouldnotthinkofit!)
AnthonyBrownesaidagain:
“I’mterriblysorry.Pleaseforgiveme.Shallwedance?”
Shenodded.Althoughalreadyengagedforthedancethatwasjustbeginning,shehadfloatedontothefloorinhisarms.Shesawherpartner,ablushingimmatureyoungmanwhosecollarseemedtoobigforhim,peeringaboutforher.Thesortofpartner,shethoughtscornfully,thatdebshavetoputupwith.Notlikethisman—Rosemary’sfriend.
Asharppangwentthroughher.Rosemary’sfriend.Thatletter.Haditbeenwrittentothismanshewasdancingwithnow?Somethingintheeasyfelinegracewithwhichhedancedlentsubstancetothenickname“Leopard.”HadheandRosemary—
Shesaidsharply:
“Wherehaveyoubeenallthistime?”
Heheldheralittlewayfromhim,lookingdownintoherface.Hewasunsmilingnow,hisvoiceheldcoldness.
“I’vebeentravelling—onbusiness.”
“Isee.”Shewentonuncontrollably,“Whyhaveyoucomeback?”
Hesmiledthen.Hesaidlightly:
“Perhaps—toseeyou,IrisMarle.”
Andsuddenlygatheringherupalittlecloser,heexecutedalongdaringglidethroughthedancers,amiracleoftimingandsteering.Iriswonderedwhy,withasensationthatwasalmostwhollypleasure,sheshouldfeelafraid.
SincethenAnthonyhaddefinitelybecomepartofherlife.Shesawhimatleastonceaweek.
ShemethiminthePark,atvariousdances,foundhimputnexttoheratdinner.
TheonlyplacehenevercametowasthehouseinElvastonSquare.Itwassometimebeforeshenoticedthis,soadroitlydidhemanagetoevadeorrefuseinvitationsthere.Whenshedidrealizeitshebegantowonderwhy.WasitbecauseheandRosemary—
Then,toherastonishment,George,easy-going,noninterferingGeorge,spoketoherabouthim.
“Who’sthisfellow,AnthonyBrowne,you’regoingaboutwith?Whatdoyouknowabouthim?”
Shestaredathim.
“Knowabouthim?Why,hewasafriendofRosemary’s!”
George’sfacetwitched.Heblinked.Hesaidinadullheavyvoice:
“Yes,ofcourse,sohewas.”
Iriscriedremorsefully:
“I’msorry.Ishouldn’thaveremindedyou.”
GeorgeBartonshookhishead.Hesaidgently:
“No,no,Idon’twantherforgotten.Neverthat.Afterall,”hespokeawkwardly,hiseyesaverted,“that’swhathernamemeans.Rosemary—remembrance.”Helookedfullather.“Idon’twantyoutoforgetyoursister,Iris.”
Shecaughtherbreath.
“Inevershall.”
Georgewenton:
“Butaboutthisyoungfellow,AnthonyBrowne.Rosemarymayhavelikedhim,butIdon’tbelievesheknewmuchabouthim.Youknow,you’vegottobecareful,Iris.You’reaveryrichyoungwoman.”
Akindofburningangersweptoverher.
“Tony—Anthony—hasplentyofmoneyhimself.Why,hestaysatClaridge’swhenhe’sinLondon.”
GeorgeBartonsmiledalittle.Hemurmured:
“Eminentlyrespectable—aswellascostly.Allthesame,mydear,nobodyseemstoknowmuchaboutthisfellow.”
“He’sanAmerican.”
“Perhaps.Ifso,it’soddheisn’tsponsoredmorebyhisownEmbassy.Hedoesn’tcomemuchtothishouse,doeshe?”
“No.AndIcanseewhy,ifyou’resohorridabouthim!”
Georgeshookhishead.
“Seemtohaveputmyfootinit.Ohwell.Onlywantedtogiveyouatimelywarning.I’llhaveawordwithLucilla.”
“Lucilla!”saidIrisscornfully.
Georgesaidanxiously:
“Iseverythingallright?Imean,doesLucillaseetoitthatyougetthesortoftimeyououghttohave?Parties—allthatsortofthing?”
“Yes,indeed,sheworkslikeabeaver….”
“Because,ifnot,you’veonlygottosay,youknow,child.Wecouldgetholdofsomeoneelse.Someoneyoungerandmoreuptodate.Iwantyoutoenjoyyourself.”
“Ido,George.Oh,George,Ido.”
Hesaidratherheavily:
“Thenthat’sallright.I’mnotmuchhandattheseshowsmyself—neverwas.Butseetoityougeteverythingyouwant.There’snoneedtostintexpense.”
ThatwasGeorgeallover—kind,awkward,blundering.
Truetohispromise,orthreat,he“hadaword”withMrs.DrakeonthesubjectofAnthonyBrowne,butasFatewouldhaveitthemomentwasunpropitiousforgainingLucilla’sfullattention.
Shehadjusthadacablefromthatne’er-do-wellsonwhowastheappleofhereyeandwhoknew,onlytoowell,howtowringthematernalheartstringstohisownfinancialadvantage.
“Canyousendmetwohundredpounds.Desperate.Lifeordeath.Victor.”
“Victorissohonourable.Heknowshowstraitenedmycircumstancesareandhe’dneverapplytomeexceptinthelastresource.Heneverhas.I’malwayssoafraidhe’llshoothimself.”
“Nothe,”saidGeorgeBartonunfeelingly.
“Youdon’tknowhim.I’mhismotherandnaturallyIknowwhatmyownsonislike.IshouldneverforgivemyselfifIdidn’tdowhatheasked.Icouldmanagebysellingoutthoseshares.”
Georgesighed.
“Lookhere,Lucilla.I’llgetfullinformationbycablefromoneofmycorrespondentsoutthere.We’llfindoutjustexactlywhatsortofajamVictor’sin.Butmyadvicetoyouistolethimstewinhisownjuice.He’llnevermakegooduntilyoudo.”
“You’resohard,George.Thepoorboyhasalwaysbeenunlucky—”
Georgerepressedhisopinionsonthatpoint.Neveranygoodarguingwithwomen
Hemerelysaid:
“I’llgetRuthontoitatonce.Weshouldhearbytomorrow.”
Lucillawaspartiallyappeased.Thetwohundredwaseventuallycutdowntofifty,butthatamountLucillafirmlyinsistedonsending.
George,Irisknew,providedtheamounthimselfthoughpretendingtoLucillathathewassellinghershares.IrisadmiredGeorgeverymuchforhisgenerosityandsaidso.Hisanswerwassimple.
“WayIlookatit—alwayssomeblacksheepinthefamily.Alwayssomeonewho’sgottobekept.SomeoneorotherwillhavetoforkoutforVictoruntilhedies.”
“Butitneedn’tbeyou.He’snotyourfamily.”
“Rosemary’sfamily’smine.”
“You’readarling,George.Butcouldn’tIdoit?You’realwaystellingmeI’mrolling.”
Hegrinnedather.
“Can’tdoanythingofthatkinduntilyou’retwenty-one,youngwoman.Andifyou’rewiseyouwon’tdoitthen.ButI’llgiveyouonetip.Whenafellowwiresthathe’llendeverythingunlesshegetsacoupleofhundredbyreturn,you’llusuallyfindthattwentypoundswillbeample…Idaresayatennerwoulddo!Youcan’tstopamothercoughingup,butyoucanreducetheamount—rememberthat.OfcourseVictorDrakewouldneverdoawaywithhimself,nothe!Thesepeoplewhothreatensuicideneverdoit.”
Never?IristhoughtofRosemary.Thenshepushedthethoughtaway.Georgewasn’tthinkingofRosemary.Hewasthinkingofanunscrupulous,plausibleyoungmaninRiodeJaneiro.
ThenetgainfromIris’spointofviewwasthatLucilla’smaternalpreoccupationskeptherfrompayingfullattentiontoIris’sfriendshipwithAnthonyBrowne.
So—ontothe“nextthing,Madam.”ThechangeinGeorge!Iriscouldn’tputitoffanylonger.Whenhadthatbegun?Whatwasthecauseofit?
Evennow,thinkingback,Iriscouldnotputherfingerdefinitelyonthemomentwhenitbegan.EversinceRosemary’sdeathGeorgehadbeenabstracted,hadhadfitsofinattentionandbrooding.Hehadseemedolder,heavier.Thatwasallnaturalenough.Butwhenexactlyhadhisabstractionbecomesomethingmorethannatural?
Itwas,shethought,aftertheirclashoverAnthonyBrowne,thatshehadfirstnoticedhimstaringatherinabemused,perplexedmanner.Thenheformedanewhabitofcominghomeearlyfrombusinessandshuttinghimselfupinhisstudy.Hedidn’tseemtobedoinganythingthere.Shehadgoneinonceandfoundhimsittingathisdeskstaringstraightaheadofhim.Helookedatherwhenshecameinwithdulllacklustreeyes.Hebehavedlikeamanwhohashadashock,buttoherquestionastowhatwasthematter,herepliedbriefly,“Nothing.”
Asthedayswenton,hewentaboutwiththecarewornlookofamanwhohassomedefiniteworryuponhismind.
Nobodyhadpaidverymuchattention.Iriscertainlyhadn’t.Worrieswerealwaysconveniently“Business.”
Then,atoddintervals,andwithnoseemingreason,hebegantoaskquestions.Itwasthenthatshebegantoputhismannerdownasdefinitely“queer.”
“Lookhere,Iris,didRosemaryevertalktoyoumuch?”
Irisstaredathim.
“Why,ofcourse,George.Atleast—well,aboutwhat?”
“Oh,herself—herfriends—howthingsweregoingwithher.Whethershewashappyorunhappy.Thatsortofthing.”
Shethoughtshesawwhatwasinhismind.HemusthavegotwindofRosemary’sunhappyloveaffair.
Shesaidslowly:
“Sheneversaidmuch.Imean—shewasalwaysbusy—doingthings.”
“Andyouwereonlyakid,ofcourse.Yes,Iknow.Allthesame,Ithoughtshemighthavesaidsomething.”
Helookedatherinquiringly—ratherlikeahopefuldog.
Shedidn’twantGeorgetobehurt.AndanywayRosemaryneverhadsaidanything.Sheshookherhead.
Georgesighed.Hesaidheavily:
“Oh,well,itdoesn’tmatter.”
AnotherdayheaskedhersuddenlywhoRosemary’sbestwomenfriendshadbeen.
Irisreflected.
“GloriaKing.Mrs.Atwell—MaisieAtwell.JeanRaymond.”
“Howintimatewasshewiththem?”
“Well,Idon’tknowexactly.”
“Imean,doyouthinkshemighthaveconfidedinanyofthem?”
“Idon’treallyknow…Idon’tthinkit’sawfullylikely…Whatsortofconfidencedoyoumean?”
Immediatelyshewishedshehadn’taskedthatlastquestion,butGeorge’sresponsetoitsurprisedher.
“DidRosemaryeversayshewasafraidofanybody?”
“Afraid?”Irisstared.
“WhatI’mtryingtogetatis,didRosemaryhaveanyenemies?”
“Amongstotherwomen?”
“No,no,notthatkindofthing.Realenemies.Therewasn’tanyone—thatyouknewof—who—whomighthavehaditinforher?”
Iris’sfrankstareseemedtoupsethim.Hereddened,muttered:
“Soundssilly,Iknow.Melodramatic,butIjustwondered.”
ItwasadayortwoafterthatthathestartedaskingabouttheFarradays.
HowmuchhadRosemaryseenoftheFarradays?
Iriswasdoubtful.
“Ireallydon’tknow,George.”
“Didsheevertalkaboutthem?”
“No,Idon’tthinkso.”
“Weretheyintimateatall?”
“Rosemarywasveryinterestedinpolitics.”
“Yes.AftershemettheFarradaysinSwitzerland.Nevercaredabuttonaboutpoliticsbeforethat.”
“No.IthinkStephenFarradayinterestedherinthem.Heusedtolendherpamphletsandthings.”
Georgesaid:
“WhatdidSandraFarradaythinkaboutit?”
“Aboutwhat?”
“AboutherhusbandlendingRosemarypamphlets.”
Irissaiduncomfortably:
“Idon’tknow.”
Georgesaid,“She’saveryreservedwoman.Lookscoldasice.Buttheysayshe’scrazyaboutFarraday.Sortofwomanwhomightresenthishavingafriendshipwithanotherwoman.”
“Perhaps.”
“HowdidRosemaryandFarraday’swifegeton?”
Irissaidslowly:
“Idon’tthinktheydid.RosemarylaughedatSandra.Saidshewasoneofthosestuffedpoliticalwomenlikearockinghorse.(Sheisratherlikeahorse,youknow.)Rosemaryusedtosaythat‘ifyouprickedhersawdustwouldoozeout.’”
Georgegrunted.
Thenhesaid:
“StillseeingagooddealofAnthonyBrowne?”
“Afairamount.”Iris’svoicewascold,butGeorgedidnotrepeathiswarnings.Insteadheseemedinterested.
“Knockedaboutagooddeal,hasn’the?Musthavehadaninterestinglife.Doesheevertalktoyouaboutit?”
“Notmuch.He’stravelledalot,ofcourse.”
“Business,Isuppose.”
“Isupposeso.”
“Whatishisbusiness?”
“Idon’tknow.”
“Somethingtodowitharmamentfirms,isn’tit?”
“He’sneversaid.”
“Well,needn’tmentionIasked.Ijustwondered.HewasaboutalotlastAutumnwithDewsbury,who’schairmanoftheUnitedArmsLtd…RosemarysawratheralotofAnthonyBrowne,didn’tshe?”
“Yes—yes,shedid.”
“Butshehadn’tknownhimverylong—hewasmoreorlessofacasualacquaintance?Usedtotakeherdancing,didn’the?”
“Yes.”
“Iwasrathersurprised,youknow,thatshewantedhimatherbirthdayparty.Didn’trealizesheknewhimsowell.”
Irissaidquietly:
“Hedancesverywell….”
“Yes—yes,ofcourse….”
Withoutwishingto,Irisunwillinglyletapictureofthateveningflitacrosshermind.
TheroundtableattheLuxembourg,theshadedlights,theflowers.Thedancebandwithitsinsistentrhythm.Thesevenpeopleroundthetable,herself,AnthonyBrowne,Rosemary,StephenFar-raday,RuthLessing,George,andonGeorge’sright,StephenFarraday’swife,LadyAlexandraFarradaywithherpalestraighthairandthoseslightlyarchednostrilsandhercleararrogantvoice.Suchagaypartyithadbeen,orhadn’tit?
Andinthemiddleofit,Rosemary—No,no,betternotthinkaboutthat.BetteronlytorememberherselfsittingnexttoTony—thatwasthefirsttimeshehadreallymethim.Beforethathehadbeenonlyaname,ashadowinthehall,abackaccompanyingRosemarydownthestepsinfrontofthehousetoawaitingtaxi.
Tony—
Shecamebackwithastart.Georgewasrepeatingaquestion.
“Funnyheclearedoffsosoonafter.Wheredidhego,doyouknow?”
Shesaidvaguely,“Oh,Ceylon,Ithink,orIndia.”
“Nevermentioneditthatnight.”
Irissaidsharply:
“Whyshouldhe?Andhavewegottotalkabout—thatnight?”
Hisfacecrimsonedover.
“No,no,ofcoursenot.Sorry,oldthing.Bytheway,askBrownetodinneronenight.I’dliketomeethimagain.”
Iriswasdelighted.Georgewascominground.Theinvitationwasdulygivenandaccepted,butatthelastminuteAnthonyhadtogoNorthonbusinessandcouldn’tcome.
OnedayattheendofJuly,GeorgestartledbothLucillaandIrisbyannouncingthathehadboughtahouseinthecountry.
“Boughtahouse?”Iriswasincredulous.“ButIthoughtweweregoingtorentthathouseatGoringfortwomonths?”
“Nicertohaveaplaceofone’sown—eh?Cangodownforweekendsallthroughtheyear.”
“Whereisit?Ontheriver?”
“Notexactly.Infact,notatall.Sussex.Marlingham.LittlePriors,it’scalled.Twelveacres—smallGeorgianhouse.”
“Doyoumeanyou’veboughtitwithoutusevenseeingit?”
“Ratherachance.Justcameintothemarket.Snappeditup.”
Mrs.Drakesaid:
“Isupposeitwillneedalotofdoingupandredecorating.”
Georgesaidinanoffhandway:
“Oh,that’sallright.Ruthhasseentoallthat.”
TheyreceivedthementionofRuthLessing,George’scapablesecretary,inrespectfulsilence.Ruthwasaninstitution—practicallyoneofthefamily.Goodlookinginasevereblack-and-whitekindofway,shewastheessenceofefficiencycombinedwithtact….
DuringRosemary’slifetime,ithadbeenusualforRosemarytosay,“Let’sgetRuthtoseetoit.She’smarvellous.Oh,leaveittoRuth.”
EverydifficultycouldalwaysbesmoothedoutbyMissLessing’scapablefingers.Smiling,pleasant,aloof,shesurmountedallobstacles.SheranGeorge’sofficeand,itwassuspected,ranGeorgeaswell.Hewasdevotedtoherandleaneduponherjudgementineveryway.Sheseemedtohavenoneeds,nodesiresofherown.
NeverthelessonthisoccasionLucillaDrakewasannoyed.
“MydearGeorge,capableasRuthis,well,Imean—thewomenofafamilydoliketoarrangethecolourschemeoftheirowndrawingroom!Irisshouldhavebeenconsulted.Isaynothingaboutmyself.Idonotcount.ButitisannoyingforIris.”
Georgelookedconscience-stricken.
“Iwantedittobeasurprise!”
Lucillahadtosmile.
“Whataboyyouare,George.”
Irissaid:
“Idon’tmindaboutcolourschemes.I’msureRuthwillhavemadeitperfect.She’ssoclever.Whatshallwedodownthere?There’satenniscourt,Isuppose.”
“Yes,andgolflinkssixmilesaway,andit’sonlyaboutfourteenmilestothesea.What’smoreweshallhaveneighbours.Alwayswisetogotoapartoftheworldwhereyouknowsomebody,Ithink.”
“Whatneighbours?”askedIrissharply
Georgedidnotmeethereyes.
“TheFarradays,”hesaid.“Theyliveaboutamileandahalfawayjustacrossthepark.”
Irisstaredathim.Inaminutesheleapttotheconvictionthatthewholeofthiselaboratebusiness,thepurchasingandequippingofacountryhouse,hadbeenundertakenwithoneobjectonly—tobringGeorgeintocloserelationshipwithStephenandSandraFarraday.Nearneighboursinthecountry,withadjoiningestates,thetwofamilieswereboundtobeonintimateterms.Eitherthatoradeliberatecoolness!
Butwhy?WhythispersistentharpingontheFarradays?Whythiscostlymethodofachievinganincomprehensibleaim?
DidGeorgesuspectthatRosemaryandStephenFarradayhadbeensomethingmorethanfriends?Wasthisastrangemanifestationofpostmortemjealousy?Surelythatwasathoughttoofar-fetchedforwords!
ButwhatdidGeorgewantfromtheFarradays?Whatwasthepointofalltheoddquestionshewascontinuallyshootingather,Iris?Wasn’ttheresomethingveryqueeraboutGeorgelately?
Theoddfuddledlookhehadintheevenings!Lucillaattributedittoaglassorsotoomuchofport.Lucillawould!
No,therewassomethingqueeraboutGeorgelately.Heseemedtobelabouringunderamixtureofexcitementinterlardedwithgreatspacesofcompleteapathywhenhesunkinacoma.
MostofthatAugusttheyspentinthecountryatLittlePriors.Horriblehouse!Irisshivered.Shehatedit.Agraciouswell-builthouse,harmoniouslyfurnishedanddecorated(RuthLessingwasneveratfault!).Andcuriously,frighteninglyvacant.Theydidn’tlivethere.Theyoccupiedit.Assoldiers,inawar,occupiedsomelookoutpost.
Whatmadeithorriblewastheoverlayofordinarynormalsummerliving.Peopledownforweekends,tennisparties,informaldinnerswiththeFarradays.SandraFarradayhadbeencharmingtothem—theperfectmannertoneighbourswhowerealreadyfriends.Sheintroducedthemtothecounty,advisedGeorgeandIrisabouthorses,wasprettilydeferentialtoLucillaasanolderwoman.
Andbehindthemaskofherpalesmilingfacenoonecouldknowwhatshewasthinking.Awomanlikeasphinx.
OfStephentheyhadseenless.Hewasverybusy,oftenabsentonpoliticalbusiness.ToIrisitseemedcertainthathedeliberatelyavoidedmeetingtheLittlePriorspartymorethanhecouldhelp
SoAugusthadpassedandSeptember,anditwasdecidedthatinOctobertheyshouldgobacktotheLondonhouse.
Irishaddrawnadeepbreathofrelief.Perhaps,oncetheywerebackGeorgewouldreturntohisnormalself.
Andthen,lastnight,shehadbeenrousedbyalowtappingonherdoor.Sheswitchedonthelightandglancedatthetime.Onlyoneo’clock.Shehadgonetobedathalfpasttenandithadseemedtoheritwasmuchlater.
Shethrewonadressinggownandwenttothedoor.Somehowthatseemedmorenaturalthanjusttoshout“Comein.”
Georgewasstandingoutside.Hehadnotbeentobedandwasstillinhiseveningclothes.Hisbreathwascomingunevenlyandhisfacewasacuriousbluecolour.
Hesaid:
“Comedowntothestudy,Iris.I’vegottotalktoyou.I’vegottotalktosomeone.”
Wondering,stilldazedwithsleep,sheobeyed.
Insidethestudy,heshutthedoorandmotionedhertositoppositehimatthedesk.Hepushedthecigaretteboxacrosstoher,atthesametimetakingoneandlightingit,afteroneortwoattempts,withashakinghand.
Shesaid,“Isanythingthematter,George?”
Shewasreallyalarmednow.Helookedghastly.
Georgespokebetweensmallgasps,likeamanwhohasbeenrunning.
“Ican’tgoonbymyself.Ican’tkeepitanylonger.You’vegottotellmewhatyouthink—whetherit’strue—whetherit’spossible—”
“Butwhatisityou’retalkingabout,George?”
“Youmusthavenoticedsomething,seensomething.Theremusthavebeensomethingshesaid.Theremusthavebeenareason—”
Shestaredathim.
Hepassedhishandoverhisforehead.
“Youdon’tunderstandwhatI’mtalkingabout.Icanseethat.Don’tlooksoscared,littlegirl.You’vegottohelpme.You’vegottoremembereverydamnedthingyoucan.Now,now,IknowIsoundabitincoherent,butyou’llunderstandinaminute—whenI’veshownyoutheletters.”
Heunlockedoneofthedrawersatthesideofthedeskandtookouttwosinglesheetsofpaper.
Theywereofapaleinnocuousblue,withwordsprintedontheminsmallprimletters.
“Readthat,”saidGeorge.
Irisstareddownatthepaper.Whatitsaidwasquiteclearanddevoidofcircumlocution:
“YOUTHINKYOURWIFECOMMITTEDSUICIDE.SHEDIDN’T.SHEWASKILLED.”
Thesecondran:
“YOURWIFEROSEMARYDIDN’TKILLHERSELF.SHEWASMURDERED.”
AsIrisstayedstaringatthewords,Georgewenton:
“Theycameaboutthreemonthsago.AtfirstIthoughtitwasajoke—acruelrottensortofjoke.ThenIbegantothink.WhyshouldRosemaryhavekilledherself?”
Irissaidinamechanicalvoice:
“Depressionafterinfluenza.”
“Yes,butreallywhenyoucometothinkofit,that’sratherpiffle,isn’tit?Imeanlotsofpeoplehaveinfluenzaandfeelabitdepressedafterwards—what?”
Irissaidwithaneffort:
“Shemight—havebeenunhappy?”
“Yes,Isupposeshemight.”Georgeconsideredthepointquitecalmly.“ButallthesameIdon’tseeRosemaryputtinganendtoherselfbecauseshewasunhappy.Shemightthreatento,butIdon’tthinkshewouldreallydoitwhenitcametothepoint.”
“Butshemusthavedone,George!Whatotherexplanationcouldtherebe?Why,theyevenfoundthestuffinherhandbag.”
“Iknow.Itallhangstogether.Buteversincethesecame,”hetappedtheanonymousletterswithhisfingernail,“I’vebeenturningthingsoverinmymind.AndthemoreI’vethoughtaboutitthemoreIfeelsurethere’ssomethinginit.That’swhyI’veaskedyouallthosequestions—aboutRosemaryevermakinganyenemies.Aboutanythingshe’deversaidthatsoundedasthoughshewereafraidofsomeone.Whoeverkilledhermusthavehadareason—”
“But,George,you’recrazy—”
“SometimesIthinkIam.OthertimesIknowthatI’montherighttrack.ButI’vegottoknow.I’vegottofindout.You’vegottohelpme,Iris.You’vegottothink.You’vegottoremember.That’sit—remember.Gobackoverthatnightagainandagain.Becauseyoudosee,don’tyou,thatifshewaskilled,itmusthavebeensomeonewhowasatthetablethatnight?Youdoseethat,don’tyou?”
Yes,shehadseenthat.Therewasnopushingasidetheremembranceofthatsceneanylonger.Shemustrememberitall.Themusic,therollofdrums,theloweredlights,thecabaretandthelightsgoingupagainandRosemarysprawledforwardonthetable,herfaceblueandconvulsed.
Irisshivered.Shewasfrightenednow—horriblyfrightened….
Shemustthink—goback—remember.
Rosemary,that’sforremembrance.
Therewastobenooblivion.
Two
RUTHLESSING
RuthLessing,duringamomentarylullinherbusyday,wasrememberingheremployer’swife,RosemaryBarton.
ShehaddislikedRosemaryBartonagooddeal.ShehadneverknownquitehowmuchuntilthatNovembermorningwhenshehadfirsttalkedwithVictorDrake.
ThatinterviewwithVictorhadbeenthebeginningofitall,hadsetthewholetraininmotion.Beforethen,thethingsshehadfeltandthoughthadbeensofarbelowthestreamofherconsciousnessthatshehadn’treallyknownaboutthem.
ShewasdevotedtoGeorgeBarton.Shealwayshadbeen.Whenshehadfirstcometohim,acool,competentyoungwomanoftwenty-three,shehadseenthatheneededtakingchargeof.Shehadtakenchargeofhim.Shehadsavedhimtime,moneyandworry.Shehadchosenhisfriendsforhim,anddirectedhimtosuitablehobbies.Shehadrestrainedhimfromill-advisedbusinessadventures,andencouragedhimtotakejudiciousrisksonoccasions.NeveronceintheirlongassociationhadGeorgesuspectedherofbeinganythingotherthansubservient,attentiveandentirelydirectedbyhimself.Hetookadistinctpleasureinherappearance,theneatshiningdarkhead,thesmarttailor-madesandcrispshirts,thesmallpearlsinherwell-shapedears,thepalediscreetlypowderedfaceandthefaintrestrainedroseshadeofherlipstick.
Ruth,hefelt,wasabsolutelyright.
Helikedherdetachedimpersonalmanner,hercompleteabsenceofsentimentorfamiliarity.Inconsequencehetalkedtoheragooddealabouthisprivateaffairsandshelistenedsympatheticallyandalwaysputinausefulwordofadvice.
Shehadnothingtodo,however,withhismarriage.Shedidnotlikeit.However,sheaccepteditandwasinvaluableinhelpingwiththeweddingarrangements,relievingMrs.Marleofagreatdealofwork.
Foratimeafterthemarriage,Ruthwasonslightlylessconfidentialtermswithheremployer.Sheconfinedherselfstrictlytotheofficeaffairs.Georgeleftagooddealinherhands.
NeverthelesssuchwasherefficiencythatRosemarysoonfoundthatGeorge’sMissLessingwasaninvaluableaidinallsortsofways.MissLessingwasalwayspleasant,smilingandpolite.
George,RosemaryandIrisallcalledherRuthandsheoftencametoElvastonSquaretolunch.Shewasnowtwenty-nineandlookedexactlythesameasshehadlookedattwenty-three.
Withoutanintimatewordeverpassingbetweenthem,shewasalwaysperfectlyawareofGeorge’sslightestemotionalreactions.Sheknewwhenthefirstelationofhismarriedlifepassedintoanecstaticcontent,shewasawarewhenthatcontentgavewaytosomethingelsethatwasnotsoeasytodefine.Acertaininattentiontodetailshownbyhimatthistimewascorrectedbyherownforethought.
HoweverdistraitGeorgemightbe,RuthLessingneverseemedtobeawareofit.Hewasgratefultoherforthat.
ItwasonaNovembermorningthathespoketoherofVictorDrake.
“Iwantyoutodoaratherunpleasantjobforme,Ruth?”
Shelookedathiminquiringly.Noneedtosaythatcertainlyshewoulddoit.Thatwasunderstood.
“Everyfamily’sgotablacksheep,”saidGeorge.
Shenoddedcomprehendingly.
“Thisisacousinofmywife’s—athoroughbadhat,I’mafraid.He’shalfruinedhismother—afatuoussentimentalsoulwhohassoldoutmostofwhatfewsharesshehasonhisbehalf.HestartedbyforgingachequeatOxford—theygotthathushedupandsincethenhe’sbeenshippedabouttheworld—nevermakinggoodanywhere.”
Ruthlistenedwithoutmuchinterest.Shewasfamiliarwiththetype.Theygreworanges,startedchickenfarms,wentasjackaroostoAustralianstations,gotjobswithmeat-freezingconcernsinNewZealand.Theynevermadegood,neverstayedanywherelong,andinvariablygotthroughanymoneythathadbeeninvestedontheirbehalf.Theyhadneverinterestedhermuch.Shepreferredsuccess.
“He’sturnedupnowinLondonandIfindhe’sbeenworryingmywife.Shehadn’tseteyesonhimsinceshewasaschoolgirl,buthe’saplausiblesortofscoundrelandhe’sbeenwritingtoherformoney,andI’mnotgoingtostandforthat.I’vemadeanappointmentwithhimfortwelveo’clockthismorningathishotel.Iwantyoutodealwithitforme.ThefactisIdon’twanttogetintocontactwiththefellow.I’venevermethimandIneverwanttoandIdon’twantRosemarytomeethim.Ithinkthewholethingcanbekeptabsolutelybusinesslikeifit’sfixedupthroughathirdparty.”
“Yes,thatisalwaysagoodplan.Whatisthearrangementtobe?”
“AhundredpoundscashandatickettoBuenosAires.Themoneytobegiventohimactuallyonboardtheboat.”
Ruthsmiled.
“Quiteso.Youwanttobesureheactuallysails!”
“Iseeyouunderstand.”
“It’snotanuncommoncase,”shesaidindifferently.
“No,plentyofthattypeabout.”Hehesitated.“Areyousureyoudon’tminddoingthis?”
“Ofcoursenot.”Shewasalittleamused.“IcanassureyouIamquitecapableofdealingwiththematter.”
“You’recapableofanything.”
“Whataboutbookinghispassage?What’shisname,bytheway?”
“VictorDrake.Theticket’shere.Irangupthesteamshipcompanyyesterday.It’stheSanCristobal,sailsfromTilburytomorrow.”
Ruthtooktheticket,glancedoverittomakesureofitscorrectnessandputitintoherhandbag.
“That’ssettled.I’llseetoit.Twelveo’clock.Whataddress?”
“TheRupert,offRussellSquare.”
Shemadeanoteofit.
“Ruth,mydear,Idon’tknowwhatIshoulddowithoutyou—”Heputahandonhershoulderaffectionately;itwasthefirsttimehehadeverdonesuchathing.“You’remyrighthand,myotherself.”
Sheflushed,pleased.
“I’veneverbeenabletosaymuch—I’vetakenallyoudoforgranted—butit’snotreallylikethat.Youdon’tknowhowmuchIrelyonyouforeverything—”herepeated:“everything.You’rethekindest,dearest,mosthelpfulgirlintheworld!”
Ruthsaid,laughingtohideherpleasureandembarrassment,“You’llspoilmesayingsuchnicethings.”
“Oh,butImeanthem.You’repartofthefirm,Ruth.Lifewithoutyouwouldbeunthinkable.”
Shewentoutfeelingawarmglowathiswords.ItwasstillwithherwhenshearrivedattheRupertHotelonhererrand.
Ruthfeltnoembarrassmentatwhatlaybeforeher.Shewasquiteconfidentofherpowerstodealwithanysituation.Hard-luckstoriesandpeopleneverappealedtoher.ShewaspreparedtotakeVictorDrakeasallintheday’swork.
Hewasverymuchasshehadpicturedhim,thoughperhapsdefinitelymoreattractive.Shemadenomistakeinherestimateofhischaracter.TherewasnotmuchgoodinVictorDrake.Ascoldheartedandcalculatingapersonalityascouldexist,wellmaskedbehindanagreeabledevilry.Whatshehadnotallowedforwashispowerofreadingotherpeople’ssouls,andthepractisedeasewithwhichhecouldplayontheemotions.Perhaps,too,shehadunderestimatedherownresistancetohischarm.Forhehadcharm.
Hegreetedherwithanairofdelightedsurprise.
“George’semissary?Buthowwonderful.Whatasurprise!”
Indryeventones,shesetoutGeorge’sterms.Victoragreedtotheminthemostamiablemanner.
“Ahundredpounds?Notbadatall.PooroldGeorge.I’dhavetakensixty—butdon’ttellhimso!Conditions:—‘DonotworrylovelyCousinRosemary—donotcontaminateinnocentCousinIris—donotembarrassworthyCousinGeorge.’Allagreedto!WhoiscomingtoseemeoffontheSanCristobal?Youare,mydearMissLessing?Delightful.”Hewrinkleduphisnose,hisdarkeyestwinkledsympathetically.Hehadaleanbrownfaceandtherewasasuggestionabouthimofatoreador—romanticconception!Hewasattractivetowomenandknewit!
“You’vebeenwithBartonsometime,haven’tyou,MissLessing?”
“Sixyears.”
“Andhewouldn’tknowwhattodowithoutyou.Ohyes,Iknowallaboutit.AndIknowallaboutyou,MissLessing.”
“Howdoyouknow?”askedRuthsharply
Victorgrinned.“Rosemarytoldme.”
“Rosemary?But—”
“That’sallright.Idon’tproposetoworryRosemaryanyfurther.She’salreadybeenverynicetome—quitesympathetic.Igotahundredoutofher,asamatteroffact.”
“You—”
RuthstoppedandVictorlaughed.Hislaughwasinfectious.Shefoundherselflaughingtoo.
“That’stoobadofyou,Mr.Drake.”
“I’maveryaccomplishedsponger.Highlyfinishedtechnique.Themater,forinstance,willalwayscomeacrossifIsendawirehintingatimminentsuicide.”
“Yououghttobeashamedofyourself.”
“Idisapproveofmyselfverydeeply.I’mabadlot,MissLessing.I’dlikeyoutoknowjusthowbad.”
“Why?”Shewascurious.
“Idon’tknow.You’redifferent.Icouldn’tplayuptheusualtechniquetoyou.Thosecleareyesofyours—youwouldn’tfallforit.No,‘Moresinnedagainstthansinning,poorfellow,’wouldn’tcutanyicewithyou.You’venopityinyou.”
Herfacehardened.
“Idespisepity.”
“Inspiteofyourname?Ruthisyourname,isn’tit?Piquantthat.Ruththeruthless.”
Shesaid,“I’venosympathywithweakness!”
“WhosaidIwasweak?No,no,you’rewrongthere,mydear.Wicked,perhaps.Butthere’sonethingtobesaidforme.”
Herlipcurledalittle.Theinevitableexcuse.
“Yes?”
“Ienjoymyself.Yes,”henodded,“Ienjoymyselfimmensely.I’veseenagooddealoflife,Ruth.I’vedonealmosteverything.I’vebeenanactorandastorekeeperandawaiterandanoddjobman,andaluggageporter,andapropertymaninacircus!I’vesailedbeforethemastinatrampsteamer.I’vebeenintherunningforPresidentinaSouthAmericanRepublic.I’vebeeninprison!ThereareonlytwothingsI’veneverdone,anhonestday’swork,orpaidmyownway.”
Helookedather,laughing.Sheought,shefelt,tohavebeenrevolted.ButthestrengthofVictorDrakewasthestrengthofthedevil.Hecouldmakeevilseemamusing.Hewaslookingathernowwiththatuncannypenetration.
“Youneedn’tlooksosmug,Ruth!Youhaven’tasmanymoralsasyouthinkyouhave!Successisyourfetish.You’rethekindofgirlwhoendsupbymarryingtheboss.That’swhatyououghttohavedonewithGeorge.Georgeoughtn’ttohavemarriedthatlittleassRosemary.Heoughttohavemarriedyou.He’dhavedoneadamnedsightbetterforhimselfifhehad.”
“Ithinkyou’reratherinsulting.”
“Rosemary’sadamnedfool,alwayshasbeen.Lovelyasparadiseanddumbasarabbit.She’sthekindmenfallforbutneverstickto.Nowyou—you’redifferent.MyGod,ifamanfellinlovewithyou—he’dnevertire.”
Hehadreachedthevulnerablespot.Shesaidwithsuddenrawsincerity:
“If!Buthewouldn’tfallinlovewithme!”
“YoumeanGeorgedidn’t?Don’tfoolyourself,Ruth.IfanythinghappenedtoRosemary,Georgewouldmarryyoulikeashot.”
(Yes,thatwasit.Thatwasthebeginningofitall.)
Victorsaid,watchingher:
“ButyouknowthataswellasIdo.”
(George’shandonhers,hisvoiceaffectionate,warm—Yes,surelyitwastrue…Heturnedtoher,dependedonher…)
Victorsaidgently:“Yououghttohavemoreconfidenceinyourself,mydeargirl.YoucouldtwistGeorgeroundyourlittlefinger.Rosemary’sonlyasillylittlefool.”
“It’strue,”Ruththought.“Ifitweren’tforRosemary,IcouldmakeGeorgeaskmetomarryhim.I’dbegoodtohim.I’dlookafterhimwell.”
Shefeltasuddenblindanger,anuprushingofpassionateresentment.VictorDrakewaswatchingherwithagooddealofamusement.Helikedputtingideasintopeople’sheads.Or,asinthiscase,showingthemtheideasthatwerealreadythere….
Yes,thatwashowitstarted—thatchancemeetingwiththemanwhowasgoingtotheothersideoftheglobeonthefollowingday.TheRuthwhocamebacktotheofficewasnotquitethesameRuthwhohadleftit,thoughnoonecouldhavenoticedanythingdifferentinhermannerorappearance.
ShortlyaftershehadreturnedtotheofficeRosemaryBartonranguponthetelephone.
“Mr.Bartonhasjustgoneouttolunch.CanIdoanything?”
“Oh,Ruth,wouldyou?ThattiresomeColonelRacehassentatelegramtosayhewon’tbebackintimeformyparty.AskGeorgewhohe’dliketoaskinstead.Wereallyoughttohaveanotherman.Therearefourwomen—IrisiscomingasatreatandSandraFarradayand—whoonearth’stheother?Ican’tremember.”
“I’mthefourth,Ithink.Youverykindlyaskedme.”
“Oh,ofcourse.I’dforgottenallaboutyou!”
Rosemary’slaughcamelightandtinkling.Shecouldnotseethesuddenflush,thehardlineofRuthLessing’sjaw.
AskedtoRosemary’spartyasafavour—aconcessiontoGeorge!“Oh,yes,we’llhaveyourRuthLessing.Afterallshe’llbepleasedtobeasked,andsheisawfullyuseful.Shelooksquitepresentabletoo.”
InthatmomentRuthLessingknewthatshehatedRosemaryBarton.
Hatedherforbeingrichandbeautifulandcarelessandbrainless.NoroutinehardworkinanofficeforRosemary—everythinghandedtoheronagoldenplatter.Loveaffairs,adotinghusband—noneedtoworkorplan—
Hateful,condescending,stuck-up,frivolousbeauty….
“Iwishyouweredead,”saidRuthLessinginalowvoicetothesilenttelephone.
Herownwordsstartledher.Theyweresounlikeher.Shehadneverbeenpassionate,nevervehement,neverbeenanythingbutcoolandcontrolledandefficient.
Shesaidtoherself:“What’shappeningtome?”
ShehadhatedRosemaryBartonthatafternoon.ShestillhatedRosemaryBartononthisdayayearlater.
Someday,perhaps,shewouldbeabletoforgetRosemaryBarton.Butnotyet.
ShedeliberatelysenthermindbacktothoseNovemberdays.
Sittinglookingatthetelephone—feelinghatredsurgeupinherheart…
GivingRosemary’smessagetoGeorgeinherpleasantcontrolledvoice.Suggestingthatsheherselfshouldnotcomesoastoleavethenumbereven.Georgehadquicklyoverriddenthat!
ComingintoreportnextmorningonthesailingoftheSanCristobal.George’sreliefandgratitude.
“Sohe’ssailedonherallright?”
“Yes.Ihandedhimthemoneyjustbeforethegangwaywastakenup.”Shehesitatedandsaid,“Hewavedhishandastheboatbackedawayfromthequayandcalledout‘LoveandkissestoGeorgeandtellhimI’lldrinkhishealthtonight.’”
“Impudence!”saidGeorge.Heaskedcuriously,“Whatdidyouthinkofhim,Ruth?”
Hervoicewasdeliberatelycolourlessasshereplied:
“Oh—muchasIexpected.Aweaktype.”
AndGeorgesawnothing,noticednothing!Shefeltlikecryingout:“Whydidyousendmetoseehim?Didn’tyouknowwhathemightdotome?Don’tyourealizethatI’madifferentpersonsinceyesterday?Can’tyouseethatI’mdangerous?Thatthere’snoknowingwhatImaydo?”
Insteadshesaidinherbusinesslikevoice,“AboutthatSanPauloletter—”
Shewasthecompetentefficientsecretary….
Fivemoredays.
Rosemary’sbirthday.
Aquietdayattheoffice—avisittothehairdresser—theputtingonofanewblackfrock,atouchofmakeupskilfullyapplied.Afacelookingatherintheglassthatwasnotquiteherownface.Apale,determined,bitterface.
ItwastruewhatVictorDrakehadsaid.Therewasnopityinher.
Later,whenshewasstaringacrossthetableatRosemaryBarton’sblueconvulsedface,shestillfeltnopity.
Now,elevenmonthslater,thinkingofRosemaryBarton,shefeltsuddenlyafraid….
Three
ANTHONYBROWNE
AnthonyBrownewasfrowningintothemiddledistanceashethoughtaboutRosemaryBarton.
Adamnedfoolhehadbeenevertogetmixedupwithher.Thoughamanmightbeexcusedforthat!Certainlyshewaseasyupontheeyes.ThateveningattheDorchesterhe’dbeenabletolookatnothingelse.Asbeautifulasahouri—andprobablyjustaboutasintelligent!
Stillhe’dfallenforherratherbadly.Usedupalotofenergytryingtofindsomeonewhowouldintroducehim.Quiteunforgivablereallywhenheoughttohavebeenattendingstrictlytobusiness.Afterall,hewasn’tidlinghisdaysawayatClaridge’sforpleasure.
ButRosemaryBartonwaslovelyenoughinallconsciencetoexcuseanymomentarylapsefromduty.Allverywelltokickhimselfnowandwonderwhyhe’dbeensuchafool.Fortunatelytherewasnothingtoregret.Almostassoonashespoketoherthecharmhadfadedalittle.Thingsresumedtheirnormalproportions.Thiswasn’tlove—noryetinfatuation.Agoodtimewastobehadbyall,nomore,noless.
Well,he’denjoyedit.AndRosemaryhadenjoyedittoo.Shedancedlikeanangelandwhereverhetookhermenturnedroundtostareather.Itgaveafellowapleasantfeeling.Solongasyoudidn’texpecthertotalk.Hethankedhisstarshewasn’tmarriedtoher.Onceyougotusedtoallthatperfectionoffaceandformwherewouldyoube?Shecouldn’tevenlistenintelligently.Thesortofgirlwhowouldexpectyoutotellhereverymorningatthebreakfasttablethatyoulovedherpassionately!
Oh,allverywelltothinkthosethingsnow.
He’dfallenforherallright,hadn’the?
Dancedattendanceonher.Rungherup,takenherout,dancedwithher,kissedherinthetaxi.Beeninafairwaytomakingratherafoolofhimselfoverheruntilthatstartling,thatincredibleday.
Hecouldrememberjusthowshehadlooked,thepieceofchestnuthairthathadfallenlooseoveroneear,theloweredlashesandthegleamofherdarkblueeyesthroughthem.Thepoutofthesoftredlips.
“AnthonyBrowne.It’sanicename!”
Hesaidlightly:
“Eminentlywellestablishedandrespectable.TherewasachamberlaintoHenrytheEighthcalledAnthonyBrowne.”
“Anancestor,Isuppose?”
“Iwouldn’tsweartothat.”
“You’dbetternot!”
Heraisedhiseyebrows.
“I’mtheColonialbranch.”
“NottheItalianone?”
“Oh,”helaughed.“Myolivecomplexion?IhadaSpanishmother.”
“Thatexplainsit.”
“Explainswhat?”
“Agreatdeal,Mr.AnthonyBrowne.”
“You’reveryfondofmyname.”
“Isaidso.It’sanicename.”
Andthenquicklylikeaboltfromtheblue:“NicerthanTonyMorelli.”
Foramomenthecouldhardlybelievehisears!Itwasincredible!Impossible!
Hecaughtherbythearm.Intheharshnessofhisgripshewincedaway.
“Oh,you’rehurtingme!”
“Wheredidyougetholdofthatname?”
Hisvoicewasharsh,menacing.
Shelaughed,delightedwiththeeffectshehadproduced.Theincrediblelittlefool!
“Whotoldyou?”
“Someonewhorecognizedyou.”
“Whowasit?Thisisserious,Rosemary.I’vegottoknow.”
Sheshotasidewaysglanceathim.
“Adisreputablecousinofmine,VictorDrake.”
“I’venevermetanyoneofthatname.”
“Iimaginehewasn’tusingthatnameatthetimeyouknewhim.Savingthefamilyfeelings.”
Anthonysaidslowly.“Isee.Itwas—inprison?”
“Yes.IwasreadingVictortheriotact—tellinghimhewasadisgracetousall.Hedidn’tcare,ofcourse.Thenhegrinnedandsaid,‘Youaren’talwayssoparticularyourself,sweetheart.Isawyoutheothernightdancingwithanex-gaolbird—oneofyourbestboyfriends,infact.CallshimselfAnthonyBrowne,Ihear,butinstirhewasTonyMorelli.’”
Anthonysaidinalightvoice:
“Imustrenewmyacquaintancewiththisfriendofmyyouth.Weoldprisontiesmuststicktogether.”
Rosemaryshookherhead.“Toolate.He’sbeenshippedofftoSouthAmerica.Hesailedyesterday.”
“Isee.”Anthonydrewadeepbreath.“Soyou’retheonlypersonwhoknowsmyguiltysecret?”
Shenodded.“Iwon’ttellonyou.”
“You’dbetternot.”Hisvoicegrewstern.“Lookhere,Rosemary,thisisdangerous.Youdon’twantyourlovelyfacecarvedup,doyou?Therearepeoplewhodon’tstickatalittlethinglikeruiningagirl’sbeauty.Andthere’ssuchathingasbeingbumpedoff.Itdoesn’tonlyhappeninbooksandfilms.Ithappensinreallife,too.”
“Areyouthreateningme,Tony?”
“Warningyou.”
Wouldshetakethewarning?Didsherealizethathewasindeadlyearnest?Sillylittlefool.Nosenseinthatlovelyemptyhead.Youcouldn’trelyonhertokeephermouthshut.Allthesamehe’dhavetotryandramhismeaninghome.
“Forgetyou’veeverheardthenameofTonyMorelli,doyouunderstand?”
“ButIdon’tmindabit,Tony.I’mquitebroadminded.It’squiteathrillformetomeetacriminal.Youneedn’tfeelashamedofit.”
Theabsurdlittleidiot.Helookedathercoldly.Hewonderedinthatmomenthowhecouldeverhavefanciedhecared.He’dneverbeenabletosufferfoolsgladly—notevenfoolswithprettyfaces.
“ForgetaboutTonyMorelli,”hesaidgrimly.“Imeanit.Nevermentionthatnameagain.”
He’dhavetogetout.Thatwastheonlythingtodo.Therewasnorelyingonthisgirl’ssilence.She’dtalkwhenevershefeltinclined.
Shewassmilingathim—anenchantingsmile,butitlefthimunmoved.
“Don’tbesofierce.TakemetotheJarrows’dancenextweek.”
“Ishan’tbehere.I’mgoingaway.”
“Notbeforemybirthdayparty.Youcan’tletmedown.I’mcountingonyou.Nowdon’tsayno.I’vebeenmiserablyillwiththathorrid’fluandI’mstillfeelingterriblyweak.Imusn’tbecrossed.You’vegottocome.”
Hemighthavestoodfirm.Hemighthavechuckeditall—gonerightaway.
Instead,throughanopendoor,hesawIriscomingdownthestairs.Iris,verystraightandslim,withherpalefaceandblackhairandgreyeyes.IriswithmuchlessthanRosemary’sbeautyandwithallthecharacterthatRosemarywouldneverhave.
Inthatmomenthehatedhimselfforhavingfallenavictim,inhoweversmalladegree,toRosemary’sfacilecharm.HefeltasRomeofeltrememberingRosalinewhenhehadfirstseenJuliet.
AnthonyBrownechangedhismind.
Intheflashofasecondhecommittedhimselftoatotallydifferentcourseofaction.
Four
STEPHENFARRADAY
StephenFarradaywasthinkingofRosemary—thinkingofherwiththatincredulousamazementthatherimagealwaysarousedinhim.Usuallyhebanishedallthoughtsofherfromhismindaspromptlyastheyarose—butthereweretimeswhen,persistentindeathasshehadbeeninlife,sherefusedtobethusarbitrarilydismissed.
Hisfirstreactionwasalwaysthesame,aquickirresponsibleshudderasherememberedthesceneintherestaurant.Atleastheneednotthinkagainofthat.Histhoughtsturnedfurtherback,toRosemaryalive,Rosemarysmiling,breathing,gazingintohiseyes….
Whatafool—whatanincrediblefoolhehadbeen!
Andamazementheldhim,sheerbewilderedamazement.Howhaditallcomeabout?Hesimplycouldnotunderstandit.Itwasasthoughhislifeweredividedintotwoparts,one,thelargerpart,asanewell-balancedorderlyprogression,theotherabriefuncharacteristicmadness.Thetwopartssimplydidnotfit.
Forwithallhisabilityandhisclever,shrewdintellect,Stephenhadnottheinnerperceptiontoseethatactuallytheyfittedonlytoowell.
Sometimeshelookedbackoverhislife,appraisingitcoldlyandwithoutundueemotion,butwithacertainpriggishself-congratulation.Fromaveryearlyagehehadbeendeterminedtosucceedinlife,andinspiteofdifficultiesandcertaininitialdisadvantageshehadsucceeded.
Hehadalwayshadacertainsimplicityofbeliefandoutlook.HebelievedintheWill.Whatamanwilled,thathecoulddo!
LittleStephenFarradayhadsteadfastlycultivatedhisWill.Hecouldlookforlittlehelpinlifesavethatwhichhegotbyhisownefforts.Asmallpaleboyofseven,withagoodforeheadandadeterminedchin,hemeanttorise—andrisehigh.Hisparents,healreadyknew,wouldbeofnousetohim.Hismotherhadmarriedbeneathherstationinlife—andregrettedit.Hisfather,asmallbuilder,shrewd,cunningandcheeseparing,wasdespisedbyhiswifeandalsobyhisson….Forhismother,vague,aimless,andgiventoextraordinaryvariationsofmood,Stephenfeltonlyapuzzledincomprehensionuntilthedayhefoundherslumpeddownonthecornerofatablewithanemptyeau-de-Colognebottlefallenfromherhand.Hehadneverthoughtofdrinkasanexplanationofhismother’smoods.Sheneverdrankspiritsorbeer,andhehadneverrealizedthatherpassionforeaudeColognehadhadanyotheroriginthanhervagueexplanationofheadaches.
Herealizedinthatmomentthathehadlittleaffectionforhisparents.Hesuspectedshrewdlythattheyhadnotmuchforhim.Hewassmallforhisage,quiet,withatendencytostammer.Namby-pambyhisfathercalledhim.Awell-behavedchild,littletroubleinthehouse.Hisfatherwouldhavepreferredamorerumbustioustype.“AlwaysgettingintomischiefIwas,athisage.”Sometimes,lookingatStephen,hefeltuneasilyhisownsocialinferioritytohiswife.Stephentookafterherfolk.
Quietly,withgrowingdetermination,Stephenmappedouthisownlife.Hewasgoingtosucceed.Asafirsttestofwill,hedeterminedtomasterhisstammer.Hepractisedspeakingslowly,withaslighthesitationbetweeneveryword.Andintimehiseffortswerecrownedwithsuccess.Henolongerstammered.Inschoolheappliedhimselftohislessons.Heintendedtohaveeducation.Educationgotyousomewhere.Soonhisteachersbecameinterested,encouragedhim.Hewonascholarship.Hisparentswereapproachedbytheeducationalauthorities—theboyhadpromise.Mr.Farraday,doingwelloutofarowofjerry-builthouses,waspersuadedtoinvestmoneyinhisson’seducation.
Attwenty-twoStephencamedownfromOxfordwithagooddegree,areputationasagoodandwittyspeaker,andaknackofwritingarticles.Hehadalsomadesomeusefulfriends.Politicswerewhatattractedhim.Hehadlearnttoovercomehisnaturalshynessandtocultivateanadmirablesocialmanner—modest,friendly,andwiththattouchofbrilliancethatledpeopletosay,“Thatyoungmanwillgofar.”ThoughbypredilectionaLiberal,Stephenrealizedthatforthemoment,atleast,theLiberalPartywasdead.HejoinedtheranksoftheLabourParty.Hisnamesoonbecameknownasthatofa“coming”youngman.ButtheLabourPartydidnotsatisfyStephen.Hefounditlessopentonewideas,morehideboundbytraditionthanitsgreatandpowerfulrival.TheConservatives,ontheotherhand,wereonthelookoutforpromisingyoungtalent.
TheyapprovedofStephenFarraday—hewasjustthetypetheywanted.HecontestedafairlysolidLabourconstituencyandwonitbyaverynarrowmajority.ItwaswithafeelingoftriumphthatStephentookhisseatintheHouseofCommons.Hiscareerhadbegunandthiswastherightcareerhehadchosen.Intothishecouldputallhisability,allhisambition.Hefeltinhimtheabilitytogovern,andtogovernwell.Hehadatalentforhandlingpeople,forknowingwhentoflatterandwhentooppose.Oneday,hesworeit,hewouldbeintheCabinet.
Nevertheless,oncetheexcitementofactuallybeingintheHousehadsubsided,heexperiencedswiftdisillusionment.Thehardlyfoughtelectionhadputhiminthelimelight,nowhewasdownintherut,amereinsignificantunitoftherankandfile,subservienttothepartywhips,andkeptinhisplace.Itwasnoteasyheretoriseoutofobscurity.Youthherewaslookeduponwithsuspicion.Oneneededsomethingaboveability.Oneneededinfluence.
Therewerecertaininterests.Certainfamilies.Youhadtobesponsored.
Heconsideredmarriage.Uptonowhehadthoughtverylittleaboutthesubject.Hehadadimpictureinthebackofhismindofsomehandsomecreaturewhowouldstandhandinhandwithhimsharinghislifeandhisambitions;whowouldgivehimchildrenandtowhomhecouldunburdenhisthoughtsandperplexities.Somewomanwhofeltashedidandwhowouldbeeagerforhissuccessandproudofhimwhenheachievedit.
ThenonedayhewenttooneofthebigreceptionsatKidderminsterHouse.TheKidderminsterconnectionwasthemostpowerfulinEngland.Theywere,andalwayshadbeen,agreatpoliticalfamily.LordKidderminster,withhislittleImperial,histall,distinguishedfigure,wasknownbysighteverywhere.LadyKidderminster’slargerockinghorsefacewasfamiliaronpublicplatformsandoncommitteesalloverEngland.Theyhadfivedaughters,threeofthembeautiful,andonesonstillatEton.
TheKidderminstersmadeapointofencouraginglikelyyoungmembersoftheParty.HenceFarraday’sinvitation.
Hedidnotknowmanypeoplethereandhewasstandingalonenearawindowabouttwentyminutesafterhisarrival.ThecrowdbytheteatablewasthinningoutandpassingintotheotherroomswhenStephennoticedatallgirlinblackstandingalonebythetablelookingforamomentslightlyataloss.
StephenFarradayhadaverygoodeyeforfaces.HehadpickedupthatverymorningintheTubea“HomeGossip”discardedbyawomantravellerandglancedoveritwithslightamusement.TherehadbeenarathersmudgyreproductionofLadyAlexandraHayle,thirddaughteroftheEarlofKidderminster,andbelowagossipylittleextractabouther—“.
ThatwasLadyAlexandraHaylestandingthere,andwiththeunerringperceptionofashyperson,Stephenknewthatshe,too,wasshy.Theplainestofthefivedaughters,Alexandrahadalwayssufferedunderasenseofinferiority.Giventhesameeducationandupbringingashersisters,shehadneverquiteattainedtheirsavoirfaire,whichannoyedhermotherconsiderably.Sandramustmakeaneffort—itwasabsurdtoappearsoawkward,sogauche.
Stephendidnotknowthat,butheknewthatthegirlwasillateaseandunhappy.Andsuddenlyarushofconvictioncametohim.Thiswashischance!“Takeit,youfool,takeit!It’snowornever!”
Hecrossedtheroomtothelongbuffet.Standingbesidethegirlhepickedupasandwich.Then,turning,andspeakingnervouslyandwithaneffort(noacting,that—hewasnervous!)hesaid:
“Isay,doyoumindifIspeaktoyou?Idon’tknowmanypeoplehereandIcanseeyoudon’teither.Don’tsnubme.AsamatteroffactI’mawfullys-s-shy”(hisstammerofyearsagocamebackatamostopportunemoment)“and—andIthinkyou’res-s-shytoo,aren’tyou?”
Thegirlflushed—hermouthopened.Butashehadguessed,shecouldnotsayit.Toodifficulttofindwordstosay“I’mthedaughterofthehouse.”Insteadsheadmittedquietly:
“Asamatteroffact,I—Iamshy.Ialwayshavebeen.”
Stephenwentonquickly:
“It’sahorriblefeeling.Idon’tknowwhetheroneevergetsoverit.SometimesIfeelabsolutelytongue-tied.”
“SodoI.”
Hewenton—talkingratherquickly,stammeringalittle—hismannerwasboyish,appealing.Itwasamannerthathadbeennaturaltohimafewyearsagoandwhichwasnowconsciouslyretainedandcultivated.Itwasyoung,na?ve,disarming.
Heledtheconversationsoontothesubjectofplays,mentionedonethatwasrunningwhichhadattractedagooddealofinterest.Sandrahadseenit.Theydiscussedit.Ithaddealtwithsomepointofthesocialservicesandtheyweresoondeepinadiscussionofthesemeasures.
Stephendidnotoverdothings.HesawLadyKidderminsterenteringtheroom,hereyesinsearchofherdaughter.Itwasnopartofhisplantobeintroducednow.Hemurmuredagood-bye.
“Ihaveenjoyedtalkingtoyou.IwassimplyhatingthewholeshowtillIfoundyou.Thankyou.”
HeleftKidderminsterHousewithafeelingofexhilaration.Hehadtakenhischance.Nowtoconsolidatewhathehadstarted.
ForseveraldaysafterthathehauntedtheneighbourhoodofKidderminsterHouse.OnceSandracameoutwithoneofhersisters.Oncesheleftthehousealone,butwithahurriedstep.Heshookhishead.Thatwouldnotdo,shewasobviouslyenroutetosomeparticularappointment.Then,aboutaweekaftertheparty,hispatiencewasrewarded.ShecameoutonemorningwithasmallblackScottiedogandsheturnedwithaleisurelystepinthedirectionofthePark.
Fiveminuteslater,ayoungmanwalkingrapidlyintheoppositedirectionpulledupshortandstoppedinfrontofSandra.Heexclaimedblithely:
“Isay,whatluck!IwonderedifI’deverseeyouagain.”
Histonewassodelightedthatsheblushedjustalittle.
Hestoopedtothedog.
“Whatajollylittlefellow.What’shisname?”
“MacTavish.”
“Oh,veryScotch.”
Theytalkeddogforsomemoments.ThenStephensaid,withatraceofembarrassment:
“Inevertoldyoumynametheotherday.It’sFarraday.StephenFarraday.I’manobscureM.P.”
Helookedinquiringlyandsawthecolourcomeupinhercheeksagainasshesaid:“I’mAlexandraHayle.”
Herespondedtothatverywell.HemighthavebeenbackintheO.U.D.S.Surprise,recognition,dismay,embarrassment!
“Oh,you’re—you’reLadyAlexandraHayle—you—mygoodness!Whatastupidfoolyoumusthavethoughtmetheotherday!”
Heransweringmovewasinevitable.Shewasboundbothbyherbreedingandhernaturalkindlinesstodoallshecouldtoputhimathisease,toreassurehim
“Ioughttohavetoldyouatthetime.”
“Ioughttohaveknown.Whatanoafyoumustthinkme!”
“Howshouldyouhaveknown?Whatdoesitmatteranyway?Please,Mr.Farraday,don’tlooksoupset.Let’swalktotheSerpentine.Look,MacTavishissimplypulling.”
Afterthat,hemetherseveraltimesinthePark.Hetoldherhisambitions.Togethertheydiscussedpoliticaltopics.Hefoundherintelligent,well-informedandsympathetic.Shehadgoodbrainsandasingularlyunbiasedmind.Theywerefriendsnow.
ThenextadvancecamewhenhewasaskedtodinneratKidderminsterHouseandtogoontoadance.Amanhadfallenthroughatthelastmoment.WhenLadyKidderminsterwasrackingherbrainsSandrasaidquietly:
“WhataboutStephenFarraday?”
“StephenFarraday?”
“Yes,hewasatyourpartytheotherdayandI’vemethimonceortwicesince.”
LordKidderminsterwasconsultedandwasallinfavourofencouragingtheyounghopefulsofthepoliticalworld.
“Brilliantyoungfellow—quitebrilliant.Neverheardofhispeople,buthe’llmakeanameforhimselfoneofthesedays.”
Stephencameandacquittedhimselfwell
“Ausefulyoungmantoknow,”saidLadyKidderminsterwithunconsciousarrogance.
TwomonthslaterStephenputhisfortunestothetest.TheywerebytheSerpentineandMacTavishsatwithhisheadonSandra’sfoot.
“Sandra,youknow—youmustknowthatIloveyou.Iwantyoutomarryme.Iwouldn’taskyouifIdidn’tbelievethatIshallmakeanameformyselfoneday.Idobelieveit.Youshan’tbeashamedofyourchoice.Iswearit.”
Shesaid,“I’mnotashamed.”
“Thenyoudocare?”
“Didn’tyouknow?”
“Ihoped—butIcouldn’tbesure.DoyouknowthatI’velovedyousincethatveryfirstmomentwhenIsawyouacrosstheroomandtookmycourageinbothhandsandcametospeaktoyou.Iwasnevermoreterrifiedinmylife.”
Shesaid,“IthinkIlovedyouthen,too….”
Itwasnotallplainsailing.Sandra’squietannouncementthatshewasgoingtomarryStephenFarradaysentherfamilyintoimmediateprotests.Whowashe?Whatdidtheyknowabouthim?
ToLordKidderminsterStephenwasquitefrankabouthisfamilyandorigin.Hesparedafleetingthoughtthatitwasjustaswellforhisprospectsthathisparentswerenowbothdead.
Tohiswife,LordKidderminstersaid,“H’m,itmightbeworse.”
Heknewhisdaughterfairlywell,knewthatherquietmannerhidinflexiblepurpose.Ifshemeanttohavethefellowshewouldhavehim.She’dnevergivein!
“Thefellow’sgotacareeraheadofhim.Withabitofbackinghe’llgofar.Heavenknowswecoulddowithsomeyoungblood.Heseemsadecentchap,too.”
LadyKidderminsterassentedgrudgingly.Itwasnotatallherideaofagoodmatchforherdaughter.Still,Sandrawascertainlythemostdifficultofthefamily.SusanhadbeenabeautyandEstherhadbrains.Diana,cleverchild,hadmarriedtheyoungDukeofHarwich—thepartioftheseason.Sandrahadcertainlylesscharm—therewashershyness—andifthisyoungmanhadafutureaseveryoneseemedtothink….
Shecapitulated,murmuring:
“But,ofcourse,onewillhavetouseinfluence….”
SoAlexandraCatherineHayletookStephenLeonardFarradayforbetterandforworse,inwhitesatinandBrusselslace,withsixbridesmaidsandtwominutepagesandalltheaccessoriesofafashionablewedding.TheywenttoItalyforthehoneymoonandcamebacktoasmallcharminghouseinWestminster,andashorttimeafterwardsSandra’sgodmotherdiedandleftheraverydelightfulsmallQueenAnneManorhouseinthecountry.Everythingwentwellfortheyoungmarriedpair.StephenplungedintoParliamentarylifewithrenewedardour,Sandraaidedandabettedhimineveryway,identifyingherselfheartandsoulwithhisambitions.Sometimes,StephenwouldthinkwithanalmostincredulousrealizationofhowFortunehadfavouredhim!HisalliancewiththepowerfulKidderminsterfactionassuredhimofrapidriseinhiscareer.Hisownabilityandbrilliancewouldconsolidatethepositionthatopportunitymadeforhim.Hebelievedhonestlyinhisownpowersandwaspreparedtoworkunsparinglyforthegoodofhiscountry.
Often,lookingacrossthetableathiswife,hefeltgladlywhataperfecthelpmateshewas—justwhathehadalwaysimagined.Helikedthelovelycleanlinesofherheadandneck,thedirecthazeleyesundertheirlevelbrows,theratherhighwhiteforeheadandthefaintarroganceofheraquilinenose.Shelooked,hethought,ratherlikearacehorse—sowellgroomed,soinstinctwithbreeding,soproud.Hefoundheranidealcompanion,theirmindsracedaliketothesamequickconclusions.Yes,hethought,StephenFarraday,thatlittledisconsolateboy,haddoneverywellforhimself.Hislifewasshapingexactlyashehadmeantittobe.Hewasonlyayearortwooverthirtyandalreadysuccesslayinthehollowofhishand.
Andinthatmoodoftriumphantsatisfaction,hewentwithhiswifeforafortnighttoSt.Moritz,andlookingacrossthehotelloungesawRosemaryBarton.
Whathappenedtohimatthatmomentheneverunderstood.Byakindofpoeticrevengethewordshehadspokentoanotherwomancametrue.Acrossaroomhefellinlove.Deeply,overwhelmingly,crazilyinlove.Itwasthekindofdesperate,headlong,adolescentcalflovethatheshouldhaveexperiencedyearsagoandgotover.
Hehadalwaysassumedthathewasnotapassionatetypeofman.Oneortwoephemeralaffairs,amildflirtation—that,sofarasheknew,wasallthat“love”meanttohim.Sensualpleasuressimplydidnotappealtohim.Hetoldhimselfthathewastoofastidiousforthatsortofthing.
Ifhehadbeenaskedifhelovedhiswife,hewouldhavereplied“Certainly”—yetheknew,wellenough,thathewouldnothavedreamedofmarryingherifshehadbeen,say,thedaughterofapennilesscountrygentleman.Helikedher,admiredherandfeltadeepaffectionforherandalsoaveryrealgratitudeforwhatherpositionhadbroughthim.
Thathecouldfallinlovewiththeabandonandmiseryofacallowboywasarevelation.HecouldthinkofnothingbutRosemary.Herlovelylaughingface,therichchestnutofherhair,herswayingvoluptuousfigure.Hecouldn’teat—hecouldn’tsleep.Theywentskiingtogether.Hedancedwithher.Andasheheldhertohimheknewthathewantedhermorethananythingonearth.Sothis,thismisery,thisachinglongingagony—thiswaslove!
EveninhispreoccupationheblessedFateforhavinggivenhimanaturallyimperturbablemanner.Noonemustguess,noonemustknow,whathewasfeeling—exceptRosemaryherself.
TheBartonsleftaweekearlierthantheFarradays.StephensaidtoSandrathatSt.Moritzwasnotveryamusing.ShouldtheycuttheirtimeshortandgobacktoLondon?Sheagreedveryamiably.Twoweeksaftertheirreturn,hebecameRosemary’slover.
Astrangeecstatichecticperiod—feverish,unreal.Itlasted—howlong?Sixmonthsatmost.SixmonthsduringwhichStephenwentabouthisworkasusual,visitedhisconstituency,askedquestionsintheHouse,spokeatvariousmeetings,discussedpoliticswithSandraandthoughtofonethingonly—Rosemary.
Theirsecretmeetingsinthelittleflat,herbeauty,thepassionateendearmentsheshoweredonher,herclingingpassionateembraces.Adream.Asensualinfatuateddream.
Andafterthedream—theawakening.
Itseemedtohappenquitesuddenly.
Likecomingoutofatunnelintothedaylight.
Onedayhewasabemusedlover,thenextdayhewasStephenFarradayagainthinkingthatperhapsheoughtnottoseeRosemaryquitesooften.Dashitall,theyhadbeentakingsometerrificrisks.IfSandrawasevertosuspect—Hestolealookatherdownthebreakfasttable.Thankgoodness,shedidn’tsuspect.Shehadn’tanidea.Yetsomeofhisexcusesforabsencelatelyhadbeenprettythin.Somewomenwouldhavebeguntosmellarat.ThankgoodnessSandrawasn’tasuspiciouswoman.
Hetookadeepbreath.ReallyheandRosemaryhadbeenveryreckless!Itwasawonderherhusbandhadn’tgotwisetothings.Oneofthosefoolishunsuspectingchaps—yearsolderthanshewas.
Whatalovelycreatureshewas….
Hethoughtsuddenlyofgolflinks.Freshairblowingoversanddunes,trampingroundwithclubs—swingingadriver—anicecleanshotoffthetee—alittlechipwithamashie.Men.Meninplusfourssmokingpipes.Andnowomenallowedonthelinks!
HesaidsuddenlytoSandra:
“Couldn’twegodowntoFairhaven?”
Shelookedup,surprised.
“Doyouwantto?Canyougetaway?”
“Mighttaketheinsideofaweek.I’dliketogetsomegolf.Ifeelstale.”
“Wecouldgotomorrowifyoulike.ItwillmeanputtingofftheAstleys,andImustcancelthatmeetingonTuesday.ButwhatabouttheLovats?”
“Oh,let’scancelthattoo.Wecanthinkofsomeexcuse.Iwanttogetaway.”
IthadbeenpeacefulatFairhavenwithSandraandthedogsontheterraceandintheoldwalledgarden,andwithgolfatSandleyHeath,andpotteringdowntothefarmintheeveningwithMacTavishathisheels.
Hehadfeltratherlikesomeonewhoisrecoveringfromanillness.
HehadfrownedwhenhesawRosemary’swriting.He’dtoldhernottowrite.Itwastoodangerous.NotthatSandraeveraskedhimwhohisletterswerefrom,butallthesameitwasunwise.Servantsweren’talwaystobetrusted.
Herippedopentheenvelopewithsomeannoyance,havingtakentheletterintohisstudy.Pages.Simplypages.
Asheread,theoldenchantmentsweptoverhimagain.Sheadoredhim,shelovedhimmorethanever,shecouldn’tendurenotseeinghimforfivewholedays.Washefeelingthesame?DidtheLeopardmisshisEthiopian?
Hehalf-smiled,half-sighed.Thatridiculousjoke—bornwhenhehadboughtheraman’sspotteddressinggownthatshehadadmired.TheLeopardchanginghisspots,andhehadsaid,“Butyoumustn’tchangeyourskin,darling.”AndafterthatshehadcalledhimLeopardandhehadcalledherhisBlackBeauty.
Damnedsilly,really.Yes,damnedsilly.Rathersweetofhertohavewrittensuchpagesandpages.Butstillsheshouldn’thavedoneit.Dashitall,they’dgottobecareful!Sandrawasn’tthesortofwomanwhowouldstandforanythingofthatkind.Ifsheoncegotaninkling—Writingletterswasdangerous.He’dtoldRosemaryso.Whycouldn’tshewaituntilhegotbacktotown?Dashitall,he’dseeherinanothertwoorthreedays.
Therewasanotherletteronthebreakfasttablethefollowingmorning.ThistimeStephensworeinwardly.HethoughtSandra’seyesrestedonitforacoupleofseconds.Butshedidn’tsayanything.Thankgoodnessshewasn’tthesortofwomanwhoaskedquestionsaboutaman’scorrespondence.
Afterbreakfasthetookthecaroverthemarkettowneightmilesaway.Wouldn’tdotoputthroughacallfromthevillage.HegotRosemaryonthephone.
“Hullo—thatyou,Rosemary?Don’twriteanymoreletters.”
“Stephen,darling,howlovelytohearyourvoice!”
“Becareful,cananyoneoverhearyou?”
“Ofcoursenot.Oh,angel,Ihavemissedyou.Haveyoumissedme?”
“Yes,ofcourse.Butdon’twrite.It’smuchtoorisky.”
“Didyoulikemyletter?DiditmakeyoufeelIwaswithyou?Darling,Iwanttobewithyoueveryminute.Doyoufeelthattoo?”
“Yes—butnotonthephone,oldthing.”
“You’resoridiculouslycautious.Whatdoesitmatter?”
“I’mthinkingofyou,too,Rosemary.Icouldn’tbearanytroubletocometoyouthroughme.”
“Idon’tcarewhathappenstome.Youknowthat.”
“Well,Icare,sweetheart.”
“Whenareyoucomingback?”
“Tuesday.”
“Andwe’llmeetattheflat,Wednesday.”
“Yes—er,yes.”
“Darling,Icanhardlybeartowait.Can’tyoumakesomeexcuseandcomeuptoday?Oh,Stephen,youcould!Politicsorsomethingstupidlikethat?”
“I’mafraidit’soutofthequestion.”
“Idon’tbelieveyoumissmehalfasmuchasImissyou.”
“Nonsense,ofcourseIdo.”
Whenherangoffhefelttired.Whyshouldwomeninsistonbeingsodamnedreckless?Rosemaryandhemustbemorecarefulinfuture.They’dhavetomeetlessoften.
Thingsafterthatbecamedifficult.Hewasbusy—verybusy.ItwasquiteimpossibletogiveasmuchtimetoRosemary—andthetryingthingwasshedidn’tseemabletounderstand.Heexplainedbutshejustwouldn’tlisten.
“Oh,yourstupidoldpolitics—asthoughtheywereimportant!”
“Buttheyare—”
Shedidn’trealize.Shedidn’tcare.Shetooknointerestinhiswork,inhisambitions,inhiscareer.Allshewantedwastohearhimreiterateagainandagainthathelovedher.“Justasmuchasever?Tellmeagainthatyoureallyloveme?”
Surely,hethought,shemighttakethatforgrantedbythistime!Shewasalovelycreature,lovely—butthetroublewasthatyoucouldn’ttalktoher.
Thetroublewasthey’dbeenseeingtoomuchofeachother.Youcouldn’tkeepupanaffairatfeverheat.Theymustmeetlessoften—slackenoffabit.
Butthatmadeherresentful—veryresentful.Shewasalwaysreproachinghimnow.
“Youdon’tlovemeasyouusedtodo.”
Andthenhe’dhavetoreassureher,toswearthatofcoursehedid.Andshewouldconstantlyresurrecteverythinghehadeversaidtoher.
“Doyourememberwhenyousaiditwouldbelovelyifwediedtogether?Fellasleepforeverineachother’sarms?Doyourememberwhenyousaidwe’dtakeacaravanandgooffintothedesert?Justthestarsandthecamels—andhowwe’dforgeteverythingintheworld?”
Whatdamnedsillythingsonesaidwhenonewasinlove!Theyhadn’tseemedfatuousatthetime,buttohavethemhashedupincoldblood!Whycouldn’twomenletthingsdecentlyalone?Amandidn’twanttobecontinuallyremindedwhatanasshe’dmadeofhimself.
Shecameoutwithsuddenunreasonabledemands.Couldn’thegoabroadtotheSouthofFranceandshe’dmeethimthere?OrgotoSicilyorCorsica—oneofthoseplaceswhereyouneversawanyoneyouknew?Stephensaidgrimlythattherewasnosuchplaceintheworld.Atthemostunlikelyspotsyoualwaysmetsomedearoldschoolfriendthatyou’dneverseenforyears.
Andthenshesaidsomethingthatfrightenedhim.
“Well,butitwouldn’treallymatter,wouldit?”
Hewasalert,watchful,suddenlycoldwithin.
“Whatdoyoumean?”
Shewassmilingupathim,thatsameenchantingsmilethathadoncemadehisheartturnoverandhisbonesachewithlonging.Nowitmadehimmerelyimpatient.
“Leopard,darling,I’vethoughtsometimesthatwe’restupidtogoontryingtocarryonthishole-and-cornerbusiness.It’snotworthy,somehow.Let’sgoawaytogether.Let’sstoppretending.Georgewilldivorcemeandyourwifewilldivorceyouandthenwecangetmarried.”
Justlikethat!Disaster!Ruin!Andshecouldn’tseeit!
“Iwouldn’tletyoudosuchathing.”
“But,darling,Idon’tcare.I’mnotreallyveryconventional.”
“ButIam.ButIam,”thoughtStephen
“Idofeelthatloveisthemostimportantthingintheworld.Itdoesn’tmatterwhatpeoplethinkofus.”
“Itwouldmattertome,mydear.Anopenscandalofthatkindwouldbetheendofmycareer.”
“Butwouldthatreallymatter?Therearehundredsofotherthingsthatyoucoulddo.”
“Don’tbesilly.”
“Whyhaveyougottodoanythinganyway?I’vegotlotsofmoney,youknow.Ofmyown,Imean,notGeorge’s.Wecouldwanderaboutallovertheworld,goingtothemostenchantingout-of-the-wayplaces—places,perhaps,wherenobodyelsehaseverbeen.OrtosomeislandinthePacific—thinkofit,thehotsunandtheblueseaandthecoralreefs.”
Hedidthinkofit.ASouthSeaIsland!Ofalltheidioticideas.Whatsortofamandidshethinkhewas—abeachcomber?
Helookedatherwitheyesfromwhichthelasttracesofscaleshadfallen.Alovelycreaturewiththebrainsofahen!He’dbeenmad—utterlyandcompletelymad.Buthewassaneagainnow.Andhe’dgottogetoutofthisfix.Unlesshewascarefulshe’druinhiswholelife.
Hesaidallthethingsthathundredsofmenhadsaidbeforehim.Theymustenditall—sohewrote.Itwasonlyfairtoher.Hecouldn’triskbringingunhappinessonher.Shedidn’tunderstand—andsoonandsoon.
Itwasallover—hemustmakeherunderstandthat.
Butthatwasjustwhatsherefusedtounderstand.Itwasn’ttobeaseasyasthat.Sheadoredhim,shelovedhimmorethanever,shecouldn’tlivewithouthim!Theonlyhonestthingwasforhertotellherhusband,andforStephentotellhiswifethetruth!Herememberedhowcoldhehadfeltashesatholdingherletter.Thelittlefool!Thesillyclingingfool!She’dgoandblabthewholethingtoGeorgeBartonandthenGeorgewoulddivorceherandcitehimasco-respondent.AndSandrawouldperforcedivorcehimtoo.Hehadn’tanydoubtofthat.Shehadspokenonceofafriend,hadsaidwithfaintsurprise,“Butofcoursewhenshefoundouthewashavinganaffairwithanotherwoman,whatelsecouldshedobutdivorcehim?”ThatwaswhatSandrawouldfeel.Shewasproud.Shewouldnevershareaman.
Andthenhewouldbedone,finished—theinfluentialKidderminsterbackingwouldbewithdrawn.Itwouldbethekindofscandalthathewouldnotbeabletolivedown,eventhoughpublicopinionwasbroadermindedthanitusedtobe.Butnotinaflagrantcaselikethis!Good-byetohisdreams,hisambitions.Everythingwrecked,broken—allbecauseof
He’dloseeverythinghe’dstaked.Failure!Ignominy!
He’dloseSandra….
Andsuddenly,withashockofsurpriseherealizedthatitwasthatthathewouldmindmost.He’dloseSandra.Sandrawithhersquarewhiteforeheadandherclearhazeleyes.Sandra,hisdearfriendandcompanion,hisarrogant,proud,loyalSandra.No,hecouldn’tloseSandra—hecouldn’t…Anythingbutthat.
Theperspirationbrokeoutonhisforehead.
Somehowhemustgetoutofthismess.
SomehowhemustmakeRosemarylistentoreason…Butwouldshe?Rosemaryandreasondidn’tgotogether.Supposingheweretotellherthat,afterall,helovedhiswife?No.Shesimplywouldn’tbelieveit.Shewassuchastupidwoman.Empty-headed,clinging,possessive.Andshelovedhimstill—thatwasthemischiefofit.
Akindofblindrageroseupinhim.Howonearthwashetokeepherquiet?Toshuthermouth?Nothingshortofadoseofpoisonwoulddothat,hethoughtbitterly.
Awaspwasbuzzingcloseathand.Hestaredabstractedly.Ithadgotinsideacut-glassjampotandwastryingtogetout.
Likeme,hethought,entrappedbysweetnessandnow—hecan’tgetout,poordevil.
Buthe,StephenFarraday,wasgoingtogetoutsomehow.Time,hemustplayfortime.
Rosemarywasdownwith’fluatthemoment.He’dsentconventionalinquiries—abigsheafofflowers.Itgavehimarespite.NextweekSandraandhewerediningwiththeBartons—abirthdaypartyforRosemary.Rosemaryhadsaid,“Ishan’tdoanythinguntilaftermybirthday—itwouldbetoocrueltoGeorge.He’smakingsuchafussaboutit.He’ssuchadear.Afterit’salloverwe’llcometoanunderstanding.”
Supposingheweretotellherbrutallythatitwasallover,thathenolongercared?Heshivered.No,hedarenotdothat.ShemightgotoGeorgeinhysterics.ShemightevencometoSandra.Hecouldhearhertearful,bewilderedvoice.
“Hesayshedoesn’tcareanymore,butIknowit’snottrue.He’stryingtobeloyal—toplaythegamewithyou—butIknowyou’llagreewithmethatwhenpeopleloveeachotherhonestyistheonlyway.That’swhyI’maskingyoutogivehimhisfreedom.”
Thatwasjustthesortofnauseatingstuffshewouldpourout.AndSandra,herfaceproudanddisdainful,wouldsay,“Hecanhavehisfreedom!”
Shewouldn’tbelieve—howcouldshebelieve?IfRosemaryweretobringoutthoseletters—thelettershe’dbeenasinineenoughtowritetoher.Heavenknewwhathehadsaidinthem.EnoughandmorethanenoughtoconvinceSandra—letterssuchashehadneverwrittentoher—
Hemustthinkofsomething—somewayofkeepingRosemaryquiet.“It’sapity,”hethoughtgrimly,“thatwedon’tliveinthedaysoftheBorgias….”
AglassofpoisonedchampagnewasabouttheonlythingthatwouldkeepRosemaryquiet.
Yes,hehadactuallythoughtthat.
Cyanideofpotassiuminherchampagneglass,cyanideofpotassiuminhereveningbag.Depressionafterinfluenza.
Andacrossthetable,Sandra’seyesmeetinghis.
Nearlyayearago—andhecouldn’tforget.
Five
ALEXANDRAFARRADAY
SandraFarradayhadnotforgottenRosemaryBarton.
Shewasthinkingofheratthisveryminute—thinkingofherslumpedforwardacrossthetableintherestaurantthatnight.
Sherememberedherownsharpindrawnbreathandhowthen,lookingup,shehadfoundStephenwatchingher….
Hadhereadthetruthinhereyes?Hadheseenthehate,theminglingofhorrorandtriumph?
Nearlyayearagonow—andasfreshinhermindasifithadbeenyesterday!Rosemary,that’sforremembrance.Howhorriblytruethatwas.Itwasnogoodapersonbeingdeadiftheylivedoninyourmind.ThatwaswhatRosemaryhaddone.InSandra’smind—andinStephen’s,too?Shedidn’tknow,butshethoughtitprobable.
TheLuxembourg—thathatefulplacewithitsexcellentfood,itsdeftswiftservice,itsluxuriousdécorandsetting.Animpossibleplacetoavoid,peoplewerealwaysaskingyouthere
Shewouldhavelikedtoforget—buteverythingconspiredtomakeherremember.EvenFairhavenwasnolongerexemptnowthatGeorgeBartonhadcometoliveatLittlePriors.
Itwasreallyratherextraordinaryofhim.GeorgeBartonwasaltogetheranoddman.Notatallthekindofneighbourshelikedtohave.HispresenceatLittlePriorsspoiledforherthecharmandpeaceofFairhaven.Always,uptothissummer,ithadbeenaplaceofhealingandrest,aplacewheresheandStephenhadbeenhappy—thatis,iftheyeverhadbeenhappy?
Herlipspressedthinlytogether.Yes,athousandtimes,yes!TheycouldhavebeenhappybutforRosemary.ItwasRosemarywhohadshatteredthedelicateedificeofmutualtrustandtendernessthatsheandStephenwerebeginningtobuild.Something,someinstinct,hadbadeherhidefromStephenherownpassion,hersingle-hearteddevotion.ShehadlovedhimfromthemomenthecameacrosstheroomtoherthatdayatKidderminsterHouse,pretendingtobeshy,pretendingnottoknowwhoshewas.
Forhehadknown.Shecouldnotsaywhenshehadfirstacceptedthatfact.Sometimeaftertheirmarriage,onedaywhenhewasexpoundingsomeneatpieceofpoliticalmanipulationnecessarytothepassingofsomeBill.
Thethoughthadflashedacrosshermindthen:“Thisremindsmeofsomething.What?”Latersherealizedthatitwas,inessence,thesametacticshehadusedthatdayatKidderminsterHouse.Sheacceptedtheknowledgewithoutsurprise,asthoughitweresomethingofwhichshehadlongbeenaware,butwhichhadonlyjustrisentothesurfaceofhermind.
Fromthedayoftheirmarriageshehadrealizedthathedidnotloveherinthesamewayasshelovedhim.Butshethoughtitpossiblethathewasactuallyincapableofsuchalove.Thatpoweroflovingwasherownunhappyheritage.Tocarewithadesperation,anintensitythatwas,sheknew,unusualamongwomen!Shewouldhavediedforhimwillingly;shewasreadytolieforhim,schemeforhim,sufferforhim!Insteadsheacceptedwithprideandreservetheplacehewantedhertofill.Hewantedhercooperation,hersympathy,heractiveandintellectualhelp.Hewantedofher,notherheart,butherbrains,andthosematerialadvantageswhichbirthhadgivenher.
Onethingshewouldneverdo,embarrasshimbytheexpressionofadevotiontowhichhecouldmakenoadequatereturn.Andshedidbelievehonestlythathelikedher,thathetookpleasureinhercompany.Sheforesawafutureinwhichherburdenwouldbeimmeasurablylightened—afutureoftendernessandfriendship.
Inhisway,shethought,helovedher.
AndthenRosemarycame.
Shewonderedsometimes,withawrypainfultwistofthelips,howitwasthathecouldimaginethatshedidnotknow.Shehadknownfromthefirstminute—upthereatSt.Moritz—whenshehadfirstseenthewayhelookedatthewoman.
Shehadknowntheverydaythewomanbecamehismistress.
Sheknewthescentthecreatureused..
ShecouldreadinStephen’spoliteface,witheyesabstracted,justwhathismemorieswere,whathewasthinkingabout—thatwoman—thewomanhehadjustleft!
Itwasdifficult,shethoughtdispassionately,toassessthesufferingshehadbeenthrough.Enduring,dayafterday,thetorturesofthedamned,withnothingtocarryherthroughbutherbeliefincourage—herownnaturalpride.Shewouldnotshow,shewouldnevershow,whatshewasfeeling.Shelostweight,grewthinnerandpaler,thebonesofherheadandshouldersshowingmoredistinctlywiththefleshstretchedtightlyoverthem.Sheforcedherselftoeat,butcouldnotforceherselftosleep.Shelaylongnights,withdryeyes,staringintodarkness.Shedespisedthetakingofdrugsasweakness.Shewouldhangon.Toshowherselfhurt,toplead,toprotest—allthesethingswereabhorrenttoher.
Shehadonecrumbofcomfort,ameagreone—Stephendidnotwishtoleaveher.Grantedthatthatwasforthesakeofhiscareer,notoutoffondnessforher,stillthefactremained.Hedidnotwanttoleaveher.
Someday,perhaps,theinfatuationwouldpass….
Whatcouldhe,afterall,seeinthegirl?Shewasattractive,beautiful—butsowereotherwomen.WhatdidhefindinRosemaryBartonthatinfatuatedhim?
Shewasbrainless—silly—andnot—sheclungtothispointespecially—notevenparticularlyamusing.Ifshehadhadwit,charmandprovocationofmanner—thosewerethethingsthatheldmen.Sandraclungtothebeliefthatthethingwouldend—thatStephenwouldtireofit.
Shewasconvincedthatthemaininterestinhislifewashiswork.Hewasmarkedoutforgreatthingsandheknewit.Hehadafinestatesmanlikebrainandhedelightedinusingit.Itwashisappointedtaskinlife.Surelyoncetheinfatuationbegantowanehewouldrealizethatfact?
NeverforoneminutedidSandraconsiderleavinghim.Theideaneverevencametoher.Shewashis,bodyandsoul,totakeordiscard.Hewasherlife,herexistence.Loveburnedinherwithamedievalforce.
Therewasamomentwhenshehadhope.TheywentdowntoFairhaven.Stephenseemedmorehisnormalself.Shefeltsuddenlyarenewaloftheoldsympathybetweenthem.Hoperoseinherheart.Hewantedherstill,heenjoyedhercompany,hereliedonherjudgement.Forthemoment,hehadescapedfromtheclutchesofthatwoman.
Helookedhappier,morelikehisownself.
Nothingwasirretrievablyruined.Hewasgettingoverit.Ifonlyhecouldmakeuphismindtobreakwithher…
ThentheywentbacktoLondonandStephenrelapsed.Helookedhaggard,worried,ill.Hebegantobeunabletofixhismindonhiswork.
Shethoughtsheknewthecause.Rosemarywantedhimtogoawaywithher…Hewasmakinguphismindtotakethestep—tobreakwitheverythinghecaredaboutmost.Folly!Madness!Hewasthetypeofmanwithwhomhisworkwouldalwayscomefirst—averyEnglishtype.Hemustknowthathimself,deepdown—Yes,butRosemarywasverylovely—andverystupid.Stephenwouldnotbethefirstmanwhohadthrownawayhiscareerforawomanandbeensorryafterwards!
Sandracaughtafewwords—aphraseonedayatacocktailparty.
“…TellingGeorge—gottomakeupourminds.”
ItwassoonafterthatthatRosemarywentdownwith’flu.
AlittlehoperoseinSandra’sheart.Supposesheweretogetpneumonia—peopledidafter’flu—ayoungfriendofhershaddiedthatwayonlylastwinter.IfRosemaryweretodie—
Shedidnottrytorepressthethought—shewasnothorrifiedatherself.Shewasmedievalenoughtohatewithasteadyanduntroubledmind.
ShehatedRosemaryBarton.Ifthoughtscouldkill,shewouldhavekilledher.
Butthoughtsdonotkill—
Thoughtsarenotenough….
HowbeautifulRosemaryhadlookedthatnightattheLuxembourgwithherpalefoxfursslippingoffhershouldersintheladies’cloakroom.Thinner,palersinceherillness—anairofdelicacymadeherbeautymoreethereal.Shehadstoodinfrontoftheglasstouchingupherface….
Sandra,behindher,lookedattheirjointreflectioninthemirror.Herownfacelikesomethingsculptured,cold,lifeless.Nofeelingthere,youwouldhavesaid—acoldhardwoman.
AndthenRosemarysaid:“Oh,Sandra,amItakingalltheglass?I’vefinishednow.Thishorrid’fluhaspulledmedownalot.Ilookasight.AndIfeelquiteweakstillandheadachy.”
Sandrahadaskedwithquietpoliteconcern:
“Haveyougotaheadachetonight?”
“Justabitofone.Youhaven’tgotanaspirin,haveyou?”
“I’vegotaCachetFaivre.”
Shehadopenedherhandbag,takenoutthecachet.Rosemaryhadacceptedit.“I’lltakeitinmybagincase.”
Thatcompetentdark-hairedgirl,Barton’ssecretary,hadwatchedthelittletransaction.Shecameinturntothemirror,andjustputonaslightdustingofpowder.Anice-lookinggirl,almosthandsome.Sandrahadtheimpressionthatshedidn’tlikeRosemary.
Thentheyhadgoneoutofthecloakroom,Sandrafirst,thenRosemary,thenMissLessing—oh,andofcourse,thegirlIris,Rosemary’ssister,shehadbeenthere.Veryexcited,withbiggreyeyes,andaschoolgirlishwhitedress.
Theyhadgoneoutandjoinedthemeninthehall.
Andtheheadwaiterhadcomebustlingforwardandshowedthemtotheirtable.Theyhadpassedinunderthegreatdomedarchandtherehadbeennothing,absolutelynothing,towarnoneofthemthatshewouldnevercomeoutthroughthatdooragainalive….
Six
GEORGEBARTON
Rosemary….
GeorgeBartonloweredhisglassandstaredratherowlishlyintothefire.
Hehaddrunkjustenoughtofeelmaudlinwithself-pity.
Whatalovelygirlshehadbeen.He’dalwaysbeencrazyabouther.Sheknewit,buthe’dalwayssupposedshe’donlylaughathim.
Evenwhenhefirstaskedhertomarryhim,hehadn’tdoneitwithanyconviction.
Mowedandmumbled.Actedlikeablitheringfool.
“Youknow,oldgirl,anytime—you’veonlygottosay.Iknowit’snogood.Youwouldn’tlookatme.I’vealwaysbeenthemostawfulfool.Gotabitofacorporation,too.ButyoudoknowwhatIfeel,don’tyou,eh?Imean—I’malwaysthere.KnowIhaven’tgotanearthlychance,butthoughtI’djustmentionit.”
AndRosemaryhadlaughedandkissedthetopofhishead.
“You’resweet,George,andI’llrememberthekindoffer,butI’mnotmarryinganyonejustatpresent.”
Andhehadsaidseriously:“Quiteright.Takeplentyoftimetolookaround.Youcantakeyourpick.”
He’dneverhadanyhope—notanyrealhope.
That’swhyhehadbeensoincredulous,sodazedwhenRosemaryhadsaidshewasgoingtomarryhim.
Shewasn’tinlovewithhim,ofcourse.Heknewthatquitewell.Infact,sheadmittedasmuch.
“Youdounderstand,don’tyou?Iwanttofeelsettleddownandhappyandsafe.Ishallwithyou.I’msosickofbeinginlove.Italwaysgoeswrongsomehowandendsinamess.Ilikeyou,George.You’reniceandfunnyandsweetandyouthinkI’mwonderful.That’swhatIwant.”
Hehadansweredratherincoherently:
“Steadydoesit.We’llbeashappyaskings.”
Well,thathadn’tbeenfarwrong.Theyhadbeenhappy.He’dalwaysfelthumbleinhisownmind.He’dalwaystoldhimselfthattherewereboundtobesnags.Rosemarywasn’tgoingtobesatisfiedwithadullkindofchaplikehimself.Therewouldbeincidents!He’dschooledhimselftoaccept—incidents!Hewouldholdfirmtothebeliefthattheywouldn’tbelasting!Rosemarywouldalwayscomebacktohim.Oncelethimacceptthatviewandallwouldbewell.
Forshewasfondofhim.Heraffectionforhimwasconstantandunvarying.Itexistedquiteapartfromherflirtationsandherloveaffairs.
Hehadschooledhimselftoacceptthose.HehadtoldhimselfthattheywereinevitablewithsomeoneofRosemary’ssusceptibletemperamentandunusualbeauty.Whathehadnotbargainedforwerehisownreactions.
Flirtationswiththisyoungmanandthatwerenothing,butwhenhefirstgotaninklingofaseriousaffair—
He’dknownquickenough,sensedthedifferenceinher.Therisingexcitement,theaddedbeauty,thewholeglowingradiance.Andthenwhathisinstincttoldhimwasconfirmedbyuglyconcretefacts.
Therewasthatdaywhenhe’dcomeintohersittingroomandshehadinstinctivelycoveredwithherhandthepageofthelettershewaswriting.He’dknownthen.Shewaswritingtoherlover.
Presently,whenshewentoutoftheroom,hewentacrosstotheblotter.Shehadtakentheletterwithher,buttheblottingsheetwasnearlyfresh.He’dtakenitacrosstheroomandheldituptotheglass—seenthewordsinRosemary’sdashingscript,“Myownbeloveddarling….”
Hisbloodhadsunginhisears.HeunderstoodinthatmomentjustwhatOthellohadfelt.Wiseresolutions?Pah!Onlythenaturalmancounted.He’dliketochokethelifeoutofher!He’dliketomurderthefellowincoldblood.Whowasit?ThatfellowBrowne?OrthatstickStephenFarraday?They’dbothofthembeenmakingsheep’seyesather.
Hecaughtsightofhisfaceintheglass.Hiseyesweresuffusedwithblood.Helookedasthoughheweregoingtohaveafit.
Asherememberedthatmoment,GeorgeBartonlethisglassfallfromhishand.Onceagainhefeltthechokingsensation,thebeatingbloodinhisears.Evennow—
Withanefforthepushedremembranceaway.Mustn’tgooverthatagain.Itwaspast—donewith.Hewouldn’teversufferlikethatagain.Rosemarywasdead.Deadandatpeace.Andhewasatpeacetoo.Nomoresuffering….
Funnytothinkthatthatwaswhatherdeathhadmeanttohim.Peace….
He’dnevertoldevenRuththat.Goodgirl,Ruth.Agoodheadpieceonher.Really,hedidn’tknowwhathewoulddowithouther.Thewayshehelped.Thewayshesympathized.Andneverahintofsex.Notman-madlikeRosemary….
Rosemary…Rosemarysittingattheroundtableintherestaurant.Alittlethininthefaceafter’flu—alittlepulleddown—butlovely,solovely.Andonlyanhourlater—
No,hewouldn’tthinkofthat.Notjustnow.Hisplan.HewouldthinkofThePlan.
He’dspeaktoRacefirst.He’dshowRacetheletters.WhatwouldRacemakeoftheseletters?Irishadbeendumbfounded.Sheevidentlyhadn’thadtheslightestidea.
Well,hewasinchargeofthesituationnow.He’dgotitalltaped.
ThePlan.Allworkedout.Thedate.Theplace.
Nov.2nd.AllSouls’Day.Thatwasagoodtouch.TheLuxembourg,ofcourse.He’dtrytogetthesametable.
Andthesameguests.AnthonyBrowne,StephenFarraday,SandraFarraday.Then,ofcourse,RuthandIrisandhimself.Andastheodd,theseventhguesthe’dgetRace.Racewhowasoriginallytohavebeenatthedinner.
Andtherewouldbeoneemptyplace.
Itwouldbesplendid!
Dramatic!
Arepetitionofthecrime.
Well,notquitearepetition….
Hismindwentback….
Rosemary’sbirthday….
Rosemary,sprawledforwardonthattable—dead…?
BOOK2ALLSOULS’DAY
“There’sRosemary,that’sforremembrance.”
One
LucillaDrakewastwittering.ThatwasthetermalwaysusedinthefamilyanditwasreallyaveryaptdescriptionofthesoundsthatissuedfromLucilla’skindlylips.
Shewasconcernedonthisparticularmorningwithmanythings—somanythatshefoundithardtopinherattentiondowntooneatatime.Therewastheimminenceofthemovebacktotownandthehouseholdproblemsinvolvedinthatmove.Servants,housekeeping,winterstorage,athousandminordetails—allthesecontendedwithaconcernoverIris’slooks.
“Really,dear,Ifeelquiteanxiousaboutyou—youlooksowhiteandwashedout—asthoughyouhadn’tslept—didyousleep?Ifnot,there’sthatnicesleepingpreparationofDr.Wylie’sorwasitDr.Gaskell’s?—whichremindsme—Ishallhavetogoandspeaktothegrocermyself—eitherthemaidshavebeenorderingthingsinontheirown,orelseit’sdeliberateswindlingonhispart.Packetsandpacketsofsoapflakes—andIneverallowmorethanthreeaweek.Butperhapsatonicwouldbebetter?Eaton’ssyrup,theyusedtogivewhenIwasagirl.Andspinach,ofcourse.I’lltellcooktohavespinachforlunchtoday.”
IriswastoolanguidandtoousedtoMrs.Drake’sdiscursivestyletoinquirewhythementionofDr.Gaskellshouldhaveremindedherauntofthelocalgrocer,thoughhadshedoneso,shewouldhavereceivedtheimmediateresponse:“Becausethegrocer’snameisCranford,mydear.”AuntLucilla’sreasoningwasalwayscrystalcleartoherself.
Irismerelysaidwithwhatenergyshecouldcommand,“I’mperfectlywell,AuntLucilla.”
“Blackundertheeyes,”saidMrs.Drake.“You’vebeendoingtoomuch.”
“I’vedonenothingatall—forweeks.”
“Soyouthink,dear.Buttoomuchtennisisovertiringforyounggirls.AndIthinktheairdownhereisinclinedtobeenervating.Thisplaceisinahollow.IfGeorgehadconsultedmeinsteadofthatgirl.”
“Girl?”
“ThatMissLessinghethinkssomuchof.Allverywellintheoffice,Idaresay—butagreatmistaketotakeheroutofherplace.Encouragehertothinkherselfoneofthefamily.Notthatsheneedsanyencouragement,Ishouldsay.”
“Oh,well,AuntLucilla,Ruthispracticallyoneofthefamily.”
Mrs.Drakesniffed.“Shemeanstobe—that’squiteclear.PoorGeorge—reallyaninfantinarmswherewomenareconcerned.Butitwon’tdo,Iris.GeorgemustbeprotectedfromhimselfandifIwereyouIshouldmakeitveryclearthatniceasMissLessingis,anyideaofmarriageisoutofthequestion.”
Iriswasstartledforamomentoutofherapathy.
“IneverthoughtofGeorgemarryingRuth.”
“Youdon’tseewhatgoesonunderyournose,child.Ofcourseyouhaven’thadmyexperienceoflife.”Irissmiledinspiteofherself.AuntLucillawasreallyveryfunnysometimes.“Thatyoungwomanisoutformatrimony.”
“Woulditmatter?”askedIris.
“Matter?Ofcourseitwouldmatter.”
“Wouldn’titreallyberathernice?”Herauntstaredather.“NiceforGeorge,Imean.Ithinkyou’rerightabouther,youknow.Ithinksheisfondofhim.Andshe’dbeanawfullygoodwifetohimandlookafterhim.”
Mrs.Drakesnortedandanalmostindignantexpressionappearedonherrathersheep-likeamiableface.
“Georgeisverywelllookedafteratpresent.Whatmorecanhewant,Ishouldliketoknow?Excellentmealsandhismendingseento.VerypleasantforhimtohaveanattractiveyounggirllikeyouaboutthehouseandwhenyoumarrysomedayIshouldhopeIwasstillcapableofseeingtohiscomfortandlookingafterhishealth.Justaswellorbetterthanayoungwomanoutofanofficecoulddo—whatdoessheknowabouthousekeeping?Figuresandledgersandshorthandandtyping—whatgoodisthatinaman’shome?”
Irissmiledandshookherhead,butshedidnotarguethepoint.ShewasthinkingofthesmoothdarksatinofRuth’shead,oftheclearcomplexionandthefiguresowellsetoffbytheseveretailor-madeclothesthatRuthaffected.PoorAuntLucilla,allhermindoncomfortandhousekeeping,withromancesoveryfarbehindherthatshehadprobablyforgottenwhatitmeant—ifindeed,thoughtIris,rememberingherunclebymarriage,ithadevermeantmuch.
LucillaDrakehadbeenHectorMarle’shalf-sister,thechildofanearliermarriage.Shehadplayedthelittlemothertoaverymuchyoungerbrotherwhenhisownmotherdied.Housekeepingforherfather,shehadstiffenedintoapronouncedspinsterhood.ShewascloseonfortywhenshemettheRev.CalebDrake,hehimselfamanofoverfifty.Hermarriedlifehadbeenshort,ameretwoyears,thenshehadbeenleftawidowwithaninfantson.Motherhood,cominglateandunexpectedly,hadbeenthesupremeexperienceofLucillaDrake’slife.Hersonhadturnedoutananxiety,asourceofgriefandaconstantfinancialdrain—butneveradisappointment.Mrs.DrakerefusedtorecognizeanythinginhersonVictorexceptanamiableweaknessofcharacter.Victorwastootrusting—tooeasilyledastraybybadcompanionsbecauseofhisownbeliefinthem.Victorwasunlucky.Victorwasdeceived.Victorwasswindled.Hewasthecat’s-pawofwickedmenwhoexploitedhisinnocence.Thepleasant,rathersillysheep’sfacehardenedintoobstinacywhencriticismofVictorwastothefore.Sheknewherownson.Hewasadearboy,fullofhighspirits,andhisso-calledfriendstookadvantageofhim.Sheknew,nonebetter,howVictorhatedhavingtoaskherformoney.Butwhenthepoorboywasreallyinsuchaterriblesituation,whatelsecouldhedo?Itwasn’tasthoughhehadanyonebuthertogoto.
Allthesame,assheadmitted,George’sinvitationtocomeandliveinthehouseandlookafterIris,hadcomeasagodsend,atamomentwhenshereallyhadbeenindesperatestraitsofgenteelpoverty.Shehadbeenveryhappyandcomfortablethislastyearanditwasnotinhumannaturetolookkindlyonthepossibilityofbeingsupersededbyanupstartyoungwoman,allmodernefficiencyandcapability,whoinanycase,soshepersuadedherself,wouldonlybemarryingGeorgeforhismoney.Ofcoursethatwaswhatshewasafter!Agoodhomeandarichindulgenthusband.Youcouldn’ttellAuntLucilla,atherage,thatanyyoungwomanreallylikedworkingforherliving!Girlswerethesameastheyalwayshadbeen—iftheycouldgetamantokeepthemincomfort,theymuchpreferredit.ThisRuthLessingwasclever,wormingherwayintoapositionofconfidence,advisingGeorgeabouthousefurnishing,makingherselfindispensable—but,thankgoodness,therewasonepersonatleastwhosawwhatshewasupto!
LucillaDrakenoddedherheadseveraltimes,causinghersoftdoublechinstoquiver,raisedhereyebrowswithanairofsuperbhumansapience,andabandonedthesubjectforoneequallyinterestingandpossiblyevenmorepressing.
“It’stheblanketsIcan’tmakeupmymindabout,dear.Yousee,Ican’tgetitclearlylaiddownwhetherweshan’tbecomingdownagainuntilnextspringorwhetherGeorgemeanstorundownforweekends.Hewon’tsay.”
“Isupposehedoesn’treallyknow.”Iristriedtogiveherattentiontoapointthatseemedcompletelyunimportant.“Ifitwasniceweatheritmightbefuntocomedownoccasionally.ThoughIdon’tthinkIwanttoparticularly.Stillthehousewillbehereifwedowanttocome.”
“Yes,dear,butonewantstoknow.Because,yousee,ifwearen’tcomingdownuntilnextyear,thentheblanketsoughttobeputawaywithmothballs.Butifwearecomingdown,thatwouldn’tbenecessary,becausetheblanketswouldbeused—andthesmellofmothballsissounpleasant.”
“Well,don’tusethem.”
“Yes,butit’sbeensuchahotsummertherearealotofmothsabout.Everyonesaysit’sabadyearformoths.Andforwasps,ofcourse.Hawkinstoldmeyesterdayhe’stakenthirtywasps’neststhissummer—thirty—justfancy—”
IristhoughtofHawkins—stalkingoutatdusk—cyanideinhand—Cyanide—Rosemary—Whydideverythingleadbacktothat—?
ThethintrickleofsoundthatwasAuntLucilla’svoicewasgoingon—ithadreachedbynowadifferentpoint—
“—andwhetheroneoughttosendthesilvertothebankornot?LadyAlexandrawassayingsomanyburglaries—thoughofcoursewedohavegoodshutters—Idon’tlikethewayshedoesherhairmyself—itmakesherfacelooksohard—butIshouldthinkshewasahardwoman.Andnervy,too.Everyoneisnervynowadays.WhenIwasagirlpeopledidn’tknowwhatnerveswere.WhichremindsmethatIdidn’tlikethelookofGeorgelately—Iwonderifhecouldbegoingtohave’flu?I’vewonderedonceortwicewhetherhewasfeverish.Butperhapsitissomebusinessworry.Helookstome,youknow,asthoughhehasgotsomethingonhismind.”
Irisshivered,andLucillaDrakeexclaimedtriumphantly:“There,Isaidyouhadachill.”
Two
“HowIwishtheyhadnevercomehere.”
SandraFarradayutteredthewordswithsuchunusualbitternessthatherhusbandturnedtolookatherinsurprise.Itwasasthoughhisownthoughtshadbeenputintowords—thethoughtsthathehadbeentryingsohardtoconceal.SoSandra,too,feltashedid?She,too,hadfeltthatFairhavenwasspoiled,itspeaceimpaired,bythesenewneighboursamileawayacrossthePark.Hesaid,voicinghissurpriseimpulsively:
“Ididn’tknowyoufeltlikethataboutthem,too.”
Immediately,orsoitseemedtohim,shewithdrewintoherself.
“Neighboursaresoimportantinthecountry.Onehaseithertoberudeorfriendly;onecan’t,asinLondon,justkeeppeopleasamiableacquaintances.”
“No,”saidStephen,“onecan’tdothat.”
“Andnowwe’recommittedtothisextraordinaryparty.”
Theywerebothsilent,runningoverintheirmindsthesceneatlunch.GeorgeBartonhadbeenfriendly,evenexuberantinmanner,withakindofundercurrentofexcitementofwhichtheyhadbothbeenconscious.GeorgeBartonwasreallyveryoddthesedays.StephenhadnevernoticedhimmuchinthetimeprecedingRosemary’sdeath.Georgehadjustbeenthereinthebackground,thekindlydullhusbandofayoungandbeautifulwife.StephenhadneverevenfeltapangofdisquietoverthebetrayalofGeorge.Georgehadbeenthekindofhusbandwhowasborntobebetrayed.Somucholder—sodevoidoftheattractionsnecessarytoholdanattractiveandcapriciouswoman.HadGeorgehimselfbeendeceived?Stephendidnotthinkso.George,hethought,knewRosemaryverywell.Helovedher,andhewasthekindofmanwhowashumbleabouthisownpowersofholdingawife’sinterest.
Allthesame,Georgemusthavesuffered
StephenbegantowonderjustwhatGeorgehadfeltwhenRosemarydied.
HeandSandrahadseenlittleofhiminthemonthsfollowingthetragedy.ItwasnotuntilhehadsuddenlyappearedasanearneighbouratLittlePriorsthathehadreenteredtheirlivesandatonce,soStephenthought,hehadseemeddifferent.
Morealive,morepositive.And—yes,decidedlyodd.
Hehadbeenoddtoday.Thatsuddenlyblurted-outinvitation.ApartyforIris’seighteenthbirthday.HedidsohopeStephenandSandrawouldbothcome.StephenandSandrahadbeensokindtothemdownhere.
Sandrahadsaidquickly;ofcourse,itwouldbedelightful.NaturallyStephenwouldberathertiedwhentheygotbacktoLondonandsheherselfhadagreatmanytiresomeengagements,butshedidhopetheywouldbeabletomanageit.
“Thenlet’ssettleadaynow,shallwe?”
George’sface—florid,smiling,insistent.
“Ithoughtperhapsonedaytheweekafternext—WednesdayorThursday?ThursdayisNovember2nd.Wouldthatbeallright?Butwe’llarrangeanydaythatsuitsyouboth.”
Ithadbeenthekindofinvitationthatpinnedyoudown—therewasacertainlackofsocialsavoirfaire.StephennoticedthatIrisMarlehadgoneredandlookedembarrassed.Sandrahadbeenperfect.ShehadsmilinglysurrenderedtotheinevitableandsaidthatThursday,November2nd,wouldsuitthemverywell.
Suddenlyvoicinghisthoughts,Stephensaidsharply,“Weneedn’tgo.”
Sandraturnedherfaceslightlytowardshim.Itworeathoughtfulconsideringair.
“Youthinknot?”
“It’seasytomakesomeexcuse.”
“He’llonlyinsistonuscomingsomeothertime—orchangetheday.He—heseemsverysetonourcoming.”
“Ican’tthinkwhy.It’sIris’sparty—andIcan’tbelievesheissoparticularlyanxiousforourcompany.”
“No—no—”Sandrasoundedthoughtful.
Thenshesaid:
“Youknowwherethispartyistobe?”
“No.”
“TheLuxembourg.”
Theshocknearlydeprivedhimofspeech.Hefeltthecolourebbingoutofhischeeks.Hepulledhimselftogetherandmethereyes.Wasithisfancyorwastheremeaninginthelevelgaze?
“Butit’spreposterous,”heexclaimed,blusteringalittleinhisattempttoconcealhisownpersonalemotion.“TheLuxembourgwhere—toreviveallthat.Themanmustbemad.”
“Ithoughtofthat,”saidSandra.
“Butthenweshallcertainlyrefusetogo.The—thewholethingwasterriblyunpleasant.Yourememberallthepublicity—thepicturesinthepapers.”
“Iremembertheunpleasantness,”saidSandra.
“Doesn’therealizehowdisagreeableitwouldbeforus?”
“Hehasareason,youknow,Stephen.Areasonthathegaveme.”
“Whatwasit?”
Hefeltthankfulthatshewaslookingawayfromhimwhenshespoke.
“Hetookmeasideafterlunch.Hesaidhewantedtoexplain.Hetoldmethatthegirl—Iris—hadneverrecoveredproperlyfromtheshockofhersister’sdeath.”
ShepausedandStephensaidunwillingly:
Well,Idaresaythatmaybetrueenough—shelooksfarfromwell.Ithoughtatlunchhowillshewaslooking.”
“Yes,Inoticedittoo—althoughshehasseemedingoodhealthandspiritsonthewholelately.ButIamtellingyouwhatGeorgeBartonsaid.HetoldmethatIrishasconsistentlyavoidedtheLuxembourgeversinceasfarasshewasable.”
“Idon’twonder.”
“Butaccordingtohimthatisallwrong.Itseemsheconsultedanervespecialistonthesubject—oneofthesemodernmen—andhisadviceisthatafterashockofanykind,thetroublemustbefaced,notavoided.Theprinciple,Igather,islikethatofsendingupanairmanagainimmediatelyafteracrash.”
“Doesthespecialistsuggestanothersuicide?”
Sandrarepliedquietly,“Hesuggeststhattheassociationsoftherestaurantmustbeovercome.Itis,afterall,justarestaurant.Heproposedanordinarypleasantpartywith,asfaraspossible,thesamepeoplepresent.”
“Delightfulforthepeople!”
“Doyoumindsomuch,Stephen?”
Aswiftpangofalarmshotthroughhim.Hesaidquickly:“OfcourseIdon’tmind.Ijustthoughtitratheragruesomeidea.PersonallyIshouldn’tmindintheleast…Iwasreallythinkingofyou.Ifyoudon’tmind—”
Sheinterruptedhim.
“Idomind.Verymuch.ButthewayGeorgeBartonputitmadeitverydifficulttorefuse.Afterall,IhavefrequentlybeentotheLuxembourgsince—sohaveyou.Oneisconstantlybeingaskedthere.”
“Butnotunderthesecircumstances.”
“No.”
Stephensaid:
“Asyousay,itisdifficulttorefuse—andifweputitofftheinvitationwillberenewed.Butthere’snoreason,Sandra,whyyoushouldhavetoendureit.I’llgoandyoucancryoffatthelastminute—aheadache,chill—somethingofthatkind.”
Hesawherchingoup.
“Thatwouldbecowardly.No,Stephen,ifyougo,Igo.Afterall,”shelaidherhandonhisarm,“howeverlittleourmarriagemeans,itshouldatleastmeansharingourdifficulties.”
Buthewasstaringather—rendereddumbbyonepoignantphrasewhichhadescapedhersoeasily,asthoughitvoicedalongfamiliarandnotveryimportantfact.
Recoveringhimselfhesaid,“Whydoyousaythat?Howeverlittleourmarriagemeans?”
Shelookedathimsteadily,hereyeswideandhonest.
“Isn’tittrue?”
“No,athousandtimesno.Ourmarriagemeanseverythingtome.”
Shesmiled.
“Isupposeitdoes—inaway.We’reagoodteam,Stephen.Wepulltogetherwithasatisfactoryresult.”
“Ididn’tmeanthat.”Hefoundhisbreathwascomingunevenly.Hetookherhandinbothofhis,holdingitveryclosely—“Sandra,don’tyouknowthatyoumeanalltheworldtome?”
Andsuddenlyshedidknowit.Itwasincredible—unforeseen,butitwasso.
Shewasinhisarmsandhewasholdingherclose,kissingher,stammeringoutincoherentwords.
“Sandra—Sandra—darling.Iloveyou…I’vebeensoafraid—soafraidI’dloseyou.”
Sheheardherselfsaying:
“BecauseofRosemary?”
“Yes.”Heletgoofher,steppedback,hisfacewasludicrousinitsdismay.
“Youknew—aboutRosemary?”
“Ofcourse—allthetime.”
“Andyouunderstand?”
Sheshookherhead.
“No,Idon’tunderstand.Idon’tthinkIevershould.Youlovedher?”
“Notreally.ItwasyouIloved.”
Asurgeofbitternesssweptoverher.Shequoted:“Fromthefirstmomentyousawmeacrosstheroom?Don’trepeatthatlie—foritwasalie!”
Hewasnottakenabackbythatsuddenattack.Heseemedtoconsiderherwordsthoughtfully.
“Yes,itwasalie—andyetinaqueerwayitwasn’t.I’mbeginningtobelievethatitwastrue.Oh,tryandunderstand,Sandra.Youknowthepeoplewhoalwayshaveanobleandgoodreasontomasktheirmeaneractions?Thepeoplewho‘havetobehonest’whentheywanttobeunkind,who‘thoughtittheirdutytorepeatsoandso,’whoaresuchhypocritestothemselvesthattheygothroughtotheirlife’sendconvincedthateverymeanandbeastlyactionwasdoneinaspiritofunselfishness!Tryandrealizethattheoppositeofthosepeoplecanexisttoo.Peoplewhoaresocynical,sodistrustfulofthemselvesandoflifethattheyonlybelieveintheirbadmotives.YouwerethewomanIneeded.That,atleast,istrue.AndIdohonestlybelieve,now,lookingbackonit,thatifithadn’tbeentrue,Ishouldneverhavegonethroughwithit.”
Shesaidbitterly:
“Youwerenotinlovewithme.”
“No.I’dneverbeeninlove.Iwasastarved,sexlesscreaturewhopridedhimself—yes,Idid—onthefastidiouscoldnessofhisnature!AndthenIdidfallinlove‘acrossaroom’—asillyviolentpuppylove.Athinglikeamidsummerthunderstorm,brief,unreal,quicklyover.”Headdedbitterly:“Indeeda‘taletoldbyanidiot,fullofsoundandfury,signifyingnothing.’”
Hepaused,andthenwenton:
“Itwashere,atFairhaven,thatIwokeupandrealizedthetruth.”
“Thetruth?”
“Theonlythinginlifethatmatteredtomewasyou—andkeepingyourlove.”
“IfIhadonlyknown….”
“Whatdidyouthink?”
“Ithoughtyouwereplanningtogoawaywithher.”
“WithRosemary?”Hegaveashortlaugh.“Thatwouldindeedhavebeenpenalservitudeforlife!”
“Didn’tshewantyoutogoawaywithher?”
“Yes,shedid.”
“Whathappened?”
Stephendrewadeepbreath.Theywerebackagain.Facingoncemorethatintangiblemenace.Hesaid:
“TheLuxembourghappened.”
Theywerebothsilent,seeing,theybothknew,thesamething.Thebluecyanosedfaceofaoncelovelywoman.
Staringatadeadwoman,andthen—lookinguptomeeteachother’seyes…
Stephensaid:
“Forgetit,Sandra,forGod’ssake,letusforgetit!”
“It’snouseforgetting.We’renotgoingtobeallowedtoforget.”
Therewasapause.ThenSandrasaid:
“Whatarewegoingtodo?”
“Whatyousaidjustnow.Facethings—together.Gotothishorriblepartywhateverthereasonforitmaybe.”
“Youdon’tbelievewhatGeorgeBartonsaidaboutIris?”
“No.Doyou?”
“Itcouldbetrue.Butevenifitis,it’snottherealreason.”
“Whatdoyouthinktherealreasonis?”
“Idon’tknow,Stephen.ButI’mafraid.”
“OfGeorgeBarton?”
“Yes,Ithinkhe—knows.”
Stephensaidsharply:
“Knowswhat?”
Sheturnedherheadslowlyuntilhereyesmethis.
Shesaidinawhisper:
“Wemustn’tbeafraid.Wemusthavecourage—allthecourageintheworld.You’regoingtobeagreatman,Stephen—amantheworldneeds—andnothingshallinterferewiththat.I’myourwifeandIloveyou.”
“Whatdoyouthinkthispartyis,Sandra?”
“Ithinkit’satrap.”
Hesaidslowly,“Andwewalkintoit?”
“Wecan’taffordtoshowweknowit’satrap.”
“No,that’strue.”
SuddenlySandrathrewbackherheadandlaughed.Shesaid:“Doyourworst,Rosemary.Youwon’twin.”
Hegrippedhershoulder.
“Bequiet,Sandra.Rosemary’sdead.”
“Isshe?Sometimes—shefeelsverymuchalive….”
Three
HalfwayacrosstheParkIrissaid:
“DoyoumindifIdon’tcomebackwithyou,George?Ifeellikeawalk.IthoughtI’dgoupoverFriar’sHillandcomedownthroughthewood.I’vehadanawfulheadacheallday.”
“Mypoorchild.Dogo.Iwon’tcomewithyou—I’mexpectingafellowalongsometimethisafternoonandI’mnotquitesurewhenhe’llturnup.”
“Right.Good-byetillteatime.”
Sheturnedabruptlyandmadeoffatrightanglestowhereabeltoflarchesshowedonthehillside.
Whenshecameoutonthebrowofthehillshedrewadeepbreath.ItwasoneofthoseclosehumiddayscommoninOctober.Adankmoisturecoatedtheleavesofthetreesandthegreycloudhunglowoverheadpromisingyetmorerainshortly.Therewasnotreallymuchmoreairuphereonthehillthantherehadbeeninthevalley,butIrisfeltneverthelessasthoughshecouldbreathemorefreely.
ShesatdownonthetrunkofafallentreeandstareddownintothevalleytowhereLittlePriorsnestleddemurelyinitswoodedhollow.Farthertotheleft,FairhavenManorshowedaglimpseofroseredonbrick.
Irisstaredoutsombrelyoverthelandscape,herchincuppedinherhand.
Theslightrustlebehindherwashardlylouderthanthedripoftheleaves,butsheturnedherheadsharplyasthebranchespartedandAnthonyBrownecamethroughthem.
Shecriedhalfangrily:“Tony!Whydoyoualwayshavetoarrivelike—likeademoninapantomime?”
Anthonydroppedtothegroundbesideher.Hetookouthiscigarettecase,offeredheroneandwhensheshookherheadtookonehimselfandlightedit.Theninhalingthefirstpuffhereplied:
“It’sbecauseI’mwhatthepaperscallaMysteryMan.Ilikeappearingfromnowhere.”
“HowdidyouknowwhereIwas?”
“Anexcellentpairofbirdglasses.IheardyouwerelunchingwiththeFarradaysandspiedonyoufromthehillsidewhenyouleft.”
“Whydon’tyoucometothehouselikeanordinaryperson?”
“I’mnotanordinaryperson,”saidAnthonyinashockedtone.“I’mveryextraordinary.”
“Ithinkyouare.”
Helookedatherquickly.Thenhesaid:
“Isanythingthematter?”
“No,ofcoursenot.Atleast—”
Shepaused.Anthonysaidinterrogatively:
“Atleast?”
Shedrewadeepbreath.
“I’mtiredofbeingdownhere.Ihateit.IwanttogobacktoLondon.”
“You’regoingsoon,aren’tyou?”
“Nextweek.”
“SothiswasafarewellpartyattheFarradays?”
“Itwasn’taparty.Justthemandoneoldcousin.”
“DoyouliketheFarradays,Iris?”
“Idon’tknow.Idon’tthinkIdoverymuch—althoughIshouldn’tsaythatbecausethey’vereallybeenverynicetous.”
“Doyouthinktheylikeyou?”
“No,Idon’t.Ithinktheyhateus.”
“Interesting.”
“Isit?”
“Oh,notthehatred—iftrue.Imeanttheuseoftheword‘us.’Myquestionreferredtoyoupersonally.”
“Oh,Isee…Ithinktheylikemequitewellinanegativesortofway.Ithinkit’susasafamilylivingnextdoorthattheymindabout.Weweren’tparticularfriendsoftheirs—theywereRosemary’sfriends.”
“Yes,”saidAnthony,“asyousaytheywereRosemary’sfriends—notthatIshouldimagineSandraFarradayandRosemarywereeverbosomfriends,eh?”
“No,”saidIris.ShelookedfaintlyapprehensivebutAnthonysmokedpeacefully.Presentlyhesaid:
“DoyouknowwhatstrikesmemostabouttheFarradays?”
“What?”
“Justthat—thattheyaretheFarradays.Ialwaysthinkofthemlikethat—notasStephenandSandra,twoindividualslinkedbytheStateandtheEstablishedChurch—butasadefinitedualentity—theFarradays.Thatisrarerthanyouwouldthink.Theyaretwopeoplewithacommonaim,acommonwayoflife,identicalhopesandfearsandbeliefs.Andtheoddpartofitisthattheyareactuallyverydissimilarincharacter.StephenFarraday,Ishouldsay,isamanofverywideintellectualscope,extremelysensitivetooutsideopinion,horriblydiffidentabouthimselfandsomewhatlackinginmoralcourage.Sandra,ontheotherhand,hasanarrowmedievalmind,iscapableoffanaticaldevotion,andiscourageoustothepointofrecklessness.”
“Healwaysseemstome,”saidIris,“ratherpompousandstupid.”
“He’snotatallstupid.He’sjustoneoftheusualunhappysuccesses.”
“Unhappy?”
“Mostsuccessesareunhappy.That’swhytheyaresuccesses—theyhavetoreassurethemselvesaboutthemselvesbyachievingsomethingthattheworldwillnotice.”
“Whatextraordinaryideasyouhave,Anthony.”
“You’llfindthey’requitetrueifyouonlyexaminethem.Thehappypeoplearefailuresbecausetheyareonsuchgoodtermswiththemselvesthattheydon’tgiveadamn.Likeme.Theyarealsousuallyagreeabletogetonwith—againlikeme.”
“Youhaveaverygoodopinionofyourself.”
“Iamjustdrawingattentiontomygoodpointsincaseyoumayn’thavenoticedthem.”
Irislaughed.Herspiritshadrisen.Thedulldepressionandfearhadliftedfromhermind.Sheglanceddownatherwatch.
“Comehomeandhavetea,andgiveafewmorepeoplethebenefitofyourunusuallyagreeablesociety.”
Anthonyshookhishead.
“Nottoday.Imustbegettingback.”
Iristurnedsharplyonhim.
“Whywillyounevercometothehouse?Theremustbeareason.”
Anthonyshruggedhisshoulders.
“PutitthatI’mratherpeculiarinmyideasofacceptinghospitality.Yourbrother-in-lawdoesn’tlikeme—he’smadethatquiteclear.”
“Oh,don’tbotheraboutGeorge.IfAuntLucillaandIaskyou—she’sanolddear—you’dlikeher.”
“I’msureIshould—butmyobjectionholds.”
“YouusedtocomeinRosemary’stime.”
“That,”saidAnthony,“wasratherdifferent.”
AfaintcoldhandtouchedIris’sheart.Shesaid,“Whatmadeyoucomedownheretoday?Hadyoubusinessinthispartoftheworld?”
“Veryimportantbusiness—withyou.Icameheretoaskyouaquestion,Iris.”
Thecoldhandvanished.Insteadtherecameafaintflutter,thatthrobofexcitementthatwomenhaveknownfromtimeimmemorial.AndwithitIris’sfaceadoptedthatsamelookofblankinquirythathergreat-grandmothermighthavewornpriortosayingafewminuteslater,“Oh,Mr.X,thisissosudden!”
“Yes?”SheturnedthatimpossiblyinnocentfacetowardsAnthony.
Hewaslookingather,hiseyesweregrave,almoststern.
“Answermetruthfully,Iris.Thisismyquestion.Doyoutrustme?”
Ittookheraback.Itwasnotwhatshehadexpected.Hesawthat.
“Youdidn’tthinkthatthatwaswhatIwasgoingtosay?Butitisaveryimportantquestion,Iris.Themostimportantquestionintheworldtome.Iaskitagain.Doyoutrustme?”
Shehesitated,abaresecond,thensheanswered,hereyesfalling:“Yes.”
“ThenI’llgoonandaskyousomethingelse.WillyoucomeuptoLondonandmarrymewithouttellinganybodyaboutit?”
Shestared.
“ButIcouldn’t!Isimplycouldn’t.”
“Youcouldn’tmarryme?”
“Notinthatway.”
“Andyetyouloveme.Youdoloveme,don’tyou?”
Sheheardherselfsaying:
“Yes,Iloveyou,Anthony.”
“Butyouwon’tcomeandmarrymeattheChurchofSaintElfrida,Bloomsbury,intheparishofwhichIhaveresidedforsomeweeksandwhereIcanconsequentlygetmarriedbylicenceatanytime?”
“HowcanIdoathinglikethat?GeorgewouldbeterriblyhurtandAuntLucillawouldneverforgiveme.AndanywayI’mnotofage.I’monlyeighteen.”
“You’dhavetolieaboutyourage.Idon’tknowwhatpenaltiesIshouldincurformarryingaminorwithoutherguardian’sconsent.Whoisyourguardian,bytheway?”
“George.He’smytrusteeaswell.”
“AsIwassaying,whateverpenaltiesIincurred,theycouldn’tunmarryusandthatisreallyallIcareabout.”
Irisshookherhead.“Icouldn’tdoit.Icouldn’tbesounkind.Andinanycase,why?What’sthepointofit?”
Anthonysaid:“That’swhyIaskedyoufirstifyoucouldtrustme.You’dhavetotakemyreasonsontrust.Let’ssaythatitisthesimplestway.Butnevermind.”
Irissaidtimidly:
“IfGeorgeonlygottoknowyoualittlebetter.Comebacknowwithme.ItwillbeonlyheandAuntLucilla.”
“Areyousure?Ithought—”hepaused.“AsIstruckupthehillIsawamangoingupyourdrive—andthefunnythingisthatIbelieveIrecognizedhimasamanI”—hehesitated—“hadmet.”
“Ofcourse—Iforgot—Georgesaidhewasexpectingsomeone.”
“ThemanIthoughtIsawwasamancalledRace—ColonelRace.”
“Verylikely,”Irisagreed.“GeorgedoesknowaColonelRace.HewascomingtodinneronthatnightwhenRosemary—”
Shestopped,hervoicequivering.Anthonygrippedherhand.
“Don’tgoonrememberingit,darling.Itwasbeastly,Iknow.”
Sheshookherhead.
“Ican’thelpit.Anthony—”
“Yes?”
“Diditeveroccurtoyou—didyoueverthink—”shefoundadifficultyinputtinghermeaningintowords.
“Diditeverstrikeyouthat—thatRosemarymightnothavecommittedsuicide?Thatshemighthavebeen—killed?”
“GoodGod,Iris,whatputthatideaintoyourhead?”
Shedidnotreply—merelypersisted:“Thatideaneveroccuredtoyou?”
“Certainlynot.OfcourseRosemarycommittedsuicide.”
Irissaidnothing.
“Who’sbeensuggestingthesethingstoyou?”
ForamomentshewastemptedtotellhimGeorge’sincrediblestory,butsherefrained.Shesaidslowly:
“Itwasjustanidea.”
“Forgetit,darlingidiot.”Hepulledhertoherfeetandkissedhercheeklightly.“Darlingmorbididiot.ForgetRosemary.Onlythinkofme.”
Four
Puffingathispipe,ColonelRacelookedspeculativelyatGeorgeBarton.
HehadknownGeorgeBartoneversincethelatter’sboyhood.Barton’sunclehadbeenacountryneighbouroftheRaces.Therewasadifferenceofovertwentyyearsbetweenthetwomen.Racewasoversixty,atall,erect,militaryfigure,withsunburntface,closelycroppediron-greyhair,andshrewddarkeyes.
Therehadneverbeenanyparticularintimacybetweenthetwomen—butBartonremainedtoRace“youngGeorge”—oneofthemanyvaguefiguresassociatedwithearlierdays.
Hewasthinkingatthismomentthathehadreallynoideawhat“youngGeorge”waslike.Onthebriefoccasionswhentheyhadmetinlateryears,theyhadfoundlittleincommon.Racewasanout-of-doorman,essentiallyoftheEmpire-buildertype—mostofhislifehadbeenspentabroad.Georgewasemphaticallythecitygentleman.Theirinterestsweredissimilarandwhentheymetitwastoexchangeratherlukewarmreminiscencesof“theolddays,”afterwhichanembarrassedsilencewasapttooccur.ColonelRacewasnotgoodatsmalltalkandmightindeedhaveposedasthemodelofastrongsilentmansobelovedbyanearliergenerationofnovelists.
Silentatthismoment,hewaswonderingjustwhy“youngGeorge”hadbeensoinsistentonthismeeting.Thinking,too,thattherewassomesubtlechangeinthemansincehehadlastseenhimayearago.GeorgeBartonhadalwaysstruckhimastheessenceofstodginess—cautious,practical,unimaginative.
Therewas,hethought,somethingverywrongwiththefellow.Jumpyasacat.He’dalreadyre-lithiscigarthreetimes—andthatwasn’tlikeBartonatall
Hetookhispipeoutofhismouth.
“Well,youngGeorge,what’sthetrouble?”
“You’reright,Race,itistrouble.Iwantyouradvicebadly—andyourhelp.”
Thecolonelnoddedandwaited.
“NearlyayearagoyouwerecomingtodinewithusinLondon—attheLuxembourg.Youhadtogoabroadatthelastminute.”
AgainRacenodded.
“SouthAfrica.”
“Atthatdinnerpartymywifedied.”
Racestirreduncomfortablyinhischair
“Iknow.Readaboutit.Didn’tmentionitnoworofferyousympathybecauseIdidn’twanttostirupthingsagain.ButI’msorry,oldman,youknowthat.”
“Oh,yes,yes.That’snotthepoint.Mywifewassupposedtohavecommittedsuicide.”
Racefastenedonthekeyword.Hiseyebrowsrose.
“Supposed?”
“Readthese.”
Hethrustthetwolettersintotheother’shand.Race’seyebrowsrosestillhigher.
“Anonymousletters?”
“Yes.AndIbelievethem.”
Raceshookhisheadslowly.
“That’sadangerousthingtodo.You’dbesurprisedhowmanylyingspitefullettersgetwrittenafteranyeventthat’sbeengivenanysortofpublicityinthePress.”
“Iknowthat.Buttheseweren’twrittenatthetime—theyweren’twrittenuntilsixmonthsafterwards.”
Racenodded.
“That’sapoint.Whodoyouthinkwrotethem?”
“Idon’tknow.Idon’tcare.ThepointisthatIbelievewhattheysayistrue.Mywifewasmurdered.”
Racelaiddownhispipe.Hesatupalittlestraighterinhischair.
“Nowjustwhydoyouthinkthat?Hadyouanysuspicionatthetime.Hadthepolice?”
“Iwasdazedwhenithappened—completelybowledover.Ijustacceptedtheverdictattheinquest.Mywifehadhad’flu,wasrun-down.Nosuspicionofanythingbutsuicidearose.Thestuffwasinherhandbag,yousee.”
“Whatwasthestuff?”
“Cyanide.”
“Iremember.Shetookitinchampagne.”
“Yes.Itseemed,atthetime,allquitestraightforward.”
“Hadsheeverthreatenedtocommitsuicide?”
“No,never.Rosemary,”saidGeorgeBarton,“lovedlife.”
Racenodded.HehadonlymetGeorge’swifeonce.Hehadthoughtherasingularlylovelynitwit—butcertainlynotamelancholictype.
“Whataboutthemedicalevidenceastostateofmind,etcetera?”
“Rosemary’sowndoctor—anelderlymanwhohasattendedtheMarlefamilysincetheywereyoungchildren—wasawayonaseavoyage.Hispartner,ayoungman,attendedRosemarywhenshehad’flu.Allhesaid,Iremember,wasthatthetypeof’fluaboutwasinclinedtoleaveseriousdepression.”
Georgepausedandwenton.
“Itwasn’tuntilafterIgottheselettersthatItalkedwithRosemary’sowndoctor.Isaidnothingoftheletters,ofcourse—justdiscussedwhathadhappened.Hetoldmethenthathewasverysurprisedatwhathadhappened.Hewouldneverhavebelievedit,hesaid.Rosemarywasnotatallasuicidaltype.Itshowed,hesaid,howevenapatientoneknewwellmightactinathoroughlyuncharacteristicmanner.”
AgainGeorgepausedandthenwenton:
“ItwasaftertalkingtohimthatIrealizedhowabsolutelyunconvincingtomeRosemary’ssuicidewas.Afterall,Iknewherverywell.Shewasapersonwhowascapableofviolentfitsofunhappiness.Shecouldgetveryworkedupoverthings,andshewouldonoccasionstakeveryrashandunconsideredaction,butIhaveneverknownherintheframeofmindthat‘wantedtogetoutofitall.’”
Racemurmuredinaslightlyembarrassedmanner:
“Couldshehavehadamotiveforsuicideapartfrommeredepression?Wasshe,Imean,definitelyunhappyaboutanything?”
“I—no—shewasperhapsrathernervy.”
Avoidinglookingathisfriend,Racesaid:
“Wassheatallamelodramaticperson?Ionlysawheronce,youknow.Butthereisatypethat—well—mightgetakickoutofattemptedsuicide—usuallyifthey’vequarrelledwithsomeone.Theratherchildishmotiveof—‘I’llmakethemsorry!’”
“RosemaryandIhadn’tquarrelled.”
“No.AndImustsaythatthefactofcyanidehavingbeenusedratherrulesthatpossibilityout.It’snotthekindofthingyoucanmonkeyaboutwithsafely—andeverybodyknowsit.”
“That’sanotherpoint.IfbyanychanceRosemaryhadcontemplateddoingawaywithherself,surelyshe’dneverdoitthatway?Painfuland—andugly.Anoverdoseofsomesleepingstuffwouldbefarmorelikely.”
“Iagree.Wasthereanyevidenceastoherpurchasingorgettingholdofthecyanide?”
“No.Butshehadbeenstayingwithfriendsinthecountryandtheyhadtakenawasps’nestoneday.Itwassuggestedthatshemighthavetakenahandfulofpotassiumcyanidecrystalsthen.”
“Yes—it’snotadifficultthingtogetholdof.Mostgardenerskeepastockofit.”
Hepausedandthensaid:
“Letmesummarizetheposition.Therewasnopositiveevidenceastoadispositiontosuicide,ortoanypreparationforit.Thewholethingwasnegative.Buttherecanalsohavebeennopositiveevidencepointingtomurder,orthepolicewouldhavegotholdofit.They’requitewideawake,youknow.”
“Themereideaofmurderwouldhaveseemedfantastic.”
“Butitdidn’tseemfantastictoyousixmonthslater?”
Georgesaidslowly:
“IthinkImusthavebeenunsatisfiedallalong.IthinkImusthavebeensubconsciouslypreparingmyselfsothatwhenIsawthethingwrittendowninblackandwhiteIaccepteditwithoutdoubt.”
“Yes.”Racenodded.“Well,then,let’shaveit.Whodoyoususpect?”
Georgeleanedforward—hisfacetwitching.
“That’swhatissoterrible.IfRosemarywaskilled,oneofthosepeopleroundthetable,oneofourfriends,musthavedoneit.Nooneelsecamenearthetable.”
“Waiters?Whopouredoutthewine?”
“Charles,theheadwaiterattheLuxembourg.YouknowCharles?”
Raceassented.EverybodyknewCharles.ItseemedquiteimpossibletoimaginethatCharlescouldhavedeliberatelypoisonedaclient.
“AndthewaiterwholookedafteruswasGiuseppe.WeknowGiuseppewell.I’veknownhimforyears.Healwayslooksaftermethere.He’sadelightfulcheerylittlefellow.”
“Sowecometothedinnerparty.Whowasthere?”
“StephenFarraday,theM.P.Hiswife,LadyAlexandraFarraday.Mysecretary,RuthLessing.AfellowcalledAnthonyBrowne.Rosemary’ssister,Iris,andmyself.Seveninall.Weshouldhavebeeneightifyouhadcome.Whenyoudroppedoutwecouldn’tthinkofanybodysuitabletoaskatthelastminute.”
“Isee.Well,Barton,whodoyouthinkdidit?”
Georgecriedout:“Idon’tknow—ItellyouIdon’tknow.IfIhadanyidea—”
“Allright—allright.Ijustthoughtyoumighthaveadefinitesuspicion.Well,itoughtn’ttobedifficult.Howdidyousit—startingwithyourself?”
“IhadSandraFarradayonmyright,ofcourse.Nexttoher,AnthonyBrowne.ThenRosemary.ThenStephenFarraday,thenIris,thenRuthLessingwhosatonmyleft.”
“Isee.Andyourwifehaddrunkchampagneearlierintheevening?”
“Yes.Theglasseshadbeenfilledupseveraltimes.It—ithappenedwhilethecabaretshowwason.Therewasalotofnoise—itwasoneofthosenegroshowsandwewereallwatchingit.Sheslumpedforwardonthetablejustbeforethelightswentup.Shemayhavecriedout—orgasped—butnobodyheardanything.Thedoctorsaidthatdeathmusthavebeenpracticallyinstantaneous.ThankGodforthat.”
“Yes,indeed.Well,Barton—onthefaceofit,itseemsfairlyobvious.”
“Youmean?”
“StephenFarradayofcourse.Hewasonherrighthand.Herchampagneglasswouldbeclosetohislefthand.Easiestthingintheworldtoputthestuffinassoonasthelightswereloweredandgeneralattentionwenttotheraisedstage.Ican’tseethatanybodyelsehadanythinglikeasgoodanopportunity.IknowthoseLuxembourgtables.There’splentyofroomroundthem—Idoubtverymuchifanybodycouldhaveleanedacrossthetable,forinstance,withoutbeingnoticedevenifthelightsweredown.ThesamethingappliestothefellowonRosemary’sleft.Hewouldhavehadtoleanacrosshertoputanythinginherglass.Thereisoneotherpossibility,butwe’lltaketheobviouspersonfirst.AnyreasonwhyStephenFarraday,M.P.,shouldwanttodoawaywithyourwife?”
Georgesaidinastifledvoice:
“They—theyhadbeenratherclosefriends.If—ifRosemaryhadturnedhimdown,forinstance,hemighthavewantedrevenge.”
“Soundshighlymelodramatic.Thatistheonlymotiveyoucansuggest?”
“Yes,”saidGeorge.Hisfacewasveryred.Racegavehimthemostfleetingofglances.Thenhewenton:
“We’llexaminepossibilityNo.2.Oneofthewomen.”
“Whythewomen?”
“MydearGeorge,hasitescapedyournoticethatinapartyofseven,fourwomenandthreemen,therewillprobablybeoneortwoperiodsduringtheeveningwhenthreecouplesaredancingandonewomanissittingaloneatthetable?Youdidalldance?”
“Oh,yes.”
“Good.Nowbeforethecabaret,canyourememberwhowassittingaloneatanymoment?”
Georgethoughtaminute.
“Ithink—yes,Iriswasoddmanoutlast,andRuththetimebefore.”
“Youdon’trememberwhenyourwifedrankchampagnelast?”
“Letmesee,shehadbeendancingwithBrowne.Irememberhercomingbackandsayingthathadbeenprettystrenuous—he’sratherafancydancer.Shedrankupthewineinherglassthen.Afewminuteslatertheyplayedawaltzandshe—shedancedwithme.SheknewawaltzistheonlydanceI’mreallyanygoodat.FarradaydancedwithRuthandLadyAlexandrawithBrowne.Irissatout.Immediatelyafterthat,theyhadthecabaret.”
“Thenlet’sconsideryourwife’ssister.Didshecomeintoanymoneyonyourwife’sdeath?”
Georgebegantosplutter.
“MydearRace—don’tbeabsurd.Iriswasamerechild,aschoolgirl.”
“I’veknowntwoschoolgirlswhocommittedmurder.”
“ButIris!ShewasdevotedtoRosemary.”
“Nevermind,Barton.Shehadopportunity.Iwanttoknowifshehadmotive.Yourwife,Ibelieve,wasarichwoman.Wheredidhermoneygo—toyou?”
“No,itwenttoIris—atrustfund.”
Heexplainedtheposition,towhichRacelistenedattentively.
“Ratheracuriousposition.Therichsisterandthepoorsister.Somegirlsmighthaveresentedthat.”
“I’msureIrisneverdid.”
“Maybenot—butshehadamotiveallright.We’lltrythattacknow.Whoelsehadamotive?”
“Nobody—nobodyatall.Rosemaryhadn’tanenemyintheworld,I’msure.I’vebeenlookingintoallthat—askingquestions—tryingtofindout.I’veeventakenthishouseneartheFarradays’soasto—”
Hestopped.Racetookuphispipeandbegantoscratchatitsinterior.
“Hadn’tyoubettertellmeeverything,youngGeorge?”
“Whatdoyoumean?”
“You’rekeepingsomethingback—itsticksoutamile.Youcansittheredefendingyourwife’sreputation—oryoucantryandfindoutifshewasmurderedornot—butifthelattermattersmosttoyou,you’llhavetocomeclean.”
Therewasasilence.
“Allrightthen,”saidGeorgeinastifledvoice.“Youwin.”
“You’dreasontobelieveyourwifehadalover,isthatit?”
“Yes.”
“StephenFarraday?”
“Idon’tknow!IsweartoyouIdon’tknow!Itmighthavebeenhimoritmighthavebeentheotherfellow,Browne.Icouldn’tmakeupmymind.Itwashell.”
“TellmewhatyouknowaboutthisAnthonyBrowne?Funny,Iseemtohaveheardthename.”
“Idon’tknowanythingabouthim.Nobodydoes.He’sagood-looking,amusingsortofchap—butnobodyknowsthefirstthingabouthim.He’ssupposedtobeanAmericanbuthe’sgotnoaccenttospeakof.”
“Oh,well,perhapstheEmbassywillknowsomethingabouthim.You’venoidea—which?”
“No—no,Ihaven’t.I’lltellyou,Race.Shewaswritingaletter—I—Iexaminedtheblottingpaperafterwards.It—itwasaloveletterallright—buttherewasnoname.”
Raceturnedhiseyesawaycarefully.
“Well,thatgivesusabitmoretogoon.LadyAlexandra,forinstance—shecomesintoit,ifherhusbandwashavinganaffairwithyourwife.She’sthekindofwoman,youknow,whofeelsthingsratherintensely.Thequiet,deeptype.It’satypethatwilldomurderatapinch.We’regettingon.There’sMysteryBrowneandFarradayandhiswife,andyoungIrisMarle.Whataboutthisotherwoman,RuthLessing?”
“Ruthcouldn’thavehadanythingtodowithit.Sheatleasthadnoearthlymotive.”
“Yoursecretary,yousay?Whatsortofagirlisshe?”
“Thedearestgirlintheworld.”Georgespokewithenthusiasm.“She’spracticallyoneofthefamily.She’smyrighthand—Idon’tknowanyoneIthinkmorehighlyof,orhavemoreabsolutefaithin.”
“You’refondofher,”saidRace,watchinghimthoughtfully.
“I’mdevotedtoher.Thatgirl,Race,isanabsolutetrump.Idependuponherineveryway.She’sthetruest,dearestcreatureintheworld.”
Racemurmuredsomethingthatsoundedliked“Umhum”andleftthesubject.TherewasnothinginhismannertoindicatetoGeorgethathehadmentallychalkeddownaverydefinitemotivetotheunknownRuthLessing.Hecouldimaginethatthis“dearestgirlintheworld”mighthaveaverydecidedreasonforwantingtheremovalofMrs.GeorgeBartontoanotherworld.Itmightbeamercenarymotive—shemighthaveenvisagedherselfasthesecondMrs.Barton.Itmightbethatshewasgenuinelyinlovewithheremployer.ButthemotiveforRosemary’sdeathwasthere.
Insteadhesaidgently:“Isupposeit’soccurredtoyou,George,thatyouhadaprettygoodmotiveyourself.”
“I?”Georgelookedflabbergasted.
“Well,rememberOthelloandDesdemona.”
“Iseewhatyoumean.But—butitwasn’tlikethatbetweenmeandRosemary.Iadoredher,ofcourse,butIalwaysknewthattherewouldbethingsthat—thatI’dhavetoendure.Notthatshewasn’tfondofme—shewas.Shewasveryfondofmeandsweettomealways.ButofcourseI’madullstick,nogettingawayfromit.Notromantic,youknow.Anyway,I’dmadeupmymindwhenImarriedherthatitwasn’tgoingtobeallbeerandskittles.Sheasgoodaswarnedme.Ithurt,ofcourse,whenithappened—buttosuggestthatI’dhavetouchedahairofherhead—”
Hestopped,andthenwentoninadifferenttone:
“Anyway,ifI’ddoneit,whyonearthshouldIgorakingitallup?Imean,afteraverdictofsuicide,andeverythingallsettledandover.Itwouldbemadness.”
“Absolutely.That’swhyIdon’tseriouslysuspectyou,mydearfellow.Ifyouwereasuccessfulmurdererandgotacoupleofletterslikethese,you’dputthemquietlyinthefireandsaynothingatallaboutit.AndthatbringsmetowhatIthinkistheonereallyinterestingfeatureofthewholething.Whowrotethoseletters?”
“Eh?”Georgelookedratherstartled.“Ihaven’ttheleastidea.”
“Thepointdoesn’tseemtohaveinterestedyou.Itinterestsme.It’sthefirstquestionIaskedyou.Wecanassume,Itakeit,thattheyweren’twrittenbythemurderer.Whyshouldhequeerhisownpitchwhen,asyousay,everythinghadsettleddownandsuicidewasuniversallyaccepted?Thenwhowrotethem?Whoisitwhoisinterestedinstirringthewholethingupagain?”
“Servants?”hazardedGeorgevaguely.
“Possibly.Ifso,whatservants,andwhatdotheyknow?DidRosemaryhaveaconfidentialmaid?”
Georgeshookhishead.
“No.Atthetimewehadacook—Mrs.Pound—we’vestillgother,andacoupleofmaids.Ithinkthey’vebothleft.Theyweren’twithusverylong.”
“Well,Barton,ifyouwantmyadvice,whichIgatheryoudo,Ishouldthinkthematteroververycarefully.Ononesidethere’sthefactthatRosemaryisdead.Youcan’tbringherbacktolifewhateveryoudo.Iftheevidenceforsuicideisn’tparticularlygood,neitheristheevidenceformurder.Letussay,forthesakeofargument,thatRosemarywasmurdered.Doyoureallywishtorakeupthewholething?Itmaymeanalotofunpleasantpublicity,alotofwashingofdirtylineninpublic,yourwife’sloveaffairsbecomingpublicproperty—”
GeorgeBartonwinced.Hesaidviolently:
“Doyoureallyadvisemetoletsomeswinegetawaywithit?ThatstickFarraday,withhispompousspeeches,andhispreciouscareer—andallthetime,perhaps,acowardlymurderer.”
“Ionlywantyoutobeclearwhatitinvolves.”
“Iwanttogetatthetruth.”
“Verywell.Inthatcase,Ishouldgotothepolicewiththeseletters.They’llprobablybeabletofindoutfairlyeasilywhowrotethemandifthewriterknowsanything.Onlyrememberthatonceyou’vestartedthemonthetrail,youwon’tbeabletocallthemoff.”
“I’mnotgoingtothepolice.That’swhyIwantedtoseeyou.I’mgoingtosetatrapforthemurderer.”
“Whatonearthdoyoumean?”
“Listen,Race.I’mgoingtohaveapartyattheLuxembourg.Iwantyoutocome.Thesamepeople,theFarradays,AnthonyBrowne,Ruth,Iris,myself.I’vegotitallworkedout.”
“Whatareyougoingtodo?”
Georgegaveafaintlaugh.
“That’smysecret.ItwouldspoilitifItoldanyonebeforehand—evenyou.Iwantyoutocomewithanunbiasedmindand—seewhathappens.”
Raceleantforward.Hisvoicewassuddenlysharp.
“Idon’tlikeit,George.Thesemelodramaticideasoutofbooksdon’twork.Gotothepolice—there’snobetterbodyofmen.Theyknowhowtodealwiththeseproblems.They’reprofessionals.Amateurshowsincrimearen’tadvisable.”
“That’swhyIwantyouthere.You’renotanamateur.”
“Mydearfellow.BecauseIoncedidworkforM.I.5?Andanywayyouproposetokeepmeinthedark.”
“That’snecessary.”
Raceshookhishead.
“I’msorry.Irefuse.Idon’tlikeyourplanandIwon’tbeapartytoit.Giveitup,George,there’sagoodfellow.”
“I’mnotgoingtogiveitup.I’vegotitallworkedout.”
“Don’tbesodamnedobstinate.Iknowabitmoreabouttheseshowsthanyoudo.Idon’tliketheidea.Itwon’twork.Itmayevenbedangerous.Haveyouthoughtofthat?”
“Itwillbedangerousforsomebodyallright.”
Racesighed.
“Youdon’tknowwhatyou’redoing.Oh,well,don’tsayIhaven’twarnedyou.ForthelasttimeIbegyoutogiveupthiscrackbrainedideaofyours.”
GeorgeBartononlyshookhishead.
Five
ThemorningofNovember2nddawnedwetandgloomy.ItwassodarkinthediningroomofthehouseinElvastonSquarethattheyhadtohavethelightsonforbreakfast.
Iris,contrarytoherhabit,hadcomedowninsteadofhavinghercoffeeandtoastsentuptoherandsattherewhiteandghostlikepushinguneatenfoodaboutherplate.GeorgerustledhisTimeswithanervyhandandattheotherendofthetableLucillaDrakeweptcopiouslyintoahandkerchief.
“Iknowthedearboywilldosomethingdreadful.He’ssosensitive—andhewouldn’tsayitwasamatteroflifeanddeathifitwasn’t.”
Rustlinghispaper,Georgesaidsharply:
“Pleasedon’tworry,Lucilla.I’vesaidI’llseetoit.”
“Iknow,dearGeorge,youarealwayssokind.ButIdofeelanydelaymightbefatal.Alltheseinquiriesyouspeakofmaking—theywillalltaketime.”
“No,no,we’llhurrythemthrough.”
“Hesays:‘withoutfailbythe3rd’andtomorrowisthe3rd.Ishouldneverforgivemyselfifanythinghappenedtothedarlingboy.”
“Itwon’t.”Georgetookalongdrinkofcoffee.
“AndthereisstillthatConversionLoanofmine—”
“Lookhere,Lucilla,youleaveitalltome.”
“Don’tworry,AuntLucilla,”putinIris.“Georgewillbeabletoarrangeitall.Afterall,thishashappenedbefore.”
“Notforalongtime”(“Threemonths,”saidGeorge),“notsincethepoorboywasdeceivedbythosedreadfulswindlingfriendsofhisonthathorridranch.”
Georgewipedhismoustacheonhisnapkin,gotup,pattedMrs.Drakekindlyonthebackashemadehiswayoutoftheroom.
“Nowdocheerup,mydear.I’llgetRuthtocablerightaway.”
Ashewentoutinthehall,Irisfollowedhim.
“George,don’tyouthinkweoughttoputoffthepartytonight?AuntLucillaissoupset.Hadn’twebetterstayathomewithher?”
“Certainlynot!”George’spinkfacewentpurple.“Whyshouldthatdamnedswindlingyoungcrookupsetourwholelives?It’sblackmail—sheerblackmail,that’swhatitis.IfIhadmyway,heshouldn’tgetapenny.”
“AuntLucillawouldneveragreetothat.”
“Lucilla’safool—alwayshasbeen.Thesewomenwhohavechildrenwhenthey’reoverfortyneverseemtolearnanysense.Spoilthebratsfromthecradlebygivingthemeverydamnedthingtheywant.IfyoungVictorhadoncebeentoldtogetoutofthismessbyhimselfitmighthavebeenthemakingofhim.Nowdon’targue,Iris.I’llgetsomethingfixedupbeforetonightsothatLucillacangotobedhappy.Ifnecessarywe’lltakeheralongwithus.”
“Oh,no,shehatesrestaurants—andgetssosleepy,poordarling.Andshedislikestheheatandthesmokyairgivesherasthma.”
“Iknow.Iwasn’tserious.Goandcheerherup,Iris.Tellhereverythingwillbeallright.”
Heturnedawayandoutofthefrontdoor.Iristurnedslowlybacktowardsthediningroom.Thetelephonerangandshewenttoanswerit.
“Hallo—who?”Herfacechanged,itswhitehopelessnessdissolvedintopleasure.“Anthony!”
“Anthonyhimself.Irangyouupyesterdaybutcouldn’tgetyou.HaveyoubeenputtinginaspotofworkwithGeorge?”
“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Well,Georgewassopressingoverhisinvitationtoyourpartytonight.Quiteunlikehisusualstyleof‘handsoffmylovelyward!’AbsolutelyinsistentthatIshouldcome.Ithoughtperhapsitwastheresultofsometactfulworkonyourpart.”
“No—no—it’snothingtodowithme.”
“Achangeofheartallonhisown?”
“Notexactly.It’s—”
“Hallo—haveyougoneaway?”
“No,I’mhere.”
“Youweresayingsomething.What’sthematter,darling?Icanhearyousighingthroughthetelephone.Isanythingthematter?”
“No—nothing.Ishallbeallrighttomorrow.Everythingwillbeallrighttomorrow.”
“Whattouchingfaith.Don’ttheysay‘tomorrownevercomes?’”
“Don’t.”
“Iris—somethingisthematter?”
“No,nothing.Ican’ttellyou.Ipromised,yousee.”
“Tellme,mysweet.”
“No—Ican’treally.Anthony,willyoutellmesomething?”
“IfIcan.”
“Wereyou—everinlovewithRosemary?”
Amomentarypauseandthenalaugh.
“Sothat’sit.Yes,Iris,IwasabitinlovewithRosemary.Shewasverylovely,youknow.AndthenonedayIwastalkingtoherandIsawyoucomingdownthestaircase—andinaminuteitwasallover,blownaway.Therewasnobodybutyouintheworld.That’sthecoldsobertruth.Don’tbroodoverathinglikethat.EvenRomeo,youknow,hadhisRosalinebeforehewasbowledoverforgoodandallbyJuliet.”
“Thankyou,Anthony.I’mglad.”
“Seeyoutonight.It’syourbirthday,isn’tit?”
“Actuallynotforaweek—it’smybirthdaypartythough.”
“Youdon’tsoundveryenthusiasticaboutit.”
“I’mnot.”
“IsupposeGeorgeknowswhathe’sdoing,butitseemstomeacrazyideatohaveitatthesameplacewhere—”
“Oh,I’vebeentotheLuxembourgseveraltimessince—sinceRosemary—Imean,onecan’tavoidit.”
“No,andit’sjustaswell.I’vegotabirthdaypresentforyou,Iris.Ihopeyou’lllikeit.Aurevoir.”
Herangoff.
IriswentbacktoLucillaDrake,toargue,persuadeandreassure.
George,onhisarrivalathisoffice,sentatonceforRuthLessing.
Hisworriedfrownrelaxedalittleassheentered,calmandsmiling,inherneatblackcoatandskirt.
“Goodmorning.”
“Goodmorning,Ruth.Troubleagain.Lookatthis.”
Shetookthecableheheldout.
“VictorDrakeagain!”
“Yes,cursehim.”
Shewassilentaminute,holdingthecable.Alean,brownfacewrinklinguproundthenosewhenhelaughed.Amockingvoicesaying,“thesortofgirlwhooughttomarrytheBoss…”Howvividlyitallcameback.
Shethought:
“Itmighthavebeenyesterday….”
George’svoicerecalledher.
“Wasn’titaboutayearagothatweshippedhimoutthere?”
Shereflected.
“Ithinkso,yes.ActuallyIbelieveitwasOctober27th.”
“Whatanamazinggirlyouare.Whatamemory!”
Shethoughttoherselfthatshehadabetterreasonforrememberingthanheknew.ItwasfreshfromVictorDrake’sinfluencethatshehadlistenedtoRosemary’scarelessvoiceoverthephoneanddecidedthatshehatedheremployer’swife.
“Isupposewe’relucky,”saidGeorge,“thathe’slastedaslongashehasoutthere.Evenifitdidcostusfiftypoundsthreemonthsago.”
“Threehundredpoundsnowseemsalot.”
“Oh,yes.Hewon’tgetasmuchasthat.We’llhavetomaketheusualinvestigations.”
“I’dbettercommunicatewithMr.Ogilvie.”
AlexanderOgilviewastheiragentinBuenosAires—asober,hardheadedScotsman.
“Yes.Cableatonce.Hismotherisinastate,asusual.Practicallyhysterical.Makesitverydifficultwiththepartytonight.”
“Wouldyoulikemetostaywithher?”
“No.”Henegativedtheideaemphatically.“No,indeed.You’retheonepersonwho’sgottobethere.Ineedyou,Ruth.”Hetookherhand.“You’retoounselfish.”
“I’mnotunselfishatall.”
Shesmiledandsuggested:
“WoulditbeworthtryingtelephoniccommunicationwithMr.Ogilvie?Wemightgetthewholethingclearedupbytonight.”
“Agoodidea.Wellworththeexpense.”
“I’llgetbusyatonce.”
Verygentlyshedisengagedherhandfromhisandwentout.
Georgedealtwithvariousmattersawaitinghisattention.
AthalfpasttwelvehewentoutandtookataxitotheLuxembourg.
Charles,thenotoriousandpopularheadwaiter,cametowardshim,bendinghisstatelyheadandsmilinginwelcome.
“Goodmorning,Mr.Barton.”
“Goodmorning,Charles.Everythingallrightfortonight?”
“Ithinkyouwillbesatisfied,sir.”
“Thesametable?”
“Themiddleoneinthealcove,thatisright,isitnot?”
“Yes—andyouunderstandabouttheextraplace?”
“Itisallarranged.”
“Andyou’vegotthe—therosemary?”
“Yes,Mr.Barton.I’mafraiditwon’tbeverydecorative.Youwouldn’tlikesomeredberriesincorporated—orsayafewchrysanthemums?”
“No,no,onlytherosemary.”
“Verygood,sir.Youwouldliketoseethemenu.Giuseppe.”
WithaflickofthethumbCharlesproducedasmilinglittlemiddle-agedItalian.
“ThemenuforMr.Barton.”
Itwasproduced.
Oysters,ClearSoup,SoleLuxembourg,Grouse,PoiresHélène,ChickenLiversinBacon.
Georgecastanindifferenteyeoverit.
“Yes,yes,quiteallright.”
Hehandeditback.Charlesaccompaniedhimtothedoor.
Sinkinghisvoicealittle,hemurmured:
“MayIjustmentionhowappreciativeweare,Mr.Barton,thatyouare—er—comingbacktous?”
Asmile,ratheraghastlysmile,showedonGeorge’sface.Hesaid:
“We’vegottoforgetthepast—can’tdwellonthepast.Allthatisoveranddonewith.”
“Verytrue,Mr.Barton.Youknowhowshockedandgrievedwewereatthetime.I’msureIhopethatMademoisellewillhaveaveryhappybirthdaypartyandthateverythingwillbeasyoulikeit.”
Gracefullybowing,Charleswithdrewanddartedlikeanangrydragonflyonsomeveryinferiorgradeofwaiterwhowasdoingthewrongthingatatablenearthewindow.
Georgewentoutwithawrysmileonhislips.HewasnotanimaginativeenoughmantofeelapangofsympathyfortheLuxembourg.Itwasnot,afterall,thefaultoftheLuxembourgthatRosemaryhaddecidedtocommitsuicidethereorthatsomeonehaddecidedtomurderherthere.IthadbeendecidedlyhardontheLuxembourg.Butlikemostpeoplewithanidea,Georgethoughtonlyofthatidea.
Helunchedathisclubandwentafterwardstoadirectors’meeting.
Onhiswaybacktotheoffice,heputthroughaphonecalltoaMaidaValenumberfromapubliccallbox.Hecameoutwithasighofrelief.Everythingwassetaccordingtoschedule.
Hewentbacktotheoffice.
Ruthcametohimatonce.
“AboutVictorDrake.”
“Yes?”
“I’mafraidit’sratherabadbusiness.Apossibilityofcriminalprosecution.He’sbeenhelpinghimselftothefirm’smoneyoveraconsiderableperiod.”
“DidOgilviesayso?”
“Yes.Igotthroughtohimthismorningandhegotacallthroughtousthisafternoontenminutesago.HesaysVictorwasquitebrazenaboutthewholething.”
“Hewouldbe!”
“Butheinsiststhattheywon’tprosecuteifthemoneyisrefunded.Mr.Ogilviesawtheseniorpartnerandthatseemstobecorrect.Theactualsuminquestionisonehundredandsixty-fivepounds.”
“SothatMasterVictorwashopingtopocketaclearhundredandthirty-fiveonthetransaction?”
“I’mafraidso.”
“Well,we’vescotchedthat,atanyrate,”saidGeorgewithgrimsatisfaction.
“ItoldMr.Ogilvietogoaheadandsettlethebusiness.Wasthatright?”
“PersonallyIshouldbedelightedtoseethatyoungcrookgotoprison—butonehastothinkofhismother.Afool—butadearsoul.SoMasterVictorscoresasusual.”
“Howgoodyouare,”saidRuth.
“Me?”
“Ithinkyou’rethebestmanintheworld.”
Hewastouched.Hefeltpleasedandembarrassedatthesametime.Onanimpulsehepickedupherhandandkissedit.
“DearestRuth.Mydearestandbestoffriends.WhatwouldIhavedonewithoutyou?”
Theystoodveryclosetogether.
Shethought:“Icouldhavebeenhappywithhim.Icouldhavemadehimhappy.Ifonly—”
Hethought:“ShallItakeRace’sadvice?ShallIgiveitallup?Wouldn’tthatreallybethebestthing?”
Indecisionhoveredoverhimandpassed.Hesaid:
“9:30attheLuxembourg.”
Six
Theyhadallcome.
Georgebreathedasighofrelief.Uptothelastmomenthehadfearedsomelastminutedefection—buttheywereallhere.StephenFarraday,tallandstiff,alittlepompousinmanner.SandraFarradayinasevereblackvelvetgownwearingemeraldsaroundherneck.Thewomanhadbreeding,notadoubtofit.Hermannerwascompletelynatural,possiblyalittlemoregraciousthanusual.Ruthalsoinblackwithnoornamentsaveonejewelledclip.Herravenblackhairsmoothandlyingclosetoherhead,herneckandarmsverywhite—whiterthanthoseoftheotherwomen.Ruthwasaworkinggirl,shehadnolongleisuredeaseinwhichtoacquiresuntan.Hiseyesmethersand,asthoughshesawtheanxietyinhis,shesmiledreassurance.Hisheartlifted.LoyalRuth.BesidehimIriswasunusuallysilent.Shealoneshowedconsciousnessofthisbeinganunusualparty.Shewaspalebutinsomewayitsuitedher,gaveheragravesteadfastbeauty.Sheworeastraightsimplefrockofleafgreen.AnthonyBrownecamelast,andtoGeorge’smind,hecamewiththequickstealthystepofawildcreature—apanther,perhaps,oraleopard.Thefellowwasn’treallyquitecivilized.
Theywereallthere—allsafeinGeorge’strap.Now,theplaycouldbegin..
Cocktailsweredrained.Theygotupandpassedthroughtheopenarchintotherestaurantproper.
Dancingcouples,softnegromusic,defthurryingwaiters.
Charlescameforwardandsmilinglypilotedthemtotheirtable.Itwasatthefarendoftheroom,ashallowarchedalcovewhichheldthreetables—abigoneinthemiddleandtwosmallonesfortwopeopleeithersideofit.Amiddle-agedsallowforeignerandablondelovelywereatone,aslipofaboyandagirlattheother.ThemiddletablewasreservedfortheBartonparty.
Georgegeniallyassignedthemtotheirplaces.
“Sandra,willyousithere,onmyright.Brownenexttoher.Iris,mydear,it’syourparty.Imusthaveyouherenexttome,andyoubeyondher,Farraday.Thenyou,Ruth—”
Hepaused—betweenRuthandAnthonywasavacantchair—thetablehadbeenlaidforseven.
“MyfriendRacemaybeabitlate.Hesaidweweren’ttowaitforhim.He’llbealongsometime.I’dlikeyoualltoknowhim—he’sasplendidfellow,knockedaboutallovertheworldandcantellyousomegoodyarns.”
Iriswasconsciousofafeelingofangerassheseatedherself.Georgehaddoneitonpurpose—separatedherfromAnthony.Ruthoughttohavebeensittingwhereshewas,nexttoherhost.SoGeorgestilldislikedandmistrustedAnthony.
Shestoleaglanceacrossthetable.Anthonywasfrowning.Hedidnotlookacrossather.Oncehedirectedasharpsidewaysglanceattheemptychairbesidehim.Hesaid:
“Gladyou’vegotanotherman,Barton.There’sjustachanceImayhavetogooffearly.Quiteunavoidable.ButIranintoamanhereIknow.”
Georgesaidsmilingly:
“Runningbusinessintopleasurehours?You’retooyoungforthat,Browne.NotthatI’veeverknownexactlywhatyourbusinessis?”
Bychancetherewasalullintheconversation.Anthony’sreplycamedeliberatelyandcoolly.
“Organizedcrime,Barton,that’swhatIalwayssaywhenI’masked.Robberiesarranged.Larceniesafeature.Familieswaiteduponattheirprivateaddresses.”
SandraFarradaylaughedasshesaid:
“You’resomethingtodowitharmaments,aren’tyou,Mr.Browne?Anarmamentkingisalwaysthevillainofthepiecenowadays.”
IrissawAnthony’seyesmomentarilywideninastareofquicksurprise.Hesaidlightly:
“Youmustn’tgivemeaway,LadyAlexandra,it’sallveryhush-hush.Thespiesofaforeignpowerareeverywhere.Carelesstalk.”
Heshookhisheadwithmocksolemnity.
Thewaitertookawaytheoysterplates.StephenaskedIrisifshewouldliketodance.
Soontheywerealldancing.Theatmospherelightened.
PresentlyIris’sturncametodancewithAnthony.
Shesaid:“MeanofGeorgenottoletussittogether.”
“Kindofhim.ThiswayIcanlookatyouallthetimeacrossthetable.”
“Youwon’treallyhavetogoearly?”
“Imight.”
Presentlyhesaid:
“DidyouknowthatColonelRacewascoming?”
“No,Ihadn’ttheleastidea.”
“Ratherodd,that.”
“Doyouknowhim?Oh,yes,yousaidso,theotherday.”
Sheadded:
“Whatsortofamanishe?”
“Nobodyquiteknows.”
Theywentbacktothetable.Theeveningworeon.Slowlythetension,whichhadrelaxed,seemedtocloseagain.Therewasanatmosphereoftautnervesaboutthetable.Onlythehostseemedgenialandunconcerned.
Irissawhimglanceathiswatch.
Suddenlytherewasarollofdrums—thelightswentdown.Astageroseintheroom.Chairswerepushedalittleback,turnedsideways.Threemenandthreegirlstookthefloor,dancing.Theywerefollowedbyamanwhocouldmakenoises.Trains,steamrollers,aeroplanes,sewingmachines,cowscoughing.Hewasasuccess.LennyandFlofollowedinanexhibitiondancewhichwasmoreofatrapezeactthanadance.Moreapplause.ThenanotherensemblebytheLuxembourgSix.Thelightswentup.
Everyoneblinked.
Atthesametimeawaveofsuddenfreedomfromrestraintseemedtopassoverthepartyatthetable.Itwasasthoughtheyhadbeensubconsciouslyexpectingsomethingthathadfailedtohappen.Foronanearlieroccasionthegoingupofthelightshadcoincidedwiththediscoveryofadeadbodylyingacrossthetable.Itwasasthoughnowthepastwasdefinitelypast—vanishedintooblivion.Theshadowofabygonetragedyhadlifted.
SandraturnedtoAnthonyinananimatedway.StephenmadeanobservationtoIrisandRuthleanedforwardtojoinin.OnlyGeorgesatinhischairstaring—staring,hiseyesfixedontheemptychairoppositehim.Theplaceinfrontofitwaslaid.Therewaschampagneintheglass.Atanymoment,someonemightcome,mightsitdownthere—
AnudgefromIrisrecalledhim:
“Wakeup,George.Comeanddance.Youhaven’tdancedwithmeyet.”
Herousedhimself.Smilingatherheliftedhisglass.
“We’lldrinkatoastfirst—totheyoungladywhosebirthdaywe’recelebrating.IrisMarle,mayhershadownevergrowless!”
Theydrankitlaughing,thentheyallgotuptodance,GeorgeandIris,StephenandRuth,AnthonyandSandra.
Itwasagayjazzmelody.
Theyallcamebacktogether,laughingandtalking.Theysatdown.
ThensuddenlyGeorgeleanedforward.
“I’vesomethingIwanttoaskyouall.Ayearago,moreorless,wewereherebeforeonaneveningthatendedtragically.Idon’twanttorecallpastsadness,butit’sjustthatIdon’twanttofeelthatRosemaryiscompletelyforgotten.I’llaskyoutodrinktohermemory—forRemembrancesake.”
Heraisedhisglass.Everyoneelseobedientlyraisedtheirs.Theirfaceswerepolitemasks.
Georgesaid:
“ToRosemaryforremembrance.”
Theglasseswereraisedtotheirlips.Theydrank.
Therewasapause—thenGeorgeswayedforwardandslumpeddowninhischair,hishandsrisingfrenziedlytohisneck,hisfaceturningpurpleashefoughtforbreath.
Ittookhimaminuteandahalftodie.
BOOK3IRIS
“ForIthoughtthatthedeadhadpeace
Butitisnotso…”
One
ColonelRaceturnedintothedoorwayofNewScotlandYard.HefilledintheformthatwasbroughtforwardandaveryfewminuteslaterhewasshakinghandswithChiefInspectorKempinthelatter’sroom.
Thetwomenwerewellacquainted.Kempwasslightlyreminiscentofthatgrandoldveteran,Battle,intype.Indeed,sincehehadworkedunderBattleformanyyears,hehadperhapsunconsciouslycopiedagoodmanyoftheolderman’smannerisms.Heboreabouthimthesamesuggestionofbeingcarvedallinonepiece—butwhereasBattlehadsuggestedsomewoodsuchasteakoroak,ChiefInspectorKempsuggestedasomewhatmoreshowywood—mahogany,say,orgoodold-fashionedrosewood.
“Itwasgoodofyoutoringus,colonel,”saidKemp.“Weshallwantallthehelpwecangetonthiscase.”
“Itseemstohavegotusintoexaltedhands,”saidRace.
Kempdidnotmakemodestdisclaimers.Heacceptedquitesimplytheindubitablefactthatonlycasesofextremedelicacy,widepublicityorsupremeimportancecamehisway.Hesaidseriously:
“It’stheKidderminsterconnection.Youcanimaginethatmeanscarefulgoing.”
Racenodded.HehadmetLadyAlexandraFarradayseveraltimes.Oneofthosequietwomenofunassailablepositionwhomitseemsfantastictoassociatewithsensationalpublicity.Hehadheardherspeakonpublicplatforms—withouteloquence,butclearlyandcompetently,withagoodgraspofhersubject,andwithanexcellentdelivery.
Thekindofwomanwhosepubliclifewasinallthepapers,andwhoseprivatelifewaspracticallynonexistentexceptasablanddomesticbackground.
Nevertheless,hethought,suchwomenhaveaprivatelife.Theyknowdespair,andlove,andtheagoniesofjealousy.Theycanlosecontrolandrisklifeitselfonapassionategamble.
Hesaidcuriously:
“Supposeshe‘doneit,’Kemp?”
“LadyAlexandra?Doyouthinkshedid,sir?”
“I’venoidea.Butsupposeshedid.Orherhusband—whocomesundertheKidderminstermantle.”
Thesteadysea-greeneyesofChiefInspectorKemplookedinanuntroubledwayintoRace’sdarkones.
“Ifeitherofthemdidmurder,we’lldoourlevelbesttohanghimorher.Youknowthat.There’snofearandnofavourformurderersinthiscountry.Butwe’llhavetobeabsolutelysureofourevidence—thepublicprosecutorwillinsistonthat.”
Racenodded.
Thenhesaid,“Let’shavethedoings.”
“GeorgeBartondiedofcyanidepoisoning—samethingashiswifeayearago.Yousaidyouwereactuallyintherestaurant?”
“Yes.Bartonhadaskedmetojoinhisparty.Irefused.Ididn’tlikewhathewasdoing.Iprotestedagainstitandurgedhim,ifhehaddoubtsabouthiswife’sdeath,togototheproperpeople—toyou.”
Kempnodded.
“That’swhatheoughttohavedone.”
“Insteadhepersistedinanideaofhisown—settingatrapforthemurderer.Hewouldn’ttellmewhatthattrapwas.Iwasuneasyaboutthewholebusiness—somuchsothatIwenttotheLuxembourglastnightsoastokeepaneyeonthings.Mytable,necessarily,wassomedistanceaway—Ididn’twanttobespottedtooobviously.UnfortunatelyIcantellyounothing.Isawnothingintheleastsuspicious.Thewaitersandhisownpartyweretheonlypeoplewhoapproachedthetable.”
“Yes,”saidKemp,“itnarrowsitdown,doesn’tit?Itwasoneofthem,oritwasthewaiter,GiuseppeBolsano.I’vegothimonthematagainthismorning—thoughtyoumightliketoseehim—butIcan’tbelievehehadanythingtodowithit.BeenattheLuxembourgfortwelveyears—goodreputation,married,threechildren,goodrecordbehindhim.Getsonwellwithalltheclients.”
“Whichleavesuswiththeguests.”
“Yes.ThesamepartyaswaspresentwhenMrs.Barton—died.”
“Whataboutthatbusiness,Kemp?”
“I’vebeengoingintoitsinceitseemsprettyobviousthatthetwohangtogether.Adamshandledit.Itwasn’twhatwecallaclearcaseofsuicide,butsuicidewasthemostprobablesolutionandintheabsenceofanydirectevidencesuggestingmurder,onehadtoletitgoassuicide.Couldn’tdoanythingelse.We’veagoodmanycaseslikethatinourrecords,asyouknow.Suicidewithaquerymark.Thepublicdoesn’tknowaboutthequerymark—butwekeepitinmind.Sometimeswegoonquiteabithuntingaboutquietly.
“Sometimessomethingcropsup—sometimesitdoesn’t.Inthiscaseitdidn’t.”
“Untilnow.”
“Untilnow.SomebodytippedMr.Bartonofftothefactthathiswifehadbeenmurdered.Hegotbusyonhisown—heasgoodasannouncedthathewasontherighttrack—whetherhewasornotIdon’tknow—butthemurderermusthavethoughtso—sothemurderergetsrattledandbumpsoffMr.Barton.ThatseemsthewayofitasfarasIcansee—Ihopeyouagree?”
“Oh,yes—thatpartofitseemsstraightforwardenough.Godknowswhatthe‘trap’was—Inoticedthattherewasanemptychairatthetable.Perhapsitwaswaitingforsomeunexpectedwitness.Anyhowitaccomplishedrathermorethanitwasmeanttodo.Italarmedtheguiltypersonsomuchthatheorshedidn’twaitforthetraptobesprung.”
“Well,”saidKemp,“we’vegotfivesuspects.Andwe’vegotthefirstcasetogoon—Mrs.Barton.”
“You’redefinitelyoftheopinionnowthatitwasnotsuicide?”
“Thismurderseemstoprovethatitwasn’t.ThoughIdon’tthinkyoucanblameusatthetimeforacceptingthesuicidetheoryasthemostprobable.Therewassomeevidenceforit.”
“Depressionafterinfluenza?”
Kemp’swoodenfaceshowedarippleofasmile.
“Thatwasforthecoroner’scourt.Agreedwiththemedicalevidenceandsavedeverybody’sfeelings.That’sdoneeveryday.Andtherewasahalf-finishedlettertothesisterdirectinghowherpersonalbelongingsweretobegivenaway—showedshe’dhadtheideaofdoingawaywithherselfinhermind.Shewasdepressedallright,Idon’tdoubt,poorlady—butninetimesoutoften,withwomen,it’saloveaffair.Withmenit’smostlymoneyworries.”
“SoyouknewMrs.Bartonhadaloveaffair.”
“Yes,wesoonfoundthatout.Ithadbeendiscreet—butitdidn’ttakemuchfinding.”
“StephenFarraday?”
“Yes.TheyusedtomeetinalittleflatoutEarl’sCourtway.Ithadbeengoingonforoversixmonths.Saythey’dhadaquarrel—orpossiblyhewasgettingtiredofher—well,shewouldn’tbethefirstwomantotakeherlifeinafitofdesperation.”
“Bypotassiumcyanideinapublicrestaurant?”
“Yes—ifshewantedtobedramaticaboutit—withhimlookingonandall.Somepeoplehaveafeelingforthespectacular.FromwhatIcouldfindoutshehadn’tmuchfeelingfortheconventions—alltheprecautionswereonhisside.”
“Anyevidenceastowhetherhiswifeknewwhatwasgoingon?”
“Asfaraswecouldlearnsheknewnothingaboutit.”
“Shemayhave,forallthat,Kemp.Notthekindofwomantowearherheartonhersleeve.”
“Oh,quiteso.Countthembothinaspossibles.Sheforjealousy.Heforhiscareer.Divorcewouldhavedishedthat.Notthatdivorcemeansasmuchasitusedto,butinhiscaseitwouldhavemeanttheantagonismoftheKidderminsterclan.”
“Whataboutthesecretarygirl?”
“She’sapossible.MighthavebeensweetonGeorgeBarton.Theywereprettythickattheofficeandthere’sanideatherethatshewaskeenonhim.ActuallyyesterdayafternoononeofthetelephonegirlswasgivinganimitationofBartonholdingRuthLessing’shandandsayinghecouldn’tdowithouther,andMissLessingcameoutandcaughtthemandsackedthegirlthereandthen—gaveheramonth’smoneyandtoldhertogo.Looksasthoughshewassensitiveaboutitall.Thenthesistercameintoapeckofmoney—one’sgottorememberthat.Lookedanicekid,butyoucannevertell.AndtherewasMrs.Barton’sotherboyfriend.”
“I’mratheranxioustohearwhatyouknowabouthim?”
Kempsaidslowly:
“Remarkablylittle—butwhatthereisisn’ttoogood.Hispassport’sinorder.He’sanAmericancitizenaboutwhomwecan’tfindanything,detrimentalorotherwise.Hecameoverhere,stayedatClaridge’sandmanagedtostrikeupanacquaintancewithLordDewsbury.”
“Confidenceman?”
“Mightbe.Dewsburyseemstohavefallenforhim—askedhimtostay.Ratheracriticaltimejustthen.”
“Armaments,”saidRace.“TherewasthattroubleaboutthenewtanktrialsinDewsbury’sworks.”
“Yes.ThisfellowBrownerepresentedhimselfasinterestedinarmaments.Itwassoonafterhe’dbeenuptherethattheydiscoveredthatsabotagebusiness—justinthenickoftime.BrownemetagoodmanycroniesofDewsbury—heseemedtohavecultivatedalltheoneswhowereconnectedwiththearmamentfirms.Asaresulthe’sbeenshownalotofstuffthatinmyopinionheoughtnevertohaveseen—andinoneortwocasesthere’sbeenserioustroubleintheworksnotlongafterhe’sbeenintheneighbourhood.”
“Aninterestingperson,Mr.AnthonyBrowne?”
“Yes.He’sgotalotofcharm,apparently,andplaysitforallhe’sworth.”
“AndwheredidMrs.Bartoncomein?GeorgeBartonhasn’tanythingtodowiththearmamentworld?”
“No.Buttheyseemtohavebeenfairlyintimate.Hemayhaveletoutsomethingtoher.Youknow,colonel,nonebetter,whataprettywomancangetoutofaman.”
Racenodded,takingthechiefinspector’swords,asmeant,torefertotheCounterespionageDepartmentwhichhehadoncecontrolledandnot—assomeignorantpersonmighthavethought—tosomepersonalindiscretionsofhisown.
Hesaidafteraminuteortwo:
“HaveyouhadagoatthoselettersthatGeorgeBartonreceived?”
“Yes.Foundtheminhisdeskathishouselastnight.MissMarlefoundthemforme.”
“YouknowI’minterestedinthoseletters,Kemp.What’stheexpertopiniononthem?”
“Cheappaper,ordinaryink—fingerprintsshowGeorgeBartonandIrisMarlehandledthem—andahordeofunidentifieddabsontheenvelope,postalemployees,etc.Theywereprintedandtheexpertssaybysomeoneofgoodeducationinnormalhealth.”
“Goodeducation.Notaservant?”
“Presumablynot.”
“Thatmakesitmoreinterestingstill.”
“Itmeansthatsomebodyelsehadsuspicions,atleast.”
“Someonewhodidn’tgotothepolice.SomeonewhowaspreparedtoarouseGeorge’ssuspicionsbutwhodidn’tfollowthebusinessup.There’ssomethingoddthere,Kemp.Hecouldn’thavewrittenthemhimself,couldhe?”
“Hecouldhave.Butwhy?”
“Asapreliminarytosuicide—asuicidewhichheintendedtolooklikemurder.”
“WithStephenFarradaybookedforthehangman’srope?It’sanidea—buthe’dhavemadequitesurethateverythingpointedtoFarradayasthemurderer.Asitiswe’venothingagainstFarradayatall.”
“Whataboutcyanide?Wasthereanycontainerfound?”
“Yes.Asmallwhitepaperpacketunderthetable.Tracesofcyanidecrystalsinside.Nofingerprintsonit.Inadetectivestory,ofcourse,itwouldbesomespecialkindofpaperorfoldedinsomespecialway.I’dliketogivethesedetectivestorywritersacourseofroutinework.They’dsoonlearnhowmostthingsareuntraceableandnobodyevernoticesanythinganywhere!”
Racesmiled.
“Almosttoosweepingastatement.Didanybodynoticeanythinglastnight?”
“Actuallythat’swhatI’mstartingontoday.ItookabriefstatementfromeveryonelastnightandIwentbacktoElvastonSquarewithMissMarleandhadalookthroughBarton’sdeskandpapers.Ishallgetfullerstatementsfromthemalltoday—alsostatementsfromthepeoplesittingattheothertwotablesinthealcove—”Herustledthroughsomepapers—“Yes,heretheyare.GeraldTollington,GrenadierGuards,andtheHon.PatriciaBrice-Woodworth.Youngengagedcouple.I’llbettheydidn’tseeanythingbuteachother.AndMr.PedroMorales—nastybitofgoodsfromMexico—eventhewhitesofhiseyesareyellow—andMissChristineShannon—agold-diggingblondelovely—I’llbetshedidn’tseeanything—dumberthanyou’dbelievepossibleexceptwheremoneyisconcerned.It’sahundredtoonechancethatanyofthemsawanything,butItooktheirnamesandaddressesontheoffchance.We’llstartoffwiththewaiterchap,Giuseppe.He’sherenow.I’llhavehimsentin.”
Two
GiuseppeBolsanowasamiddle-agedman,slightwitharathermonkey-likeintelligentface.Hewasnervous,butnotundulyso.HisEnglishwasfluentsincehehad,heexplained,beeninthecountrysincehewassixteenandhadmarriedanEnglishwife.
Kemptreatedhimsympathetically.
“Nowthen,Giuseppe,let’shearwhetheranythingmorehasoccurredtoyouaboutthis.”
“Itisformeveryunpleasant.ItisIwhoservethattable.Iwhopouroutthewine.PeoplewillsaythatIamoffmyhead,thatIputpoisonintothewineglasses.Itisnotso,butthatiswhatpeoplewillsay.Already,Mr.GoldsteinsaysitisbetterthatItakeaweekawayfromwork—sothatpeopledonotaskmequestionsthereandpointmeout.Heisafairman,andjust,andheknowsitisnotmyfault,andthatIhavebeenthereformanyyears,sohedoesnotdismissmeassomerestaurantownerswoulddo.M.Charles,too,hehasbeenkind,butallthesameitisagreatmisfortuneforme—anditmakesmeafraid.HaveIanenemy,Iaskmyself?”
“Well,”saidKempathismostwooden,“haveyou?”
Thesadmonkeyfacetwitchedintolaughter.Giuseppestretchedouthisarms.
“I?Ihavenotanenemyintheworld.Manygoodfriendsbutnoenemies.”
Kempgrunted.
“Nowaboutlastnight.Tellmeaboutthechampagne.”
“ItwasClicquot,1928—verygoodandexpensivewine.Mr.Bartonwaslikethat—helikedgoodfoodanddrink—thebest.”
“Hadheorderedthewinebeforehand?”
“Yes.HehadarrangedeverythingwithCharles.”
“Whataboutthevacantplaceatthetable?”
“That,too,hehadarrangedfor.HetoldCharlesandhetoldme.Ayoungladywouldoccupyitlaterintheevening.”
“Ayounglady?”RaceandKemplookedateachother.“Doyouknowwhotheyoungladywas?”
Giuseppeshookhishead.
“No,Iknownothingaboutthat.Shewastocomelater,thatisallIheard.”
“Goonaboutthewine.Howmanybottles?”
“Twobottlesandathirdtobereadyifneeded.Thefirstbottlewasfinishedquitequickly.ThesecondIopennotlongbeforethecabaret.Ifilluptheglassesandputthebottleintheicebucket.”
“WhendidyoulastnoticeMr.Bartondrinkingfromhisglass?”
“Letmesee,whenthecabaretwasover,theydrinktheyounglady’shealth.ItisherbirthdaysoIunderstand.Thentheygoanddance.Itisafterthat,whentheycomeback,thatMr.Bartondrinksandinaminute,likethat!heisdead.”
“Hadyoufilleduptheglassesduringthetimetheyweredancing?”
“No,monsieur.Theywerefullwhentheydranktomademoiselleandtheydidnotdrinkmuch,onlyafewmouthfuls.Therewasplentyleftintheglasses.”
“Didanyone—anyoneatall—comenearthetablewhilsttheyweredancing?”
“Nooneatall,sir.Iamsureofthat.”
“Didtheyallgotodanceatthesametime?”
“Yes.”
“Andcamebackatthesametime?”
Giuseppescreweduphiseyesinaneffortofmemory.
“Mr.Bartonhecamebackfirst—withtheyounglady.Hewasstouterthantherest—hedidnotdancequitesolong,youcomprehend.Thencamethefairgentleman,Mr.Farraday,andtheyoungladyinblack.LadyAlexandraFarradayandthedarkgentlemancamelast.”
“YouknowMr.FarradayandLadyAlexandra?”
“Yes,sir.IhaveseenthemintheLuxembourgoften.Theyareverydistinguished.”
“Now,Giuseppe,wouldyouhaveseenifoneofthosepeoplehadputsomethinginMr.Barton’sglass?”
“ThatIcannotsay,sir.Ihavemyservice,theothertwotablesinthealcove,andtwomoreinthemainrestaurant.Therearedishestoserve.IdonotwatchatMr.Barton’stable.Afterthecabareteveryonenearlygetsupanddances,soatthattimeIamstandingstill—andthatiswhyIcanbesurethatnooneapproachedthetablethen.Butassoonaspeoplesitdown,Iamatonceverybusy.”
Kempnodded.
“ButIthink,”Giuseppecontinued,“thatitwouldbeverydifficulttodowithoutbeingobserved.ItseemstomethatonlyMr.Bartonhimselfcoulddoit.Butyoudonotthinkso,no?”
Helookedinquiringlyatthepoliceofficer.
“Sothat’syouridea,isit?”
“NaturallyIknownothing—butIwonder.Justayearagothatbeautifullady,Mrs.Barton,shekillsherself.CoulditnotbethatMr.Bartonhegrievessomuchthathetoodecidestokillhimselfthesameway?Itwouldbepoetic.Ofcourseitisnotgoodfortherestaurant—butagentlemanwhoisgoingtokillhimselfwouldnotthinkofthat.”
Helookedeagerlyfromonetotheotherofthetwomen.
Kempshookhishead.
“Idoubtifit’saseasyasthat,”hesaid.
Heaskedafewmorequestions,thenGiuseppewasdismissed.
AsthedoorclosedbehindGiuseppe,Racesaid:
“Iwonderifthat’swhatwearemeanttothink?”
“Grievinghusbandkillshimselfonanniversaryofwife’sdeath?Notthatitwastheanniversary—butnearenough.”
“ItwasAllSoul’sDay,”saidRace.
“True.Yes,it’spossiblethatwastheidea—butifso,whoeveritwascan’thaveknownaboutthoselettersbeingkeptandthatMr.BartonhadconsultedyouandshownthemtoIrisMarle.”
Heglancedathiswatch.
“I’mdueatKidderminsterHouseat12:30.We’vetimebeforethattogoandseethosepeopleattheothertwotables—someofthematanyrate.Comewithme,won’tyou,colonel?”
Three
Mr.MoraleswasstayingattheRitz.Hewashardlyaprettysightatthishourinthemorning,stillunshaven,thewhitesofhiseyesbloodshotandwitheverysignofaseverehangover.
Mr.MoraleswasanAmericansubjectandspokeavariantoftheAmericanlanguage.Thoughprofessinghimselfwillingtorememberanythinghecould,hisrecollectionsofthepreviouseveningwereofthevaguestdescription.
“WentwithChrissie—thatbabyissurehard-boiled!Shesaiditwasagoodjoint.Honeypie,Isaid,we’llgojustwhereyousay.Itwasaclassyjoint,thatI’lladmit—anddotheyknowhowtochargeyou!Setmebackthebestpartofthirtydollars.Butthebandwaspunk—theyjustcouldn’tseemtoswingit.”
Divertedfromhisrecollectionsofhisownevening,Mr.Moraleswaspressedtorememberthetableinthemiddleofthealcove.Herehewasnotveryhelpful.
“Suretherewasatableandsomepeopleatit.Idon’trememberwhattheylookedlike,though.Didn’ttakemuchaccountofthemtilltheguytherecroaked.Thoughtatfirsthecouldn’tholdhisliquor.Saynow,Irememberoneofthedames.Darkhairandshehadwhatittakes,Ishouldsay.”
“Youmeanthegirlinthegreenvelvetdress?”
“No,notthatone.Shewasskinny.Thisbabywasinblackwithsomegoodcurves.”
ItwasRuthLessingwhohadtakenMr.Morales’rovingeye.
Hewrinkleduphisnoseappreciatively.
“Iwatchedherdancing—andsay,couldthatbabydance!Igaveherthehighsignonceortwice,butshehadafrozeneye—justlookedthroughmeinyourBritishway.”
NothingmoreofvaluecouldbeextractedfromMr.Moralesandheadmittedfranklythathisalcoholicconditionwasalreadywelladvancedbythetimethecabaretwason.
Kempthankedhimandpreparedtotakehisleave.
“I’msailingforNewYorktomorrow,”saidMorales.“Youwouldn’t,”heaskedwistfully,“careformetostayon?”
“Thankyou,butIdon’tthinkyourevidencewillbeneededattheinquest.”
“YouseeI’menjoyingitrighthere—andifitwaspolicebusinessthefirmcouldn’tkick.Whenthepolicetellyoutostayput,you’vegottostayput.MaybeIcouldremembersomethingifIthoughthardenough?”
ButKempdeclinedtorisetothiswistfulbait,andheandRacedrovetoBrookStreetwheretheyweregreetedbyacholericgentleman,thefatheroftheHon.PatriciaBrice-Woodworth.
GeneralLordWoodworthreceivedthemwithagooddealofoutspokencomment.
Whatonearthwastheideaofsuggestingthathisdaughter—hisdaughter!—wasmixedupinthissortofthing?Ifagirlcouldn’tgooutwithherfiancétodineinarestaurantwithoutbeingsubjectedtoannoyancebydetectivesandScotlandYard,whatwasEnglandcomingto?Shedidn’tevenknowthesepeoplewhatwastheirname—Hubbard—Barton?SomeCityfelloworother!Showedyoucouldn’tbetoocarefulwhereyouwent—Luxembourgwasalwayssupposedtobeallright—butapparentlythiswasthesecondtimeathingofthissorthadhappenedthere.GeraldmustbeafooltohavetakenPatthere—theseyoungmenthoughttheykneweverything.Butinanycasehewasn’tgoingtohavehisdaughterbadgeredandbulliedandcross-questioned—notwithoutasolicitor’ssayso.He’dringupoldAndersoninLincoln’sInnandaskhim—
HerethegeneralpausedabruptlyandstaringatRacesaid,“Seenyousomewhere.Nowwhere—?”
Race’sanswerwasimmediateandcamewithasmile.
“Badderpore.1923.”
“ByJove,”saidthegeneral.“Ifitisn’tJohnnyRace!Whatareyoudoingmixedupinthisshow?”
Racesmiled.
“IwaswithChiefInspectorKempwhenthequestionofinterviewingyourdaughtercameup.IsuggesteditwouldbemuchpleasanterforherifInspectorKempcameroundherethanifshehadtocomedowntoScotlandYard,andIthoughtI’dcomealongtoo.”
“Oh—er—well,verydecent,ofyou,Race.”
“Wenaturallywantedtoupsettheyoungladyaslittleaspossible,”putinChiefInspectorKemp.
ButatthismomentthedooropenedandMissPatriciaBrice-Woodworthwalkedinandtookchargeofthesituationwiththecoolnessanddetachmentoftheveryyoung.
“Hallo,”shesaid.“You’refromScotlandYard,aren’tyou?Aboutlastnight?I’vebeenlongingforyoutocome.Isfatherbeingtiresome?Nowdon’t,daddy—youknowwhatthedoctorsaidaboutyourbloodpressure.Whyyouwanttogetintosuchstatesabouteverything,Ican’tthink.I’lljusttaketheinspectorsorsuperintendentsorwhatevertheyareintomyroomandI’llsendWalterstoyouwithawhiskyandsoda.”
Thegeneralhadacholericdesiretoexpresshimselfinseveralblisteringwaysatonce,butonlysucceededinsaying,“Oldfriendofmine,MajorRace,”atwhichintroduction,PatricialostinterestinRaceandbentabeatificsmileonChiefInspectorKemp.
Withcoolgeneralship,sheshepherdedthemoutoftheroomandintoherownsittingroom,firmlyshuttingherfatherinhisstudy.
“Poordaddy,”sheobserved.“Hewillfuss.Buthe’squiteeasytomanagereally.”
Theconversationthenproceededonmostamicablelinesbutwithverylittleresult.
“It’smaddeningreally,”saidPatricia.“ProbablytheonlychanceinmylifethatIshalleverhaveofbeingrightonthespotwhenamurderwasdone—itisamurder,isn’tit?Thepaperswereverycautiousandvague,butIsaidtoGerryonthetelephonethatitmustbemurder.Thinkofit,amurderdonerightclosebymeandIwasn’tevenlooking!”
Theregretinhervoicewasunmistakable.
Itwasevidentenoughthat,asthechiefinspectorhadgloomilyprognosticated,thetwoyoungpeoplewhohadgotengagedonlyaweekpreviouslyhadhadeyesonlyforeachother.
Withthebestwillintheworld,afewpersonalitieswereallthatPatriciaBrice-Woodworthcouldmuster.
“SandraFarradaywaslookingverysmart,butthenshealwaysdoes.ThatwasaSchiaparellimodelshehadon.”
“Youknowher?”Raceasked.
Patriciashookherhead.
“Onlybysight.Helooksratherabore,Ialwaysthink.Sopompous,likemostpoliticians.”
“Didyouknowanyoftheothersbysight?”
Sheshookherhead.
“No,I’dneverseenanyofthembefore—atleastIdon’tthinkso.Infact,Idon’tsupposeIwouldhavenoticedSandraFarradayifithadn’tbeenfortheSchiaparelli.”
“Andyou’llfind,”saidChiefInspectorKempgrimlyastheyleftthehouse,“thatMasterTollingtonwillbeexactlythesame—onlytherewon’tevenhavebeenaSkipper—skipperwhat—soundslikeasardine—toattracthisattention.”
“Idon’tsuppose,”agreedRace,“thatthecutofStephenFarraday’sdresssuitwillhavecausedhimanyheartpangs.”
“Oh,well,”saidtheinspector.“Let’stryChristineShannon.Thenwe’llhavefinishedwiththeoutsidechances.”
MissShannonwas,asChiefInspectorKemphadstated,ablondelovely.Thebleachedhair,carefullyarranged,sweptbackfromasoftvacantbaby-likecountenance.MissShannonmightbeasInspectorKemphadaffirmed,dumb—butshewaseminentlyeasytolookat,andacertainshrewdnessinthelargebaby-blueeyesindicatedthatherdumbnessonlyextendedinintellectualdirectionsandthatwherehorsesenseandaknowledgeoffinancewereindicated,ChristineShannonwasrightonthespot.
Shereceivedthetwomenwiththeutmostsweetness,pressingdrinksuponthemandwhenthesewererefused,urgingcigarettes.Herflatwassmallandcheaplymodernistic.
“I’djustlovetobeabletohelpyou,chiefinspector.Doaskmeanyquestionsyoulike.”
Kempledoffwithafewconventionalquestionsaboutthebearinganddemeanourofthepartyatthecentretable.
AtonceChristineshowedherselftobeanunusuallykeenandshrewdobserver.
“Thepartywasn’tgoingwell—youcouldseethat.Stiffasstiffcouldbe.Ifeltquitesorryfortheoldboy—theonewhowasgivingit.Goingallouthewastotryandmakethingsgo—andjustasnervousasacatonwires—butallhecoulddodidn’tseemtocutanyice.Thetallwomanhe’dgotonhisrightwasasstiffasthoughshe’dswallowedthepokerandthekidonhisleftwasjustmad,youcouldsee,becauseshewasn’tsittingnexttothenice-lookingdarkboyopposite.Asforthetallfairfellownexttoherhelookedasthoughhistummywasoutoforder,atehisfoodasthoughhethoughtitwouldchokehim.Thewomannexttohimwasdoingherbest,shepeggedawayathim,butshelookedratherasthoughshehadthejumpsherself.”
“Youseemtohavebeenabletonoticeagreatdeal,MissShannon,”saidColonelRace.
“I’llletyouintoasecret.Iwasn’tbeingsomuchamusedmyself.I’dbeenoutwiththatboyfriendofminethreenightsrunning,andwasIgettingtiredofhim!HewasalloutforseeingLondon—especiallywhathecalledtheclassyspots—andIwillsayforhimhewasn’tmean.Champagneeverytime.WewenttotheCompradourandtheMilleFleursandfinallytheLuxembourg,andI’llsayheenjoyedhimself.Inawayitwaskindofpathetic.Buthisconversationwasn’twhatyou’dcallinteresting.Justlonghistoriesofbusinessdealshe’dputthroughinMexicoandmostofthoseIheardthreetimes—andgoingontoallthedameshe’dknownandhowmadtheywereabouthim.Agirlgetskindoftiredlisteningafterawhileandyou’lladmitthatPedroisnothingmuchtolookat—soIjustconcentratedontheeatsandletmyeyesroamround.”
“Well,that’sexcellentfromourpointofview,MissShannon,”saidthechiefinspector.“AndIcanonlyhopethatyouwillhaveseensomethingthatmayhelpussolveourproblem.”
Christineshookherblondehead.
“I’venoideawhobumpedtheoldboyoff—noideaatall.Hejusttookadrinkofchampagne,wentpurpleinthefaceandsortofcollapsed.”
“Doyourememberwhenhehadlastdrunkfromhisglassbeforethat?”
Thegirlreflected.
“Why—yes—itwasjustafterthecabaret.Thelightswentupandhepickeduphisglassandsaidsomethingandtheothersdidittoo.Seemedtomeitwasatoastofsomekind.”
Thechiefinspectornodded.
“Andthen?”
“Thenthemusicbeganandtheyallgotupandwentofftodance,pushingtheirchairsbackandlaughing.Seemedtogetwarmedupforthefirsttime.Wonderfulwhatchampagnewilldoforthestickiestparties.”
“Theyallwenttogether—leavingthetableempty?”
“Yes.”
“AndnoonetouchedMr.Barton’sglass.”
“Nooneatall.”Herreplycamepromptly.“I’mperfectlycertainofthat.”
“Andnoone—nooneatallcamenearthetablewhiletheywereaway.”
“Noone—exceptthewaiter,ofcourse.”
“Awaiter?Whichwaiter?”
“Oneofthehalf-fledgedoneswithanapron,roundaboutsixteen.Nottherealwaiter.Hewasanobliginglittlefellowratherlikeamonkey—ItalianIguesshewas.”
ChiefInspectorKempacknowledgedthisdescriptionofGiuseppeBolsanowithanodofthehead.
“Andwhatdidhedo,thisyoungwaiter?Hefilleduptheglasses?”
Christineshookherhead.
“Oh,no.Hedidn’ttouchanythingonthetable.Hejustpickedupaneveningbagthatoneofthegirlshaddroppedwhentheyallgotup.”
“Whosebagwasit?”
Christinetookaminuteortwotothink.Thenshesaid:
“That’sright.Itwasthekid’sbag—agreenandgoldthing.Theothertwowomenhadblackbags.”
“Whatdidthewaiterdowiththebag?”
Christinelookedsurprised.
“Hejustputitbackonthetable,that’sall.”
“You’requitesurehedidn’ttouchanyoftheglasses?”
“Oh,no.Hejustdroppedthebagdownveryquickandranoffbecauseoneoftherealwaiterswashissingathimtogosomewhereorgetsomethingandeverythingwasgoingtobehisfault!”
“Andthat’stheonlytimeanyonewentnearthetable?”
“That’sright.”
“Butofcoursesomeonemighthavegonetothetablewithoutyournoticing?”
ButChristineshookherheadverydeterminedly.
“No,I’mquitesuretheydidn’t.YouseePedrohadbeencalledtothetelephoneandhadn’tgotbackyet,soIhadnothingtodobutlookaroundandfeelbored.I’mprettygoodatnoticingthingsandfromwhereIwassittingtherewasn’tmuchelsetoseebuttheemptytablenexttous.”
Raceasked:
“Whocamebackfirsttothetable?”
“Thegirlingreenandtheoldboy.Theysatdownandthenthefairmanandthegirlinblackcamebackandafterthemthehaughtypieceofgoodsandthegood-lookingdarkboy.Somedancer,hewas.Whentheywereallbackandthewaiterwaswarmingupadishlikemadonthespiritlamp,theoldboyleanedforwardandmadeakindofspeechandthentheyallpickeduptheirglassesagain.Andthenithappened.”Christinepausedandaddedbrightly,“Awful,wasn’tit?OfcourseIthoughtitwasastroke.Myaunthadastrokeandshewentdownjustlikethat.PedrocamebackjustthenandIsaid,‘Look,Pedro,thatman’shadastroke.’AndallPedrowouldsaywas,‘Justpassingout—justpassingout—that’sall’whichwasaboutwhathewasdoing.Ihadtokeepmyeyeonhim.Theydon’tlikeyoupassingoutataplaceliketheLuxembourg.That’swhyIdon’tlikeDagoes.Whenthey’vedrunktoomuchthey’renotabitrefinedanymore—agirlneverknowswhatunpleasantnessshemaybeletinfor.”Shebroodedforamomentandthenglancingatashowylookingbraceletonherrightwrist,sheadded,“Still,Imustsaythey’regenerousenough.”
Gentlydistractingherfromthetrialsandcompensationsofagirl’sexistenceKemptookherthroughherstoryoncemore.
“That’sourlastchanceofoutsidehelpgone,”hesaidtoRacewhentheyhadleftMissShannon’sflat.“Anditwouldhavebeenagoodchanceifithadcomeoff.Thatgirl’stherightkindofwitness.Seesthingsandremembersthemaccurately.Iftherehadbeenanythingtosee,she’dhaveseenit.Sotheansweristhattherewasn’tanythingtosee.It’sincredible.It’saconjuringtrick!GeorgeBartondrinkschampagneandgoesanddances.Hecomesback,drinksfromthesameglassthatnoonehastouchedandHeyPrestoit’sfullofcyanide.It’scrazy—Itellyou—itcouldn’thavehappenedexceptthatitdid.”
Hestoppedaminute.
“Thatwaiter.Thelittleboy.Giuseppenevermentionedhim.Imightlookintothat.Afterall,he’stheonepersonwhowasnearthetablewhilsttheywereallawaydancing.Theremightbesomethinginit.”
Raceshookhishead.
“Ifhe’dputanythinginBarton’sglass,thatgirlwouldhaveseenhim.She’sabornobserverofdetail.Nothingtothinkaboutinsideherheadandsosheuseshereyes.No,Kemp,theremustbesomequitesimpleexplanationifonlywecouldgetit.”
“Yes,there’sone.Hedroppeditinhimself.”
“I’mbeginningtobelievethatthatiswhathappened—thatit’stheonlythingthatcanhavehappened.Butifso,Kemp,I’mconvincedhedidn’tknowitwascyanide.”
“Youmeansomeonegaveittohim?Toldhimitwasforindigestionorbloodpressure—somethinglikethat?”
“Itcouldbe.”
“Thenwhowasthesomeone?NoteitheroftheFarradays.”
“Thatwouldcertainlyseemunlikely.”
“AndI’dsayMr.AnthonyBrowneisequallyunlikely.Thatleavesustwopeople—anaffectionatesister-in-law—”
“Andadevotedsecretary.”
Kemplookedathim.
“Yes—shecouldhaveplantedsomethingofthekindonhim—I’mduenowtogotoKidderminsterHouse—Whataboutyou?GoingroundtoseeMissMarle?”
“IthinkI’llgoandseetheotherone—attheoffice.Condolencesofanoldfriend.Imighttakeherouttolunch.”
“Sothatiswhatyouthink.”
“Idon’tthinkanythingyet.I’mcastingaboutforspoor.”
“YououghttoseeIrisMarle,allthesame.”
“I’mgoingtoseeher—butI’drathergotothehousefirstwhensheisn’tthere.Doyouknowwhy,Kemp?”
“I’msureIcouldn’tsay.”
“Becausethere’ssomeonetherewhotwitters—twitterslikealittlebird…Alittlebirdtoldme—wasasayingofmyyouth.It’sverytrue,Kemp—thesetwittererscantellonealotifonejustletsthem—twitter!”
Four
Thetwomenparted.RacehaltedataxiandwasdriventoGeorgeBarton’sofficeinthecity.ChiefInspectorKemp,mindfulofhisexpenseaccount,tookabustowithinastone’sthrowofKidderminsterHouse.
Theinspector’sfacewasrathergrimashemountedthestepsandpushedthebell.Hewas,heknew,ondifficultground.TheKidderminsterfactionhadimmensepoliticalinfluenceanditsramificationsspreadoutlikeanetworkthroughoutthecountry.ChiefInspectorKemphadfullbeliefintheimpartialityofBritishjustice.IfStephenorAlexandraFarradayhadbeenconcernedinthedeathofRosemaryBartonorinthatofGeorgeBartonno“pull”or“influence”wouldenablethemtoescapetheconsequences.Butiftheywereguiltless,ortheevidenceagainstthemwastoovaguetoensureconviction,thentheresponsibleofficermustbecarefulhowhetrodorhewouldbeliabletogetarapovertheknucklesfromhissuperiors.Inthesecircumstancesitcanbeunderstoodthatthechiefinspectordidnotmuchrelishwhatlaybeforehim.ItseemedtohimhighlyprobablethattheKidderminsterswould,ashephrasedittohimself,“cutuprough.”
Kempsoonfound,however,thathehadbeensomewhatna?veinhisassumption.LordKidderminsterwasfartooexperiencedadiplomattoresorttocrudities.
Onstatinghisbusiness,ChiefInspectorKempwastakenatoncebyapontificalbutlertoadimbook-linedroomatthebackofthehousewherehefoundLordKidderminsterandhisdaughterandson-in-lawawaitinghim.
Comingforward,LordKidderminstershookhandsandsaidcourteously:
“Youareexactlyontime,chiefinspector.MayIsaythatImuchappreciateyourcourtesyincominghereinsteadofdemandingthatmydaughterandherhusbandshouldcometoScotlandYardwhich,ofcourse,theywouldhavebeenquitepreparedtodoifnecessary—thatgoeswithoutsaying—buttheyappreciateyourkindness.”
Sandrasaidinaquietvoice:
“Yes,indeed,inspector.”
Shewaswearingadressofsomesoftdarkredmaterial,andsittingasshewaswiththelightfromthelongnarrowwindowbehindher,sheremindedKempofastainedglassfigurehehadonceseeninacathedralabroad.Thelongovalofherfaceandtheslightangularityofhershouldershelpedtheillusion.SaintSomebodyorother,theyhadtoldhim—butLadyAlexandraFarradaywasnosaint—notbyalongway.Andyetsomeoftheseoldsaintshadbeenfunnypeoplefromhispointofview,notkindlyordinarydecentChristianfolk,butintolerant,fanatical,crueltothemselvesandothers.
StephenFarradaystoodclosebyhiswife.Hisfaceexpressednoemotionwhatever.Helookedcorrectandformal,anappointedlegislatorofthepeople.Thenaturalmanwaswellburied.Butthenaturalmanwasthere,asthechiefinspectorknew.
LordKidderminsterwasspeaking,directingwithagooddealofabilitythetrendoftheinterview.
“Iwon’tdisguisefromyou,chiefinspector,thatthisisaverypainfulanddisagreeablebusinessforusall.Thisisthesecondtimethatmydaughterandson-in-lawhavebeenconnectedwithaviolentdeathinapublicplace—thesamerestaurantandtwomembersofthesamefamily.Publicityofsuchakindisalwaysharmfultoamaninthepubliceye.Publicity,ofcourse,cannotbeavoided.Weallrealizethat,andbothmydaughterandMr.Farradayareanxioustogiveyouallthehelptheycaninthehopethatthemattermaybeclearedupspeedilyandpublicinterestinitdiedown.”
“Thankyou,LordKidderminster.Imuchappreciatetheattitudeyouhavetakenup.Itcertainlymakesthingseasierforus.”
SandraFarradaysaid:
“Pleaseaskusanyquestionsyoulike,chiefinspector.”
“Thankyou,LadyAlexandra.”
“Justonepoint,chiefinspector,”saidLordKidderminster.“Youhave,ofcourse,yourownsourcesofinformationandIgatherfrommyfriendtheCommissionerthatthismanBarton’sdeathisregardedasmurderratherthansuicide,thoughonthefaceofit,totheoutsidepublic,suicidewouldseemamorelikelyexplanation.Youthoughtitwassuicide,didn’tyou,Sandra,mydear?”
TheGothicfigureboweditsheadslightly.Sandrasaidinathoughtfulvoice:
“Itseemedtomesoobviouslastnight.WewerethereinthesamerestaurantandactuallyatthesametablewherepoorRosemaryBartonpoisonedherselflastyear.WehaveseensomethingofMr.Bartonduringthesummerinthecountryandhehasreallybeenveryodd—quiteunlikehimself—andweallthoughtthathiswife’sdeathwaspreyingonhismind.Hewasveryfondofher,youknow,andIdon’tthinkheevergotoverherdeath.Sothattheideaofsuicideseemed,itnotnatural,atleastpossible—whereasIcan’timaginewhyanyoneshouldwanttomurderGeorgeBarton.”
StephenFarradaysaidquickly:
“NomorecanI.Bartonwasanexcellentfellow.I’msurehehadn’tgotanenemyintheworld.”
ChiefInspectorKemplookedatthethreeinquiringfacesturnedtowardshimandreflectedamomentbeforespeaking.“Betterlet’emhaveit,”hethoughttohimself.
“Whatyousayisquitecorrect,Iamsure,LadyAlexandra.Butyouseethereareafewthingsthatyouprobablydon’tknowyet.”
LordKidderminsterinterposedquickly:
“Wemustn’tforcethechiefinspector’shand.Itisentirelyinhisdiscretionwhatfactshemakespublic.”
“Thanks,m’lord,butthere’snoreasonIshouldn’texplainthingsalittlemoreclearly.I’llboilitdowntothis.GeorgeBarton,beforehisdeath,expressedtotwopeoplehisbeliefthathiswifehadnot,aswasbelieved,committedsuicide,buthadinsteadbeenpoisonedbysomethirdparty.Healsothoughtthathewasonthetrackofthatthirdparty,andthedinnerandcelebrationlastnight,ostensiblyinhonourofMissMarle’sbirthday,wasreallysomepartofaplanhehadmadeforfindingouttheidentityofhiswife’smurderer.”
Therewasamoment’ssilence—andinthatsilenceChiefInspectorKemp,whowasasensitivemaninspiteofhiswoodenappearance,feltthepresenceofsomethingthatheclassifiedasdismay.Itwasnotapparentonanyface,buthecouldhaveswornthatitwasthere.
LordKidderminsterwasthefirsttorecoverhimself.Hesaid:
“Butsurely—thatbeliefinitselfmightpointtothefactthatpoorBartonwasnotquite—er—himself?Broodingoverhiswife’sdeathmighthaveslightlyunhingedhimmentally.”
“Quiteso,LordKidderminster,butitatleastshowsthathisframeofmindwasdefinitelynotsuicidal.”
“Yes—yes,Itakeyourpoint.”
Andagaintherewassilence.ThenStephenFarradaysaidsharply:
“ButhowdidBartongetsuchanideaintohishead?Afterall,Mrs.Bartondidcommitsuicide.”
ChiefInspectorKemptransferredaplacidgazetohim.
“Mr.Bartondidn’tthinkso.”
LordKidderminsterinterposed.
“Butthepoliceweresatisfied?Therewasnosuggestionofanythingbutsuicideatthetime?”
ChiefInspectorKempsaidquietly:
“Thefactswerecompatiblewithsuicide.Therewasnoevidencethatherdeathwasduetoanyotheragency.”
HeknewthatamanofLordKidderminster’scalibrewouldseizeontheexactmeaningofthat.
Becomingslightlymoreofficial,Kempsaid,“Iwouldliketoaskyousomequestionsnow,ifImay,LadyAlexandra?”
“Certainly.”Sheturnedherheadslightlytowardshim.
“YouhadnosuspicionsatthetimeofMr.Barton’sdeaththatitmightbemurder,notsuicide?”
“Certainlynot.Iwasquitesureitwassuicide.”Sheadded,“Istillam.”
Kempletthatpass.Hesaid:
“Haveyoureceivedanyanonymouslettersinthepastyear,LadyAlexandra?”
Thecalmofhermannerseemedbrokenbypureastonishment.
“Anonymousletters?Oh,no.”
“You’requitesure?Suchlettersareveryunpleasantthingsandpeopleusuallyprefertoignorethem,buttheymaybeparticularlyimportantinthiscase,andthatiswhyIwanttostressthatifyoudidreceiveanysuchlettersitismostessentialthatIshouldknowaboutthem.”
“Isee.ButIcanonlyassureyou,chiefinspector,thatIhavereceivednothingofthekind.”
“Verywell.NowyousayMr.Barton’smannerhasbeenoddthissummer.Inwhatway?”
Sheconsideredaminute.
“Well,hewasjumpy,nervous.Itseemeddifficultforhimtofocushisattentiononwhatwassaidtohim.”Sheturnedherheadtowardsherhusband.“Wasthathowitstruckyou,Stephen?”
“Yes,Ishouldsaythatwasaveryfairdescription.Themanlookedphysicallyill,too.Hehadlostweight.”
“Didyounoticeanydifferenceinhisattitudetowardsyouandyourhusband?Anylesscordiality,forinstance?”
“No.Onthecontrary.Hehadboughtahouse,youknow,quiteclosetous,andheseemedverygratefulforwhatwewereabletodoforhim—inthewayoflocalintroductions,Imean,andallthat.Ofcoursewewereonlytoopleasedtodoeverythingwecouldinthatline,bothforhimandforIrisMarlewhoisacharminggirl.”
“WasthelateMrs.Bartonagreatfriendofyours,LadyAlexandra?”
“No,wewerenotveryintimate.”Shegavealightlaugh.“ShewasreallymostlyStephen’sfriend.Shebecameinterestedinpoliticsandhehelpedto—well,educateherpolitically—whichI’msureheenjoyed.Shewasaverycharmingandattractivewoman,youknow.”
“Andyou’reaverycleverone,”thoughtChiefInspectorKemptohimselfappreciatively.“Iwonderhowmuchyouknowaboutthosetwo—agooddeal,Ishouldn’twonder.”
Hewenton:
“Mr.Bartonneverexpressedtoyoutheviewthathiswifedidnotcommitsuicide?”
“No,indeed.ThatwaswhyIwassostartledjustnow.”
“AndMissMarle?Shenevertalkedabouthersister’sdeath,either?”
“No.”
“AnyideawhatmadeGeorgeBartonbuyahouseinthecountry?Didyouoryourhusbandsuggesttheideatohim?”
“No.Itwasquiteasurprise.”
“Andhismannertoyouwasalwaysfriendly?”
“Veryfriendlyindeed.”
“AndwhatdoyouknowaboutMr.AnthonyBrowne,LadyAlexandra?”
“Ireallyknownothingatall.Ihavemethimoccasionallyandthatisall.”
“Whataboutyou,Mr.Farraday?”
“IthinkIknowprobablylessaboutBrownethanmywifedoes.Sheatanyratehasdancedwithhim.Heseemsalikeablechap—American,Ibelieve.”
“WouldyousayfromobservationatthetimethathewasonspecialtermsofintimacywithMrs.Barton?”
“Ihaveabsolutelynoknowledgeonthatpoint,chiefinspector.”
“Iamsimplyaskingyouforyourimpression,Mr.Farraday.”
Stephenfrowned.
“Theywerefriendly—thatisallIcansay.”
“Andyou,LadyAlexandra?”
“Simplymyimpression,chiefinspector?”
“Simplyyourimpression.”
“Then,forwhatitisworth,Ididformtheimpressionthattheykneweachotherwellandwereonintimateterms.Simply,youunderstand,fromthewaytheylookedateachother—Ihavenoconcreteevidence.”
“Ladieshaveoftenverygoodjudgementonthesematters,”saidKemp.ThatsomewhatfatuoussmilewithwhichhedeliveredthisremarkwouldhaveamusedColonelRaceifhehadbeenpresent.“Now,whataboutMissLessing,LadyAlexandra?”
“MissLessing,Iunderstand,wasMr.Barton’ssecretary.ImetherforthefirsttimeontheeveningthatMrs.Bartondied.AfterthatImetheroncewhenshewasstayingdowninthecountry,andlastnight.”
“IfImayaskyouanotherinformalquestion,didyouformtheimpressionthatshewasinlovewithGeorgeBarton?”
“Ireallyhaven’ttheleastidea.”
“Thenwe’llcometotheeventsoflastnight.”
HequestionedbothStephenandhiswifeminutelyonthecourseofthetragicevening.Hehadnothopedformuchfromthis,andallhegotwasconfirmationofwhathehadalreadybeentold.Allaccountsagreedontheimportantpoints—BartonhadproposedatoasttoIris,haddrunkitandimmediatelyafterwardshadgotuptodance.TheyhadallleftthetabletogetherandGeorgeandIrishadbeenthefirsttoreturntoit.NeitherofthemhadanyexplanationtoofferastotheemptychairexceptthatGeorgeBartonhaddistinctlysaidthathewasexpectingafriendofhis,aColonelRace,tooccupyitlaterintheevening—astatementwhich,astheinspectorknew,couldnotpossiblybethetruth.SandraFarradaysaid,andherhusbandagreed,thatwhenthelightswentupafterthecabaret,Georgehadstaredattheemptychairinapeculiarmannerandhadforsomemomentsseemedsoabsentmindedasnottohearwhatwassaidtohim—thenhehadralliedhimselfandproposedIris’shealth.
Theonlyitemthatthechiefinspectorcouldcountasanadditiontohisknowledge,wasSandra’saccountofherconversationwithGeorgeatFairhaven—andhispleathatsheandherhusbandwouldcollaboratewithhimoverthispartyforIris’ssake.
Itwasareasonablyplausiblepretext,thechiefinspectorthought,thoughnotthetrueone.Closinghisnotebookinwhichhehadjotteddownoneortwohieroglyphics,herosetohisfeet.
“I’mverygratefultoyou,mylord,andtoMr.FarradayandLadyAlexandraforyourhelpandcollaboration.”
“Willmydaughter’spresenceberequiredattheinquest?”
“Theproceedingswillbepurelyformalonthisoccasion.Evidenceofidentificationandthemedicalevidencewillbetakenandtheinquestwillthenbeadjournedforaweek.Bythen,”saidthechiefinspector,histonechangingslightly,“weshall,Ihope,befurtheron.”
HeturnedtoStephenFarraday:
“Bytheway,Mr.Farraday,thereareoneortwosmallpointswhereIthinkyoucouldhelpme.NoneedtotroubleLadyAlexandra.IfyouwillgivemearingattheYard,wecansettleatimethatwillsuityou.Youare,Iknow,abusyman.”
Itwaspleasantlysaid,withanairofcasualness,butonthreepairsofearsthewordsfellwithdeliberatemeaning.
WithanairoffriendlycooperationStephenmanagedtosay:
“Certainly,chiefinspector.”Thenhelookedathiswatchandmurmured:“ImustgoalongtotheHouse.”
WhenStephenhadhurriedoff,andthechiefinspectorhadlikewisedeparted,LordKidderminsterturnedtohisdaughterandaskedaquestionwithnobeatingaboutthebush.
“HadStephenbeenhavinganaffairwiththatwoman?”
Therewasasplitsecondofapausebeforehisdaughteranswered.
“Ofcoursenot.Ishouldhaveknownitifhehad.Andanyway,Stephen’snotthatkind.”
“Now,lookhere,mydear,nogoodlayingyourearsbackanddiggingyourhoofsin.Thesethingsareboundtocomeout.Wewanttoknowwhereweareinthisbusiness.”
“RosemaryBartonwasafriendofthatman,AnthonyBrowne.Theywentabouteverywheretogether.”
“Well,”saidLordKidderminsterslowly.“Youshouldknow.”
Hedidnotbelievehisdaughter.Hisface,ashewentslowlyoutoftheroom,wasgreyandperplexed.Hewentupstairstohiswife’ssittingroom.Hehadvetoedherpresenceinthelibrary,knowingtoowellthatherarrogantmethodswereapttoarouseantagonismandatthisjuncturehefeltitvitalthatrelationswiththeofficialpoliceshouldbeharmonious.
“Well?”saidLadyKidderminster.“Howdiditgooff?”
“Quitewellonthefaceofit,”saidLordKidderminsterslowly.“Kempisacourteousfellow—verypleasantinhismanner—hehandledthewholethingwithtact—justalittletoomuchtactformyfancy.”
“It’sserious,then?”
“Yes,it’sserious.WeshouldneverhaveletSandramarrythatfellow,Vicky.”
“That’swhatIsaid.”
“Yes—yes…”Heacknowledgedherclaim.“Youwereright—andIwaswrong.But,mindyou,shewouldhavehadhimanyway.Youcan’tturnSandrawhenhermindisfixedonathing.HermeetingFarradaywasadisaster—amanofwhoseantecedentsandancestorsweknownothing.Whenacrisiscomeshowdoesoneknowhowamanlikethatwillreact?”
“Isee,”saidLadyKidderminster.“Youthinkwe’vetakenamurdererintothefamily?”
“Idon’tknow.Idon’twanttocondemnthefellowoffhand—butit’swhatthepolicethink—andthey’reprettyshrewd.HehadanaffairwiththisBartonwoman—that’splainenough.Eithershecommittedsuicideonhisaccount,orelsehe—Well,whateverhappened,Bartongotwisetoitandwasheadingforanexposéandscandal.IsupposeStephensimplycouldn’ttakeit—and—”
“Poisonedhim?”
“Yes.”
LadyKidderminstershookherhead.
“Idon’tagreewithyou.”
“Ihopeyou’reright.Butsomebodypoisonedhim.”
“Ifyouaskme,”saidLadyKidderminster,“Stephensimplywouldn’thavethenervetodoathinglikethat.”
“He’sindeadlyearnestabouthiscareer—he’sgotgreatgifts,youknow,andthemakingsofatruestatesman.Youcan’tsaywhatanyonewilldowhenthey’reforcedintoacorner.”
Hiswifestillshookherhead.
“Istillsayhehasn’tgotthenerve.Youwantsomeonewho’sagamblerandcapableofbeingreckless.I’mafraid,William,I’mhorriblyafraid.”
Hestaredather.“AreyousuggestingthatSandra—Sandra—?”
“Ihateeventosuggestsuchathing—butit’snousebeingcowardlyandrefusingtofacepossibilities.She’sbesottedaboutthatman—shealwayshasbeen—andthere’saqueerstreakinSandra.I’veneverreallyunderstoodher—butI’vealwaysbeenafraidforher.She’driskanything—anything—forStephen.Withoutcountingthecost.Andifshe’sbeenmadenoughandwickedenoughtodothisthing,she’sgottobeprotected.”
“Protected?Whatdoyoumean—protected?”
“Byyou.We’vegottodosomethingaboutourowndaughter,haven’twe?Mercifullyyoucanpullanyamountofstrings.”
LordKidderminsterwasstaringather.Thoughhehadthoughtheknewhiswife’scharacterwell,hewasneverthelessappalledattheforceandcourageofherrealism—atherrefusaltoblinkatunpalatablefacts—andalsoatherunscrupulousness.
“Ifmydaughter’samurderess,doyousuggestthatIshouldusemyofficialpositiontorescueherfromtheconsequencesofheract?”
“Ofcourse,”saidLadyKidderminster.
“MydearVicky!Youdon’tunderstand!Onecan’tdothingslikethat.Itwouldbeabreachof—ofhonour.”
“Rubbish!”saidLadyKidderminster.
Theylookedateachother—sofardividedthatneithercouldseetheother’spointofview.SomightAgamemnonandClytemnestrahavestaredateachotherwiththewordIphigeniaontheirlips.
“Youcouldbringgovernmentpressuretobearonthepolicesothatthewholethingisdroppedandaverdictofsuicidebroughtin.Ithasbeendonebefore—don’tpretend.”
“Thathasbeenwhenitwasamatterofpublicpolicy—intheinterestsoftheState.Thisisapersonalandprivatematter.IdoubtverymuchwhetherIcoulddosuchathing.”
“Youcanifyouhavesufficientdetermination.”
LordKidderminsterflushedangrily.
“IfIcould,Iwouldn’t!Itwouldbeabusingmypublicposition.”
“IfSandrawerearrestedandtried,wouldn’tyouemploythebestcounselanddoeverythingpossibletogetheroffhoweverguiltyshewas?”
“Ofcourse,ofcourse.That’sentirelydifferent.Youwomennevergraspthesethings.”
LadyKidderminsterwassilent,unperturbedbythethrust.Sandrawastheleastdeartoherofherchildren—neverthelessshewasatthismomentamother,andamotheronly—willingtodefendheryoungbyanymeans,honourableordishonourable.ShewouldfightwithtoothandclawforSandra.
“Inanycase,”saidLordKidderminster,“Sandrawillnotbechargedunlessthereisanabsolutelyconvincingcaseagainsther.AndI,forone,refusetobelievethatadaughterofmineisamurderess.I’mastonishedatyou,Vicky,forentertainingsuchanideaforamoment.”
Hiswifesaidnothing,andLordKidderminsterwentuneasilyoutoftheroom.TothinkthatVicky—Vicky—whomhehadknownintimatelyforsomanyyears—shouldprovetohavesuchunsuspectedandreallyverydisturbingdepthsinher!
Five
RacefoundRuthLessingbusywithpapersatalargedesk.Shewasdressedinablackcoatandskirtandawhiteblouseandhewasimpressedbyherquietunhurriedefficiency.Henoticedthedarkcirclesunderhereyesandtheunhappysetlineofhermouth,buthergrief,ifitwasgrief,wasaswellcontrolledasallherotheremotions.
Raceexplainedhisvisitandsherespondedatonce.
“Itisverygoodofyoutocome.OfcourseIknowwhoyouare.Mr.Bartonwasexpectingyoutojoinuslastnight,washenot?Irememberhissayingso.”
“Didhementionthatbeforetheeveningitself?”
Shethoughtforamoment.
“No.Itwaswhenwewereactuallytakingourseatsroundthetable.IrememberthatIwasalittlesurprised—”Shepausedandflushedslightly.“Not,ofcourse,athisinvitingyou.Youareanoldfriend,Iknow.Andyouweretohavebeenattheotherpartyayearago.AllImeantwasthatIwassurprised,ifyouwerecoming,thatMr.Bartonhadn’tinvitedanotherwomantobalancethenumbers—butofcourseifyouweregoingtobelateandmightperhapsnotcomeatall—”Shebrokeoff.“HowstupidIam.Whygooverallthesepettythingsthatdon’tmatter?Iamstupidthismorning.”
“Butyouhavecometoworkasusual?”
“Ofcourse.”Shelookedsurprised—almostshocked.“Itismyjob.Thereissomuchtoclearupandarrange.”
“Georgealwaystoldmehowmuchherelieduponyou,”saidRacegently.
Sheturnedaway.Hesawherswallowquicklyandblinkhereyes.Herabsenceofanydisplayofemotionalmostconvincedhimofherentireinnocence.Almost,butnotquite.Hehadmetwomenwhoweregoodactressesbeforenow,womenwhosereddenedeyelidsandtheblackcirclesunderneathwhoseeyeshadbeenduetoartandnottonaturalcauses.
Reservingjudgement,hesaidtohimself:
“Atanyrateshe’sacoolcustomer.”
Ruthturnedbacktothedeskandinanswertohislastremarkshesaidquietly:
“Iwaswithhimformanyyears—itwillbeeightyearsnextApril—andIknewhisways,andIthinkhe—trustedme.”
“I’msureofthat.”
Hewenton:“Itisnearlylunchtime.Ihopedyouwouldcomeoutandlunchquietlywithmesomewhere?ThereisagooddealIwouldliketosaytoyou.”
“Thankyou.Ishouldliketoverymuch.”
Hetookhertoasmallrestaurantthatheknewof,wherethetablesweresetfarapartandwhereaquietconversationwaspossible.
Heordered,andwhenthewaiterhadgone,lookedacrossthetableathiscompanion.
Shewasagood-lookinggirl,hedecided,withhersleekdarkheadandherfirmmouthandchin.
Hetalkedalittleondesultorytopicsuntilthefoodwasbrought,andshefollowedhislead,showingherselfintelligentandsensible.
Presently,afterapause,shesaid:
“Youwanttotalktomeaboutlastnight?Pleasedon’thesitatetodoso.ThewholethingissoincrediblethatIwouldliketotalkaboutit.ExceptthatithappenedandIsawithappen,Iwouldnothavebelievedit.”
“You’veseenChiefInspectorKemp,ofcourse?”
“Yes,lastnight.Heseemsintelligentandexperienced.”Shepaused.“Wasitreallymurder,ColonelRace?”
“DidKemptellyouso?”
“Hedidn’tvolunteeranyinformation,buthisquestionsmadeitplainenoughwhathehadinmind.”
“Youropinionastowhetherornotitwassuicideshouldbeasgoodasanyone’s,MissLessing.YouknewBartonwellandyouwerewithhimmostofyesterday,Iimagine.Howdidheseem?Muchasusual?Orwashedisturbed—upset—excited?”
Shehesitated.
“It’sdifficult.Hewasupsetanddisturbed—butthentherewasareasonforthat.”
SheexplainedthesituationthathadariseninregardtoVictorDrakeandgaveabriefsketchofthatyoungman’scareer.
“H’m,”saidRace.“Theinevitableblacksheep.AndBartonwasupsetabouthim?”
Ruthsaidslowly:
“It’sdifficulttoexplain.IknewMr.Bartonsowell,yousee.Hewasannoyedandbotheredaboutthebusiness—andIgatherMrs.Drakehadbeenverytearfulandupset,asshealwayswasontheseoccasions—soofcoursehewantedtostraightenitallout.ButIhadtheimpression—”
“Yes,MissLessing?I’msureyourimpressionswillbeaccurate.”
“Well,then,Ifanciedthathisannoyancewasnotquitetheusualannoyance,ifImayputitlikethat.Becausewehadhadthissamebusinessbefore,inoneformoranother.LastyearVictorDrakewasinthiscountryandintrouble,andwehadtoshiphimofftoSouthAmerica,andonlylastJunehecabledhomeformoney.SoyouseeIwasfamiliarwithMr.Barton’sreactions.Anditseemedtomethistimethathisannoyancewasprincipallyatthecablehavingarrivedjustatthismomentwhenhewasentirelypreoccupiedwiththearrangementsforthepartyhewasgiving.Heseemedsotakenupbythepreparationsforitthathegrudgedanyotherpreoccupationarising.”
“Diditstrikeyouthattherewasanythingoddaboutthispartyofhis,MissLessing?”
“Yes,itdid.Mr.Bartonwasreallymostpeculiaraboutit.Hewasexcited—likeachildmighthavebeen.”
“Diditoccurtoyouthattheremighthavebeenaspecialpurposeforsuchaparty?”
“YoumeanthatitwasareplicaofthepartyayearagowhenMrs.Bartoncommittedsuicide?”
“Yes.”
“Frankly,Ithoughtitamostextraordinaryidea.”
“ButGeorgedidn’tvolunteeranyexplanation—orconfideinyouinanyway?”
Sheshookherhead.
“Tellme,MissLessing,hasthereeverbeenanydoubtinyourmindastoMrs.Barton’shavingcommittedsuicide?”
Shelookedastonished.“Oh,no.”
“GeorgeBartondidn’ttellyouthathebelievedhiswifehadbeenmurdered?”
Shestaredathim.
“Georgebelievedthat?”
“Iseethatisnewstoyou.Yes,MissLessing.Georgehadreceivedanonymouslettersstatingthathiswifehadnotcommittedsuicidebuthadbeenkilled.”
“Sothatiswhyhebecamesooddthissummer?Icouldn’tthinkwhatwasthematterwithhim.”
“Youknewnothingabouttheseanonymousletters?”
“Nothing.Weretheremanyofthem?”
“Heshowedmetwo.”
“AndIknewnothingaboutthem!”
Therewasanoteofbitterhurtinhervoice.
Hewatchedherforamomentortwo,thenhesaid:
“Well,MissLessing,whatdoyousay?Isitpossible,inyouropinion,forGeorgetohavecommittedsuicide?”
Sheshookherhead.
“No—oh,no.”
“Butyousaidhewasexcited—upset?”
“Yes,buthehadbeenlikethatforsometime.Iseewhynow.AndIseewhyhewassoexcitedaboutlastnight’sparty.Hemusthavehadsomespecialideainhishead—hemusthavehopedthatbyreproducingtheconditions,hewouldgainsomeadditionalknowledge—poorGeorge,hemusthavebeensomuddledaboutitall.”
“AndwhataboutRosemaryBarton,MissLessing?Doyoustillthinkherdeathwassuicide?”
Shefrowned.
“I’veneverdreamtofitbeinganythingelse.Itseemedsonatural.”
“Depressionafterinfluenza?”
“Well,rathermorethanthat,perhaps.Shewasdefinitelyveryunhappy.Onecouldseethat.”
“Andguessthecause?”
“Well—yes.AtleastIdid.OfcourseImayhavebeenwrong.ButwomenlikeMrs.Bartonareverytransparent—theydon’ttroubletohidetheirfeelings.MercifullyIdon’tthinkMr.Bartonknewanything…Oh,yes,shewasveryunhappy.AndIknowshehadabadheadachethatnightbesidesbeingrun-downwithflu.”
“Howdidyouknowshehadaheadache?”
“IheardhertellingLadyAlexandraso—inthecloakroomwhenweweretakingoffourwraps.ShewaswishingshehadaCachetFaivreandluckilyLadyAlexandrahadonewithherandgaveittoher.”
ColonelRace’shandstoppedwithaglassinmidair.
“Andshetookit?”
“Yes.”
Heputhisglassdownuntastedandlookedacrossthetable.Thegirllookedplacidandunawareofanysignificanceinwhatshehadsaid.Butitwassignificant.ItmeantthatSandrawho,fromherpositionattable,wouldhavehadthemostdifficultyinputtinganythingunseeninRosemary’sglass,hadhadanotheropportunityofadministeringthepoison.ShecouldhavegivenittoRosemaryinacachet.Ordinarilyacachetwouldtakeonlyafewminutestodissolve,butpossiblythishadbeenaspecialkindofcachet,itmighthavehadaliningofgelatineorsomeothersubstance.OrRosemarymightpossiblynothaveswalloweditthenbutlater.
Hesaidabruptly:
“Didyouseehertakeit?”
“Ibegyourpardon?”
Hesawbyherpuzzledfacethathermindhadgoneonelsewhere.
“DidyouseeRosemaryBartonswallowthatcachet?”
Ruthlookedalittlestartled.
“I—well,no,Ididn’tactuallyseeher.ShejustthankedLadyAlexandra.”
SoRosemarymighthaveslippedthecachetinherbagandthen,duringthecabaret,withaheadacheincreasing,shemighthavedroppeditintoherchampagneglassandletitdissolve.Assumption—pureassumption—butapossibility.
Ruthsaid:
“Whydoyouaskmethat?”
Hereyesweresuddenlyalert,fullofquestions.Hewatched,soitseemedtohim,herintelligenceworking.
Thenshesaid:
“Oh,Isee.IseewhyGeorgetookthathousedownthereneartheFarradays.AndIseewhyhedidn’ttellmeaboutthoseletters.Itseemedtomesoextraordinarythathehadn’t.Butofcourseifhebelievedthem,itmeantthatoneofus,oneofthosefivepeopleroundthetablemusthavekilledher.Itmight—itmightevenhavebeenme!”
Racesaidinaverygentlevoice:
“HadyouanyreasonforkillingRosemaryBarton?”
Hethoughtatfirstthatshehadn’theardthequestion.Shesatsoverystillwithhereyescastdown.
Butsuddenlywithasigh,sheraisedthemandlookedstraightathim.
“Itisnotthesortofthingonecarestotalkabout,”shesaid.“ButIthinkyouhadbetterknow.IwasinlovewithGeorgeBarton.IwasinlovewithhimbeforeheevenmetRosemary.Idon’tthinkheeverknew—certainlyhedidn’tcare.Hewasfondofme—veryfondofme—butIsupposeneverinthatway.AndyetIusedtothinkthatIwouldhavemadehimagoodwife—thatIcouldhavemadehimhappy.HelovedRosemary,buthewasn’thappywithher.”
Racesaidgently:
“AndyoudislikedRosemary?”
“Yes,Idid.Oh!Shewasverylovelyandveryattractiveandcouldbeverycharminginherway.Sheneverbotheredtobecharmingtome!Idislikedheragooddeal.Iwasshockedwhenshedied—andatthewayshedied,butIwasn’treallysorry.I’mafraidIwasratherglad.”
Shepaused.
“Please,shallwetalkaboutsomethingelse?”
Racerespondedquickly:
“I’dlikeyoutotellmeexactly,indetail,everythingyoucanrememberaboutyesterday—fromthemorningonwards—especiallyanythingGeorgedidorsaid.”
Ruthrepliedpromptly,goingovertheeventsofthemorning—George’sannoyanceoverVictor’simportunity,herowntelephonecallstoSouthAmericaandthearrangementsmadeandGeorge’spleasurewhenthematterwassettled.ShethendescribedherarrivalattheLuxembourgandGeorge’sflurriedexcitedbearingashost.Shecarriedhernarrativeuptothefinalmomentofthetragedy.Heraccounttalliedineveryrespectwiththosehehadalreadyheard.
Withaworriedfrown,Ruthvoicedhisownperplexity.
“Itwasn’tsuicide—I’msureitwasn’tsuicide—buthowcanithavebeenmurder?Imean,howcanithavebeendone?Theansweris,itcouldn’t,notbyoneofus!ThenwasitsomeonewhoslippedthepoisonintoGeorge’sglasswhilewewereawaydancing?Butifso,whocouldithavebeen?Itdoesn’tseemtomakesense.”
“Theevidenceisthatnoonewentnearthetablewhileyouweredancing.”
“Thenitreallydoesn’tmakesense!Cyanidedoesn’tgetintoaglassbyitself!”
“Haveyouabsolutelynoidea—nosuspicion,even,whomighthaveputthecyanideintheglass?Thinkbackoverlastnight.Istherenothing,nosmallincident,thatawakensyoursuspicionsinanydegree,howeversmall?”
Hesawherfacechange,sawforamomentuncertaintycomeintohereyes.Therewasatiny,almostinfinitesimalpausebeforesheanswered“Nothing.”
Buttherehadbeensomething.Hewassureofthat.Somethingshehadseenorheardornoticedthat,forsomereasonorother,shehaddecidednottotell.
Hedidnotpressher.HeknewthatwithagirlofRuth’stypethatwouldbenogood.If,forsomereason,shehadmadeuphermindtokeepsilence,shewouldnot,hefeltsure,changehermind.
Buttherehadbeensomething.Thatknowledgecheeredhimandgavehimfreshassurance.Itwasthefirstsignofacreviceintheblankwallthatconfrontedhim.
HetookleaveofRuthafterlunchanddrovetoElvastonSquarethinkingofthewomanhehadjustleft.
WasitpossiblethatRuthLessingwasguilty?Onthewhole,hewasprepossessedinherfavour.Shehadseemedentirelyfrankandstraightforward.
Wasshecapableofmurder?Mostpeoplewere,ifyoucametoit.Capablenotofmurderingeneral,butofoneparticularindividualmurder.Thatwaswhatmadeitsodifficulttoweedanyoneout.Therewasacertainqualityofruthlessnessaboutthatyoungwoman.Andshehadamotive—orratherachoiceofmotives.ByremovingRosemaryshehadaverygoodchanceofbecomingMrs.GeorgeBarton.Whetheritwasaquestionofmarryingarichman,orofmarryingthemanshehadloved,theremovalofRosemarywasthefirstessential.
Racewasinclinedtothinkthatmarryingarichmanwasnotenough.RuthLessingwastoocoolheadedandcautioustoriskherneckformerecomfortablelivingasarichman’swife.Love?Perhaps.Forallhercoolanddetachedmanner,hesuspectedherofbeingoneofthosewomenwhocanbekindledtounlikelypassionbyoneparticularman.GivenloveofGeorgeandhateofRosemary,shemighthavecoollyplannedandexecutedRosemary’sdeath.Thefactthatithadgoneoffwithoutahitch,andthatsuicidehadbeenuniversallyacceptedwithoutdemur,provedherinherentcapability
AndthenGeorgehadreceivedanonymousletters(Fromwhom?Why?Thatwastheteasingvexingproblemthatneverceasedtonagathim)andhadgrownsuspicious.Hehadplannedatrap.AndRuthhadsilencedhim.
No,thatwasn’tright.Thatdidn’tringtrue.Thatspeltpanic—andRuthLessingwasnotthekindofwomanwhopanicked.ShehadbetterbrainsthanGeorgeandcouldhaveavoidedanytrapthathewaslikelytosetwiththegreatestofease.
ItlookedasthoughRuthdidn’taddupafterall.
Six
LucillaDrakewasdelightedtoseeColonelRace.
TheblindswerealldownandLucillacameintotheroomdrapedinblackandwithahandkerchieftohereyesandexplained,assheadvancedatremuloushandtomeethis,howofcourseshecouldn’thaveseenanyone—anyoneatall—exceptsuchanoldfriendofdear,dearGeorge’s—anditwassodreadfultohavenomaninthehouse!Reallywithoutamaninthehouseonedidn’tknowhowtotackleanything.Justherself,apoorlonelywidow,andIris,justahelplessyounggirl,andGeorgehadalwayslookedaftereverything.SokindofdearColonelRaceandreallyshewassograteful—noideawhattheyoughttodo.OfcourseMissLessingwouldattendtoallbusinessmatters—andthefuneraltoarrangefor—buthowabouttheinquest?andsodreadfulhavingthepolice—actuallyinthehouse—plainclothes,ofcourse,andreallyveryconsiderate.Butshewassobewilderedandthewholethingwassuchanabsolutetragedyanddidn’tColonelRacethinkitmustbeallduetosuggestion—thatwaswhatthepsychoanalystsaid,wasn’tit,thateverythingissuggestion?AndpoorGeorgeatthathorridplace,theLuxembourg,andpracticallythesamepartyandrememberinghowpoorRosemaryhaddiedthere—anditmusthavecomeoverhimquitesuddenly,onlyifhe’dlistenedtowhatshe,Lucilla,hadsaid,andtakenthatexcellenttonicofdearDr.Gaskell’s—run-down,allthesummer—yes,thoroughlyrun-down.
WhereuponLucillaherselfrandowntemporarily,andRacehadachancetospeak
HesaidhowdeeplyhesympathizedandhowMrs.Drakemustcountuponhimineveryway.
WhereuponLucillastartedoffagainandsaiditwasindeedkindofhim,anditwastheshockthathadbeensoterrible—heretoday,andgonetomorrow,asitsaidintheBible,comethuplikegrassandcutdownintheevening—onlythatwasn’tquiteright,butColonelRacewouldknowwhatshemeant,anditwassonicetofeeltherewassomeoneonwhomtheycouldrely.MissLessingmeantwell,ofcourse,andwasveryefficient,butratheranunsympatheticmannerandsometimestookthingsuponherselfalittletoomuch,andinher,Lucilla’s,opinion,Georgehadalwaysrelieduponherfartoomuch,andatonetimeshehadbeenreallyafraidthathemightdosomethingfoolishwhichwouldhavebeenagreatpityandprobablyshewouldhavebulliedhimunmercifullyoncetheyweremarried.Ofcourseshe,Lucilla,hadseenwhatwasinthewind.DearIriswassounworldly,anditwasnice,didn’tColonelRacethink,foryounggirlstobeunspoiltandsimple?Irishadreallyalwaysbeenveryyoungforherageandveryquiet—onedidn’tknowhalfthetimewhatshewasthinkingabout.Rosemarybeingsoprettyandsogayhadbeenoutagreatdeal,andIrishadmoonedaboutthehousewhichwasn’treallyrightforayounggirl—theyshouldgotoclasses—cookingandperhapsdressmaking.Itoccupiedtheirmindsandoneneverknewwhenitmightcomeinuseful.Ithadreallybeenamercythatshe,Lucilla,hadbeenfreetocomeandlivehereafterpoorRosemary’sdeath—thathorrid’flu,quiteanunusualkindofflu,Dr.Gaskellhadsaid.Suchaclevermanandsuchanice,breezymanner.
ShehadwantedIristoseehimthissummer.Thegirlhadlookedsowhiteandpulleddown.“Butreally,ColonelRace,Ithinkitwasthesituationofthehouse.Low,youknow,anddamp,withquiteamiasmaintheevenings.”PoorGeorgehadgoneoffandboughtitallbyhimselfwithoutaskinganyone’sadvice—suchapity.Hehadsaidhewantedittobeasurprise,butreallyitwouldhavebeenbetterifhehadtakensomeolderwoman’sadvice.Menknewnothingabouthouses.Georgemighthaverealizedthatshe,Lucilla,wouldhavebeenwillingtotakeanyamountoftrouble.For,afterall,whatwasherlifenow?Herdearhusbanddeadmanyyearsago,andVictor,herdearboy,farawayintheArgentine—shemeantBrazil,orwasittheArgentine?Suchanaffectionate,handsomeboy.
ColonelRacesaidhehadheardshehadasonabroad.
Forthenextquarterofanhour,hewasregaledwithafullaccountofVictor’smultitudinousactivities.Suchaspiritedboy,willingtoturnhishandtoanything—herefollowedalistofVictor’svariedoccupations.Neverunkind,orbearingmalicetoanyone.“He’salwaysbeenunlucky,ColonelRace.HewasmisjudgedbyhishousemasterandIconsidertheauthoritiesatOxfordbehavedquitedisgracefully.Peopledon’tseemtounderstandthatacleverboywithatastefordrawingwouldthinkitanexcellentjoketoimitatesomeone’shandwriting.Hediditforthefunofthething,notformoney.”Buthe’dalwaysbeenagoodsontohismother,andheneverfailedtoletherknowwhenhewasintroublewhichshowed,didn’tit,thathetrustedher?Onlyitdidseemcurious,didn’tit,thatthejobspeoplefoundforhimsooftenseemedtotakehimoutofEngland.Shecouldn’thelpfeelingthatifonlyhecouldbegivenanicejob,intheBankofEnglandsay,hewouldsettledownmuchbetter.HemightperhapslivealittleoutofLondonandhavealittlecar.
ItwasquitetwentyminutesbeforeColonelRace,havingheardallVictor’sperfectionsandmisfortunes,wasabletoswitchLucillafromthesubjectofsonstothatofservants.
Yes,itwasverytruewhathesaid,theold-fashionedtypeofservantdidn’texistanylonger.Reallythetroublepeoplehadnowadays!Notthatsheoughttocomplain,forreallytheyhadbeenverylucky.Mrs.Pound,thoughshehadthemisfortunetobeslightlydeaf,wasanexcellentwoman.Herpastrysometimesalittleheavyandatendencytooverpepperthesoup,butreallyonthewholemostreliable—andeconomicaltoo.ShehadbeenthereeversinceGeorgemarriedandshehadmadenofussaboutgoingtothecountrythisyear,thoughtherehadbeentroublewiththeothersoverthatandtheparlourmaidhadleft—butthatreallywasallforthebest—animpertinentgirlwhoansweredback—besidesbreakingsixofthebestwineglasses,notonebyoneatoddtimeswhichmighthappentoanybody,butallatoncewhichreallymeantgrosscarelessness,didn’tColonelRacethinkso?
“Verycarelessindeed.”
“ThatiswhatItoldher.AndIsaidtoherthatIshouldbeobligedtosaysoinherreference—forIreallyfeelonehasaduty,ColonelRace.Imean,oneshouldnotmislead.Faultsshouldbementionedaswellasgoodqualities.Butthegirlwas—really—well,quiteinsolentandsaidthatatanyrateshehopedthatinhernextplaceshewouldn’tbeinthekindofhousewherepeoplegotbumpedoff—adreadfulcommonexpression,acquiredatthecinema,Ibelieve,andludicrouslyinappropriatesincepoordearRosemarytookherownlife—thoughnotatthetimeresponsibleforheractionsasthecoronerveryrightlypointedout—andthatdreadfulexpressionrefers,Ibelieve,togangstersexecutingeachotherwithtommyguns.IamsothankfulthatwehavenothingofthatkindinEngland.Andso,asIsay,IputinherreferencethatBettyArchdalethoroughlyunderstoodherdutiesasparlourmaidandwassoberandhonest,butthatshewasinclinedtohavetoomanybreakagesandwasnotalwaysrespectfulinhermanner.Andpersonally,ifIhadbeenMrs.Rees-Talbot,Ishouldhavereadbetweenthelinesandnotengagedher.Butpeoplenowadaysjustjumpatanythingtheycanget,andwillsometimestakeagirlwhohasonlystayedhermonthinthreeplacesrunning.”
WhilstMrs.Drakepausedtotakebreath,ColonelRaceaskedquicklywhetherthatwasMrs.RichardRees-Talbot?Ifso,hehadknownher,hesaid,inIndia.
“Ireallycouldn’tsay.CadoganSquarewastheaddress.”
“Thenitismyfriends.”
Lucillasaidthattheworldwassuchasmallplace,wasn’tit?Andthattherewerenofriendslikeoldfriends.Friendshipwasawonderfulthing.ShehadalwaysthoughtithadbeensoromanticaboutViolaandPaul.DearViola,shehadbeenalovelygirl,andsomanymeninlovewithher,but,ohdear,ColonelRacewouldn’tevenknowwhoshewastalkingabout.Onedidsotendtore-livethepast.
ColonelRacebeggedhertogoonandinreturnforthispolitenessreceivedthelifehistoryofHectorMarle,ofhisupbringingbyhissister,ofhispeculiaritiesandhisweaknessesandfinally,whenColonelRacehadalmostforgottenher,ofhismarriagetothebeautifulViola.“Shewasanorphan,youknow,andawardinChancery.”HeheardhowPaulBennett,conqueringhisdisappointmentatViola’srefusal,hadtransformedhimselffromlovertofamilyfriend,andofhisfondnessforhisgodchild,Rosemary,andofhisdeathandthetermsofhiswill.“WhichIhavealwaysfeltmostromantic—suchanenormousfortune!Notofcoursethatmoneyiseverything—no,indeed.OnehasonlytothinkofpoorRosemary’stragicdeath.AndevendearIrisIamnotquitehappyabout!”
Racegaveheraninquiringlook.
“Ifindtheresponsibilitymostworrying.Thefactthatsheisagreatheiressisofcoursewellknown.Ikeepaverysharpeyeontheundesirabletypeofyoungman,butwhatcanonedo,ColonelRace?Onecan’tlookaftergirlsnowadaysasoneusedtodo.IrishasfriendsIknownexttonothingabout.‘Askthemtothehouse,dear,’iswhatIalwayssay—butIgatherthatsomeoftheseyoungmensimplywillnotbebrought.PoorGeorgewasworried,too.AboutayoungmancalledBrowne.Imyselfhaveneverseenhim,butitseemsthatheandIrishavebeenseeingagooddealofeachother.Andonedoesfeelthatshecoulddobetter.Georgedidn’tlikehim—I’mquitesureofthat.AndIalwaysthink,ColonelRace,thatmenaresomuchbetterjudgesofothermen.IrememberthinkingColonelPusey,oneofourchurchwardens,suchacharmingman,butmyhusbandalwayspreservedaverydistantattitudetowardshimandenjoinedonmetodothesame—andsureenoughoneSundaywhenhewashandingroundtheoffertoryplate,hefellrightdown—completelyintoxicated,itseems.Andofcourseafterwards—onealwayshearsthesethingsafterwards,somuchbetterifoneheardthembefore—wefoundoutthatdozensofemptybrandybottlesweretakenoutofthehouseeveryweek!Itwasverysadreally,becausehewastrulyreligious,thoughinclinedtobeEvangelicalinhisviews.HeandmyhusbandhadaterrificbattleoverthedetailsoftheserviceonAllSaints’Day.Oh,dear,AllSaints’Day.TothinkthatyesterdaywasAllSouls’Day.”
AfaintsoundmadeRacelookoverLucilla’sheadattheopendoorway.HehadseenIrisbefore—atLittlePriors.Neverthelesshefeltthathewasseeinghernowforthefirsttime.Hewasstruckbytheextraordinarytensionbehindherstillnessandherwideeyesmethiswithsomethingintheirexpressionthathefeltheoughttorecognize,yetfailedtodoso.
Inherturn,LucillaDraketurnedherhead.
“Iris,dear,Ididn’thearyoucomein.YouknowColonelRace?Heisbeingsoverykind.”
Iriscameandshookhandswithhimgravely,theblackdresssheworemadeherlookthinnerandpalerthanherememberedher.
“IcametoseeifIcouldbeofanyhelptoyou,”saidRace.
“Thankyou.Thatwaskindofyou.”
Shehadhadabadshock,thatwasevident,andwasstillsufferingfromtheeffectsofit.ButhadshebeensofondofGeorgethathisdeathcouldaffecthersopowerfully?
SheturnedhereyestoherauntandRacerealizedthattheywerewatchfuleyes.Shesaid:
“Whatwereyoutalkingabout—justnow,asIcamein?”
Lucillabecamepinkandflustered.Raceguessedthatshewasanxioustoavoidanymentionoftheyoungman,AnthonyBrowne.Sheexclaimed:
“Nowletmesee—oh,yes,AllSaints’Day—andyesterdaybeingAllSouls.’AllSouls’—thatseemstomesuchanoddthing—oneofthosecoincidencesoneneverbelievesininreallife.”
“Doyoumean,”saidIris,“thatRosemarycamebackyesterdaytofetchGeorge?”
Lucillagavealittlescream.
“Iris,dear,don’t.Whataterriblethought—soun-Christian.”
“Whyun-Christian?It’stheDayoftheDead.InParispeopleusedtogoandputflowersonthegraves.”
“Oh,Iknow,dear,butthentheyareCatholics,aren’tthey?”
AfaintsmiletwistedIris’slips.Thenshesaiddirectly:
“Ithought,perhaps,youweretalkingofAnthony—AnthonyBrowne.”
“Well,”Lucilla’stwitterbecameveryhighandbirdlike,“asamatteroffactwedidjustmentionhim.Ihappenedtosay,youknow,thatweknownothingabouthim—”
Irisinterrupted,hervoicehard:
“Whyshouldyouknowanythingabouthim?”
“No,dear,ofcoursenot.Atleast,Imean,well,itwouldberathernice,wouldn’tit,ifwedid?”
“You’llhaveeverychanceofdoingsoinfuture,”saidIris,“becauseI’mgoingtomarryhim.”
“Oh,Iris!”Itwashalfwaybetweenawailandableat.“Youmustn’tdoanythingrash—Imeannothingcanbesettledatpresent.”
“Itissettled,AuntLucilla.”
“No,dear,onecan’ttalkaboutthingslikemarriagewhenthefuneralhasn’teventakenplaceyet.Itwouldn’tbedecent.Andthisdreadfulinquestandeverything.Andreally,Iris,Idon’tthinkdearGeorgewouldhaveapproved.Hedidn’tlikethisMr.Browne.”
“No,”saidIris,“Georgewouldn’thavelikeditandhedidn’tlikeAnthony,butthatdoesn’tmakeanydifference.It’smylife,notGeorge’s—andanywayGeorgeisdead….”
Mrs.Drakegaveanotherwail.
“Iris,Iris.Whathascomeoveryou?Reallythatwasamostunfeelingthingtosay.”
“I’msorry,AuntLucilla.”Thegirlspokewearily.“IknowitmusthavesoundedlikethatbutIdidn’tmeanitthatway.IonlymeantthatGeorgeisatpeacesomewhereandhasn’tgottoworryaboutmeandmyfutureanymore.Imustdecidethingsformyself.”
“Nonsense,dear,nothingcanbedecidedatatimelikethis—itwouldbemostunfitting.Thequestionsimplydoesn’tarise.”
Irisgaveasuddenshortlaugh.
“Butithasarisen.AnthonyaskedmetomarryhimbeforeweleftLittlePriors.HewantedmetocomeuptoLondonandmarryhimthenextdaywithouttellinganyone.IwishnowthatIhad.”
“Surelythatwasaverycuriousrequest,”saidColonelRacegently.
Sheturneddefianteyestohim.
“No,itwasn’t.Itwouldhavesavedalotoffuss.Whycouldn’tItrusthim?HeaskedmetotrusthimandIdidn’t.Anyway,I’llmarryhimnowassoonashelikes.”
Lucillaburstoutinastreamofincoherentprotest.Herplumpcheeksquiveredandhereyesfilled.
ColonelRacetookrapidchargeofthesituation.
“MissMarle,mightIhaveawordwithyoubeforeIgo?Onastrictlybusinessmatter?”
Ratherstartled,thegirlmurmured“Yes,”andfoundherselfmovingtothedoor.Asshepassedthrough,RacetookacoupleofstridesbacktoMrs.Drake.
“Don’tupsetyourself,Mrs.Drake.Leastsaid,youknow,soonestmended.We’llseewhatwecando.”
LeavingherslightlycomfortedhefollowedIriswholedhimacrossthehallandintoasmallroomgivingoutonthebackofthehousewhereamelancholyplanetreewassheddingitslastleaves.
Racespokeinabusinessliketone.
“AllIhadtosay,MissMarle,wasthatChiefInspectorKempisapersonalfriendofmine,andthatIamsureyouwillfindhimmosthelpfulandkindly.Hisdutyisanunpleasantone,butI’msurehewilldoitwiththeutmostconsiderationpossible.”
Shelookedathimforamomentortwowithoutspeaking,thenshesaidabruptly:
“Whydidn’tyoucomeandjoinuslastnightasGeorgeexpectedyoutodo?”
Heshookhishead.
“Georgedidn’texpectme.”
“Buthesaidhedid.”
“Hemayhavesaidso,butitwasn’ttrue.GeorgeknewperfectlywellthatIwasn’tcoming.”
Shesaid:“Butthatemptychair…Whowasitfor?”
“Notforme.”
Hereyeshalfclosedandherfacewentverywhite.
Shewhispered:
“ItwasforRosemary…Isee…ItwasforRosemary….”
Hethoughtshewasgoingtofall.Hecamequicklytoherandsteadiedher,thenforcedhertositdown.
“Takeiteasy….”
Shesaidinalowbreathlessvoice:
“I’mallright…ButIdon’tknowwhattodo…Idon’tknowwhattodo.”
“CanIhelpyou?”
Sheraisedhereyestohisface.Theywerewistfulandsombre.
Thenshesaid:“Imustgetthingsclear.Imustgetthem”—shemadeagropinggesturewithherhands—“insequence.Firstofall,GeorgebelievedRosemarydidn’tkillherself—butwaskilled.Hebelievedthatbecauseofthoseletters.ColonelRace,whowrotethoseletters?”
“Idon’tknow.Nobodyknows.Haveyouyourselfanyidea?”
“Isimplycan’timagine.Anyway,Georgebelievedwhattheysaid,andhearrangedthispartylastnight,andhehadanemptychairanditwasAllSouls’Day…that’stheDayoftheDead—anditwasadaywhenRosemary’sspiritcouldhavecomebackand—andtoldhimthetruth.”
“Youmustn’tbetooimaginative.”
“ButI’vefelthermyself—feltherquitenearsometimes—I’mhersister—andIthinkshe’stryingtotellmesomething.”
“Takeiteasy,Iris.”
“Imusttalkaboutit.GeorgedrankRosemary’shealthandhe—died.Perhaps—shecameandtookhim.”
“Thespiritsofthedeaddon’tputpotassiumcyanideinachampagneglass,mydear.”
Thewordsseemedtorestoreherbalance.Shesaidinamorenormaltone:
“Butit’ssoincredible.Georgewaskilled—yes,killed.That’swhatthepolicethinkanditmustbetrue.Becausethereisn’tanyotheralternative.Butitdoesn’tmakesense.”
“Don’tyouthinkitdoes?IfRosemarywaskilled,andGeorgewasbeginningtosuspectbywhom—”
Sheinterruptedhim.
“Yes,butRosemarywasn’tkilled.That’swhyitdoesn’tmakesense.Georgebelievedthosestupidletterspartlybecausedepressionafterinfluenzaisn’taveryconvincingreasonforkillingyourself.ButRosemaryhadareason.Look,I’llshowyou.”
Sheranoutoftheroomandreturnedafewmomentslaterwithafoldedletterinherhand.Shethrustitonhim.
“Readit.Seeforyourself.”
Heunfoldedtheslightlycrumpledsheet
“Leoparddarling….”
Hereadittwicebeforehandingitback
Thegirlsaideagerly:
“Yousee?Shewasunhappy—brokenhearted.Shedidn’twanttogoonliving.”
“Doyouknowtowhomthatletterwaswritten?”
Irisnodded.
“StephenFarraday.Itwasn’tAnthony.ShewasinlovewithStephenandhewascrueltoher.Soshetookthestuffwithhertotherestaurantanddrankittherewherehecouldseeherdie.Perhapsshehopedhe’dbesorrythen.”
Racenoddedthoughtfully,butsaidnothing.Afteramomentortwohesaid:
“Whendidyoufindthis?”
“Aboutsixmonthsago.Itwasinthepocketofanolddressinggown.”
“Youdidn’tshowittoGeorge?”
Iriscriedpassionately:
“HowcouldI?HowcouldI?Rosemarywasmysister.HowcouldIgiveherawaytoGeorge?Hewassosurethatshelovedhim.HowcouldIshowhimthisaftershewasdead?He’dgotitallwrong,butIcouldn’ttellhimso.ButwhatIwanttoknowis,whatamItodonow?I’veshownittoyoubecauseyouwereGeorge’sfriend.HasInspectorKempgottoseeit?”
“Yes.Kempmusthaveit.It’sevidence,yousee.”
“Butthenthey’ll—theymightreaditoutincourt?”
“Notnecessarily.Thatdoesn’tfollow.It’sGeorge’sdeaththatisbeinginvestigated.Nothingwillbemadepublicthatisnotstrictlyrelevant.Youhadbetterletmetakethisnow.”
“Verywell.”
Shewentwithhimtothefrontdoor.Asheopeneditshesaidabruptly:
“Itdoesshow,doesn’tit,thatRosemary’sdeathwassuicide?”
Racesaid:
“Itcertainlyshowsthatshehadamotivefortakingherownlife.”
Shegaveadeepsigh.Hewentdownthesteps.Glancingbackonce,hesawherstandingframedintheopendoorway,watchinghimwalkawayacrossthesquare.
Seven
MaryRees-TalbotgreetedColonelRacewithapositiveshriekofunbelief.
“Mydear,Ihaven’tseenyousinceyoudisappearedsomysteriouslyfromAllahabadthattime.Andwhyareyouherenow?Itisn’ttoseeme,I’mquitesure.Youneverpaysocialcalls.Comeonnow,ownup,youneedn’tbediplomaticaboutit.”
“Diplomaticmethodswouldbeawasteoftimewithyou,Mary.IalwayshaveappreciatedyourX-raymind.”
“Cutthecackleandcometothehorses,mypet.”
Racesmiled.
“IsthemaidwholetmeinBettyArchdale?”heinquired.
“Sothat’sit!Nowdon’ttellmethatthegirl,apureCockneyifevertherewasone,isawell-knownEuropeanspybecauseIsimplydon’tbelieveit.”
“No,no,nothingofthekind.”
“Anddon’ttellmeshe’soneofourcounterespionageeither,becauseIdon’tbelievethat.”
“Quiteright.Thegirlissimplyaparlourmaid.”
“Andsincewhenhaveyoubeeninterestedinsimpleparlourmaids—notthatBettyissimple—anartfuldodgerismorelikeit.”
“Ithink,”saidColonelRace,“thatshemightbeabletotellmesomething.”
“Ifyouaskedhernicely?Ishouldn’tbesurprisedifyou’reright.Shehastheclose-to-the-door-when-there’s-anything-interesting-going-ontechniqueveryhighlydeveloped.WhatdoesM.do?”
“M.verykindlyoffersmeadrinkandringsforBettyandordersit.”
“AndwhenBettybringsit?”
“BythenM.hasverykindlygoneaway.”
“Todosomelisteningoutsidethedoorherself?”
“Ifshelikes.”
“AndafterthatIshallbeburstingwithInsideInformationaboutthelatestEuropeancrisis?”
“I’mafraidnot.Thereisnopoliticalsituationinvolvedinthis.”
“Whatadisappointment!Allright.I’llplay!”
Mrs.Rees-Talbot,whowasalivelynear-brunetteofforty-nine,rangthebellanddirectedhergood-lookingparlourmaidtobringColonelRaceawhiskyandsoda.
WhenBettyArchdalereturned,withasalverandthedrinkuponit,Mrs.Rees-Talbot,wasstandingbythefardoorintoherownsittingroom.
“ColonelRacehassomequestionstoaskyou,”shesaidandwentout.
Bettyturnedherimpudenteyesonthetallgrey-hairedsoldierwithsomealarmintheirdepths.Hetooktheglassfromthetrayandsmiled.
“Seenthepaperstoday?”heasked.
“Yes,sir.”Bettyeyedhimwarily.
“DidyouseethatMr.GeorgeBartondiedlastnightattheLuxembourgRestaurant?”
“Oh,yes,sir.”Betty’seyessparkledwiththepleasureofpublicdisaster.“Wasn’titdreadful?”
“Youwereinservicethere,weren’tyou?”
“Yes,sir.Ileftlastwinter,soonafterMrs.Bartondied.”
“ShediedattheLuxembourg,too.”
Bettynodded.“Sortoffunny,that,isn’tit,sir?”
Racedidnotthinkitfunny,butheknewwhatthewordswereintendedtoconvey.Hesaidgravely:
“Iseeyou’vegotbrains.Youcanputtwoandtwotogether.”
Bettyclaspedherhandsandcastdiscretiontothewinds.
“Washedonein,too?Thepapersdidn’tsayexactly.”
“Whydoyousay‘too?’Mrs.Barton’sdeathwasbroughtinbythecoroner’sjuryassuicide.”
Shegavehimaquicklookoutofthecornerofhereye.Eversoold,shethought,buthe’snicelooking.Thatquietkind.Arealgentleman.Sortofgentlemanwho’dhavegivenyouagoldsovereignwhenhewasyoung.Funny,Idon’tevenknowwhatasovereignlookslike!What’sheafter,exactly?
Shesaiddemurely:“Yes,sir.”
“Butperhapsyouneverthoughtitwassuicide?”
“Well,no,sir.Ididn’t—notreally.”
“That’sveryinteresting—veryinterestingindeed.Whydidn’tyouthinkso?”
Shehesitated,herfingersbeganpleatingherapron.
Sonicelyhesaidthat,sogravely.Madeyoufeelimportantandasthoughyouwantedtohelphim.AndanywayshehadbeensmartoverRosemaryBarton’sdeath.Neverbeentakenin,shehadn’t!
“Shewasdonein,sir,wasn’tshe?”
“Itseemspossiblethatitmaybeso.Buthowdidyoucometothinkso?”
“Well,”Bettyhesitated.“ItwassomethingIheardoneday.”
“Yes?”
Histonewasquietlyencouraging.
“Thedoorwasn’tshutoranything.ImeanI’dnevergoandlistenatadoor.Idon’tlikethatsortofthing,”saidBettyvirtuously.“ButIwasgoingthroughthehalltothediningroomandcarryingthesilveronatrayandtheywerespeakingquiteloud.Sayingsomethingshewas—Mrs.BartonImean—aboutAnthonyBrownenotbeinghisname.Andthenhegotreallynasty,Mr.Brownedid.Iwouldn’thavethoughthehaditinhim—sonicelookingandsopleasantspokenashewasasarule.Saidsomethingaboutcarvingupherface—ooh!andthenhesaidifshedidn’tdowhathetoldherhe’dbumpheroff.Justlikethat!Ididn’thearanymorebecauseMissIriswascomingdownthestairs,andofcourseIdidn’tthinkverymuchofitatthetime,butaftertherewasallthefussabouthercommittingsuicideatthatpartyandIheardhe’dbeenthereatthetime—well,itgavemeshiversalldownmyback—itdidindeed!”
“Butyoudidn’tsayanything?”
Thegirlshookherhead.
“Ididn’twanttogetmixedupwiththepolice—andanywayIdidn’tknowanything—notreally.AndperhapsifIhadsaidanythingI’dhavebeenbumpedofftoo.Ortakenforarideastheycallit.”
“Isee.”Racepausedamomentandthensaidinhisgentlestvoice:“SoyoujustwroteananonymouslettertoMr.GeorgeBarton?”
Shestaredathim.Hedetectednouneasyguilt—nothingbutpureastonishment.
“Me?WritetoMr.Barton?Never.”
“Nowdon’tbeafraidtotellaboutit.Itwasreallyaverygoodidea.Itwarnedhimwithoutyourhavingtogiveyourselfaway.Itwasverycleverofyou.”
“ButIdidn’t,sir.Ineverthoughtofsuchathing.YoumeanwritetoMr.Bartonandsaythathiswifehadbeendonein?Why,theideanevercameintomyhead!”
Shewassoearnestinherdenialthat,inspiteofhimself,Racewasshaken.Butitallfittedinsowell—itcouldallbeexplainedsonaturallyifonlythegirlhadwrittentheletters.Butshepersistedinherdenials,notvehementlyoruneasily,butsoberlyandwithoutundueprotestation.Hefoundhimselfreluctantlybelievingher.
Heshiftedhisground.
“Whomdidyoutellaboutthis?”
Sheshookherhead.
“Ididn’ttellanyone.I’lltellyouhonest,sir,Iwasscared.IthoughtI’dbetterkeepmymouthshut.Itriedtoforgetit.Ionlybroughtituponce—thatwaswhenIgaveMrs.Drakemynotice—fussingterriblyshe’dbeen,morethanagirlcouldstand,andnowwantingmetogoandburymyselfinthedeadofthecountryandnotevenabusroute!Andthensheturnednastyaboutmyreference,sayingIbrokethings,andIsaidsarcastic-likethatatanyrateI’dfindaplacewherepeopledidn’tgetbumpedoff—andIfeltscaredwhenI’dsaidit,butshedidn’tpayanyrealattention.PerhapsIoughttohavespokenoutatthetime,butIcouldn’treallytell.Imeanthewholethingmighthavebeenajoke.Peopledosayallsortsofthings,andMr.Brownewaseversonicereally,andquiteaoneforjoking,soIcouldn’ttell,sir,couldI?”
Raceagreedthatshecouldn’t.Thenhesaid:
“Mrs.BartonspokeofBrownenotbeinghisrealname.Didshementionwhathisrealnamewas?”
“Yes,shedid.Becausehesaid,‘ForgetaboutTony’—nowwhatwasit?Tonysomething…Remindedmeofthecherryjamcookhadbeenmaking.”
“TonyCheriton?Cherable.”
Sheshookherhead.
“Moreofafancynamethanthat.BeganwithanM.Andsoundedforeign.”
“Don’tworry.Itwillcomebacktoyou,perhaps.Ifso,letmeknow.Hereismycardwithmyaddress.Ifyourememberthenamewritetomeatthataddress.”
Hehandedherthecardandatreasurynote.
“Iwill,sir,thankyou,sir.”
Agentleman,shethought,assherandownstairs.Apoundnote,nottenshillings.Itmusthavebeennicewhenthereweregoldsovereigns….
MaryRees-Talbotcamebackintotheroom.
“Well,successful?”
“Yes,butthere’sstillonesnagtosurmount.Canyouringenuityhelpme?Canyouthinkofanamethatwouldremindyouofcherryjam?”
“Whatanextraordinaryproposition.”
“ThinkMary.I’mnotadomesticman.Concentrateonjammaking,cherryjaminparticular.”
“Onedoesn’toftenmakecherryjam.”
“Whynot?”
“Well,it’sinclinedtogosugary—unlessyouusecookingcherries,Morellocherries.”
Racegaveanexclamation.
“That’sit—Ibetthat’sit.Good-bye,Mary,I’mendlesslygrateful.DoyoumindifIringthatbellsothatthegirlcomesandshowsmeout?”
Mrs.Rees-Talbotcalledafterhimashehurriedoutoftheroom:
“Ofalltheungratefulwretches!Aren’tyougoingtotellmewhatit’sallabout?”
Hecalledback:
“I’llcomeandtellyouthewholestorylater.”
“Sezyou,”murmuredMrs.Rees-Talbot.
Downstairs,BettywaitedwithRace’shatandstick.
Hethankedherandpassedout.Onthedoorstephepaused.
“Bytheway,”hesaid,“wasthenameMorelli?”
Betty’sfacelightedup.
“Quiteright,sir.Thatwasit.TonyMorellithat’sthenamehetoldhertoforget.Andhesaidhe’dbeeninprison,too.”
Racewalkeddownthestepssmiling.
FromthenearestcallboxheputthroughacalltoKemp.
Theirinterchangewasbriefbutsatisfactory.Kempsaid:
“I’llsendoffacableatonce.Weoughttohearbyreturn.Imustsayitwillbeagreatreliefifyou’reright.”
“IthinkI’mright.Thesequenceisprettyclear.”
Eight
ChiefInspectorKempwasnotinaverygoodhumour.
Forthelasthalfhourhehadbeeninterviewingafrightenedwhiterabbitofsixteenwho,byvirtueofhisuncleCharles’sgreatposition,wasaspiringtobeawaiteroftheclassrequiredbytheLuxembourg.Inthemeantime,hewasoneofsixharriedunderlingswhoranaboutwithapronsroundtheirwaiststodistinguishthemfromthesuperiorarticle,andwhosedutyitwastobeartheblameforeverything,fetchandcarry,providerollsandpatsofbutterandbeoccasionallyandunceasinglyhissedatinFrench,ItalianandoccasionallyEnglish.Charles,asbefittedagreatman,sofarfromshowingfavourtoabloodrelation,hissed,cursedandsworeathimevenmorethanhedidattheothers.NeverthelessPierreaspiredinhishearttobenolessthantheheadwaiterofachicrestauranthimselfonedayinthefarfuture.
Atthemoment,however,hiscareerhadreceivedacheck,andhegatheredthathewassuspectedofnolessthanmurder
Kempturnedtheladinsideoutanddisgustedlyconvincedhimselfthattheboyhaddonenolessandnomorethanwhathehadsaid—namely,pickedupalady’sbagfromthefloorandreplaceditbyherplate.
“ItisasIamhurryingwithsaucetoM.Robertandalreadyheisimpatient,andtheyoungladysweepsherbagoffthetableasshegoestodance,soIpickitupandputitonthetable,andthenIhurryon,foralreadyM.Robertheismakingthesignsfranticallytome.Thatisall,monsieur.”
Andthatwasall.Kempdisgustedlylethimgo,feelingstronglytemptedtoadd,“Butdon’tletmecatchyoudoingthatsortofthingagain.”
SergeantPollockmadeadistractionbyannouncingthattheyhadtelephoneduptosaythatayoungladywasaskingforhimorratherfortheofficerinchargeoftheLuxembourgcase.
“Whoisshe?”
“HernameisMissChloeWest.”
“Let’shaveherup,”saidKempresignedly.“Icangivehertenminutes.Mr.Farraday’sdueafterthat.Oh,well,won’tdoanyharmtokeephimwaitingafewminutes.Makesthemjittery,thatdoes.”
WhenMissChloeWestwalkedintotheroom,Kempwasatonceassailedbytheimpressionthatherecognizedher.Butaminutelaterheabandonedthatimpression.No,hehadneverseenthisgirlbefore,hewassureofthat.Neverthelessthevaguehauntingsenseoffamiliarityremainedtoplaguehim.
MissWestwasabouttwenty-five,tall,brown-hairedandverypretty.Hervoicewasratherconsciousofitsdictionandsheseemeddecidedlynervous.
“Well,MissWest,whatcanIdoforyou?”
Kempspokebriskly.
“IreadinthepaperabouttheLuxembourg—themanwhodiedthere.”
“Mr.GeorgeBarton?Yes?Didyouknowhim?”
“Well,no,notexactly.ImeanIdidn’treallyknowhim.”
Kemplookedathercarefullyanddiscardedhisfirstdeduction.
ChloeWestwaslookingextremelyrefinedandvirtuous—severelyso.Hesaidpleasantly:
“CanIhaveyourexactnameandaddressfirst,please,sothatweknowwhereweare?”
“ChloeElizabethWest.15MerryvaleCourt,MaidaVale.I’manactress.”
Kemplookedatheragainoutofthecornerofhiseye,anddecidedthatthatwaswhatshereallywas.Repertory,hefancied—inspiteofherlooksshewastheearnestkind.
“Yes,MissWest?”
“WhenIreadaboutMr.Barton’sdeathandthatthe—thepolicewereinquiringintoit,IthoughtperhapsIoughttocomeandtellyousomething.Ispoketomyfriendaboutitandsheseemedtothinkso.Idon’tsupposeit’sreallyanythingtodowithit,but—”MissWestpaused.
“We’llbethejudgeofthat,”saidKemppleasantly.“Justtellmeaboutit.”
“I’mnotactingjustatthemoment,”explainedMissWest.
InspectorKempnearlysaid“Resting”toshowthatheknewtheproperterms,butrestrainedhimself.
“ButmynameisdownattheagenciesandmypictureinSpotlight…That,Iunderstand,iswhereMr.Bartonsawit.Hegotintotouchwithmeandexplainedwhathewantedmetodo.”
“Yes?”
“HetoldmehewashavingadinnerpartyattheLuxembourgandthathewantedtospringasurpriseonhisguests.Heshowedmeaphotographandtoldmethathewantedmetomakeupastheoriginal.Iwasverymuchthesamecolouring,hesaid.”
IlluminationflashedacrossKemp’smind.ThephotographofRosemaryhehadseenonthedeskinGeorge’sroominElvastonSquare.Thatwaswhothegirlremindedhimof.ShewaslikeRosemaryBarton—notperhapsstartlinglyso—butthegeneraltypeandcastoffeatureswasthesame.
“Healsobroughtmeadresstowear—I’vebroughtitwithme.Agreyishgreensilk.Iwastodomyhairlikethephotograph(itwasacolouredone)andaccentuatetheresemblancewithmakeup.ThenIwastocometotheLuxembourgandgointotherestaurantduringthefirstcabaretshowandsitdownatMr.Barton’stablewheretherewouldbeavacantplace.Hetookmetolunchthereandshowedmewherethetablewouldbe.”
“Andwhydidn’tyoukeeptheappointment,MissWest?”
“Becauseabouteighto’clockthatnight—someone—Mr.Barton—rangupandsaidthewholethinghadbeenputoff.Hesaidhe’dletmeknownextdaywhenitwascomingoff.Then,thenextmorning,Isawhisdeathinthepapers.”
“Andverysensiblyyoucamealongtous,”saidKemppleasantly.“Well,thankyouverymuch,MissWest.You’vecleareduponemystery—themysteryofthevacantplace.Bytheway,yousaidjustnow—‘someone’—andthen,‘Mr.Barton.’Whyisthat?”
“BecauseatfirstIdidn’tthinkitwasMr.Barton.Hisvoicesoundeddifferent.”
“Itwasaman’svoice?”
“Oh,yes,Ithinkso—atleast—itwasratherhuskyasthoughhehadacold.”
“Andthat’sallhesaid?”
“That’sall.”
Kempquestionedheralittlelonger,butgotnofurther.
Whenshehadgone,hesaidtothesergeant:
“SothatwasGeorgeBarton’sfamous‘plan.’Iseenowwhytheyallsaidhestaredattheemptychairafterthecabaretandlookedqueerandabsentminded.Hispreciousplanhadgonewrong.”
“Youdon’tthinkitwashewhoputheroff?”
“Notonyourlife.AndI’mnotsosureitwasaman’svoice,either.Huskinessisagooddisguisethroughthetelephone.Oh,well,we’regettingon.SendinMr.Farradayifhe’shere.”
Nine
I
Outwardlycoolandunperturbed,StephenFarradayhadturnedintoGreatScotlandYardfullofinnershrinking.Anintolerableweightburdenedhisspirits.Ithadseemedthatmorningasthoughthingsweregoingsowell.WhyhadInspectorKempaskedforhispresenceherewithsuchsignificance?Whatdidheknoworsuspect?Itcouldbeonlyvaguesuspicion.Thethingtodowastokeepone’sheadandadmitnothing.
HefeltstrangelybereftandlonelywithoutSandra.Itwasasthoughwhenthetwofacedaperiltogetheritlosthalfitsterrors.Togethertheyhadstrength,courage,power.Alone,hewasnothing,lessthannothing.AndSandra,didshefeelthesame?WasshesittingnowinKidderminsterHouse,silent,reserved,proudandinwardlyfeelinghorriblyvulnerable?
InspectorKempreceivedhimpleasantlybutgravely.Therewasauniformedmansittingatatablewithapencilandapadofpaper.HavingaskedStephentositdown,Kempspokeinastronglyformalmanner.
“Ipropose,Mr.Farraday,totakeastatementfromyou.Thatstatementwillbewrittendownandyouwillbeaskedtoreaditoverandsignitbeforeyouleave.Atthesametimeitismydutytotellyouthatyouareatlibertytorefusetomakesuchastatementandthatyouareentitledtohaveyoursolicitorpresentifyousodesire.”
Stephenwastakenabackbutdidnotshowit.Heforcedawintrysmile.“Thatsoundsveryformidable,chiefinspector.”
“Welikeeverythingtobeclearlyunderstood,Mr.Farraday.”
“AnythingIsaymaybeusedagainstme,isthatit?”
“Wedon’tusethewordagainst.Anythingyousaywillbeliabletobeusedinevidence.”
Stephensaidquietly:
“Iunderstand,butIcannotimagine,inspector,whyyoushouldneedanyfurtherstatementfromme?YouheardallIhadtosaythismorning.”
“Thatwasaratherinformalsession—usefulasapreliminarystarting-offpoint.Andalso,Mr.Farraday,therearecertainfactswhichIimaginedyouwouldprefertodiscusswithmehere.Anythingirrelevanttothecasewetrytobeasdiscreetaboutasiscompatiblewiththeattainmentofjustice.IdaresayyouunderstandwhatIamdrivingat.”
“I’mafraidIdon’t.”
ChiefInspectorKempsighed.
“Justthis.YouwereonveryintimatetermswiththelateMrs.RosemaryBarton—”
Stepheninterruptedhim.
“Whosaysso?”
Kempleanedforwardandtookatypewrittendocumentfromhisdesk.
“ThisisacopyofaletterfoundamongstthelateMrs.Barton’sbelongings.TheoriginalisfiledhereandwashandedtousbyMissIrisMarle,whorecognizesthewritingasthatofhersister.”
Stephenread:
“Leoparddarling—”
Awaveofsicknesspassedoverhim.Rosemary’svoice…speaking—pleading…Wouldthepastneverdie—neverconsenttobeburied?
HepulledhimselftogetherandlookedatKemp.
“YoumaybecorrectinthinkingMrs.Bartonwrotethisletter—butthereisnothingtoindicatethatitwaswrittentome.”
“Doyoudenythatyoupaidtherentof21MallandMansions,Earl’sCourt?”
Sotheyknew!Hewonderediftheyhadknownallthetime.
Heshruggedhisshoulders.
“Youseemverywellinformed.MayIaskwhymyprivateaffairsshouldbedraggedintothelimelight?”
“TheywillnotunlesstheyprovetoberelevanttothedeathofGeorgeBarton.”
“Isee.YouaresuggestingthatIfirstmadelovetohiswife,andthenmurderedhim.”
“Come,Mr.Farraday,I’llbefrankwithyou.YouandMrs.Bartonwereveryclosefriends—youpartedbyyourwish,notthelady’s.Shewasproposing,asthislettershows,tomaketrouble.Veryconveniently,shedied.”
“Shecommittedsuicide.IdaresayImayhavebeenpartlytoblame.Imayreproachmyself,butitisnoconcernofthelaw’s.”
“Itmayhavebeensuicide—itmaynot.GeorgeBartonthoughtnot.Hestartedtoinvestigate—andhedied.Thesequenceisrathersuggestive.”
“Idonotseewhyyoushould—well,pitchonme.”
“YouadmitthatMrs.Barton’sdeathcameataveryconvenientmomentforyou?Ascandal,Mr.Farraday,wouldhavebeenhighlyprejudicialtoyourcareer.”
“Therewouldhavebeennoscandal.Mrs.Bartonwouldhaveseenreason.”
“Iwonder!Didyourwifeknowaboutthisaffair,Mr.Farraday?”
“Certainlynot.”
“Youarequitesureofthatstatement?”
“Yes,Iam.MywifehasnoideathattherewasanythingbutfriendshipbetweenmyselfandMrs.Barton.Ihopeshewillneverlearnotherwise.”
“Isyourwifeajealouswoman,Mr.Farraday?”
“Notatall.ShehasneverdisplayedtheleastjealousywhereIamconcerned.Sheisfartoosensible.”
Theinspectordidnotcommentonthat.Insteadhesaid:
“Haveyouatanytimeinthepastyearhadcyanideinyourpossession,Mr.Farraday?”
“No.”
“Butyoukeepasupplyofcyanideatyourcountryproperty?”
“Thegardenermay.Iknownothingaboutit.”
“Youhaveneverpurchasedanyyourselfatachemist’sorforphotography?”
“Iknownothingofphotography,andIrepeatthatIhaveneverpurchasedcyanide.”
Kemppressedhimalittlefurtherbeforehefinallylethimgo.
Tohissubordinatehesaidthoughtfully,“HewasveryquickdenyingthathiswifeknewabouthisaffairwiththeBartonwoman.Whywasthat,Iwonder?”
“Daresayhe’sinafunkincasesheshouldgettohearofit,sir.”
“Thatmaybe,butIshouldhavethoughthe’dgotthebrainstoseethatifhiswifewasinignorance,andwouldcutuprough,thatgiveshimanadditionalmotiveforwantingtosilenceRosemaryBarton.Tosavehisskinhislineoughttohavebeenthathiswifemoreorlessknewabouttheaffairbutwascontenttoignoreit.”
“Idaresayhehadn’tthoughtofthat,sir.”
Kempshookhishead.StephenFarradaywasnotafool.Hehadaclearandastutebrain.AndhehadbeenpassionatelykeentoimpressontheinspectorthatSandraknewnothing.
“Well,”saidKemp,“ColonelRaceseemspleasedwiththelinehe’sdugupandifhe’sright,theFarradaysareout—bothofthem.Ishallbegladiftheyare.Ilikethischap.AndpersonallyIdon’tthinkhe’samurderer.”
II
Openingthedooroftheirsittingroom,Stephensaid,“Sandra?”
Shecametohimoutofthedarkness,suddenlyholdinghim,herhandsonhisshoulders.
“Stephen?”
“Whyareyouallinthedark?”
“Icouldn’tbearthelight.Tellme.”
Hesaid:
“Theyknow.”
“AboutRosemary?”
“Yes.”
“Andwhatdotheythink?”
“Theysee,ofcourse,thatIhadamotive….Oh,mydarling,seewhatI’vedraggedyouinto.It’sallmyfault.IfonlyI’dcutlooseafterRosemary’sdeath—goneaway—leftyoufree—sothatatanyrateyoushouldn’tbemixedupinallthishorriblebusiness.”
“No,notthat…Neverleaveme…neverleaveme.”
Sheclungtohim—shewascrying,thetearscoursingdownhercheeks.Hefelthershudder.
“You’remylife,Stephen,allmylife—neverleaveme….”
“Doyoucaresomuch,Sandra?Ineverknew….”
“Ididn’twantyoutoknow.Butnow—”
“Yes,now…We’reinthistogether,Sandra…we’llfaceittogether…whatevercomes,together!”
Strengthcametothemastheystoodthere,claspedtogetherinthedarkness.
Sandrasaidwithdetermination:
“Thisshallnotwreckourlives!Itshallnot.Itshallnot!”
Ten
AnthonyBrownelookedatthecardthelittlepagewasholdingouttohim.
Hefrowned,thenshruggedhisshoulders.Hesaidtotheboy:
“Allright,showhimup.”
WhenColonelRacecamein,Anthonywasstandingbythewindowwiththebrightsunstrikingobliquelyoverhisshoulder.
Hesawatallsoldierlymanwithalinedbronzefaceandiron-greyhair—amanwhomhehadseenbefore,butnotforsomeyears,andamanwhomheknewagreatdealabout.
Racesawadarkgracefulfigureandtheoutlineofawell-shapedhead.Apleasantindolentvoicesaid:
“ColonelRace?YouwereafriendofGeorgeBarton’s,Iknow.Hetalkedaboutyouonthatlastevening.Haveacigarette.”
“Thankyou,Iwill.”
Anthonysaidasheheldamatch:
“Youweretheunexpectedguestthatnightwhodidnotturnup—justaswellforyou.”
“Youarewrongthere.Thatemptyplacewasnotforme.”
Anthony’seyebrowswentup.
“Really?Bartonsaid—”
Racecutin.
“GeorgeBartonmayhavesaidso.Hisplanswerequitedifferent.Thatchair,Mr.Browne,wasintendedtobeoccupiedwhenthelightswentdownbyanactresscalledChloeWest.”
Anthonystared.
“ChloeWest?Neverheardofher.Whoisshe?”
“AyoungactressnotverywellknownbutwhopossessesacertainsuperficialresemblancetoRosemaryBarton.”
Anthonywhistled.
“Ibegintosee.”
“ShehadbeengivenaphotographofRosemarysothatshecouldcopythestyleofhairdressingandshealsohadthedresswhichRosemaryworethenightshedied.”
“SothatwasGeorge’splan?Upgothelights—HeyPresto,gaspsofsupernaturaldread!Rosemaryhascomeback.Theguiltypartygaspsout:‘It’strue—it’strue—Idunnit.’”Hepausedandadded:“Rotten—evenforanasslikepooroldGeorge.”
“I’mnotsureIunderstandyou.”
Anthonygrinned.
“Oh,comenow,sir—ahardenedcriminalisn’tgoingtobehavelikeahystericalschoolgirl.IfsomebodypoisonedRosemaryBartonincoldblood,andwaspreparingtoadministerthesamefataldoseofcyanidetoGeorgeBarton,thatpersonhadacertainamountofnerve.ItwouldtakemorethananactressdressedupasRosemarytomakehimorherspillthebeans.”
“Macbeth,remember,adecidedlyhardenedcriminal,wenttopieceswhenhesawtheghostofBanquoatthefeast.”
“Ah,butwhatMacbethsawreallywasaghost!Itwasn’tahamactorwearingBanquo’sduds!I’mpreparedtoadmitthatarealghostmightbringitsownatmospherefromanotherworld.InfactIamwillingtoadmitthatIbelieveinghosts—havebelievedinthemforthelastsixmonths—oneghostinparticular.”
“Really—andwhoseghostisthat?”
“RosemaryBarton’s.Youcanlaughifyoulike.I’venotseenher—butI’vefeltherpresence.ForsomereasonorotherRosemary,poorsoul,can’tstaydead.”
“Icouldsuggestareason.”
“Becauseshewasmurdered?”
“Toputitinanotheridiom,becauseshewasbumpedoff.Howaboutthat,Mr.TonyMorelli?”
Therewasasilence.Anthonysatdown,chuckedhiscigaretteintothegrateandlightedanotherone.
Thenhesaid:
“Howdidyoufindout?”
“YouadmitthatyouareTonyMorelli?”
“Ishouldn’tdreamofwastingtimebydenyingit.You’veobviouslycabledtoAmericaandgotallthedope.”
“AndyouadmitthatwhenRosemaryBartondiscoveredyouridentityyouthreatenedtobumpheroffunlesssheheldhertongue.”
“IdideverythingIcouldthinkoftoscareherintoholdinghertongue,”agreedTonypleasantly.
AstrangefeelingstoleoverColonelRace.Thisinterviewwasnotgoingasitshould.Hestaredatthefigureinfrontofhimloungingbackinitschair—andanoddsenseoffamiliaritycametohim.
“ShallIrecapitulatewhatIknowaboutyou,Morelli?”
“Itmightbeamusing.”
“YouwereconvictedintheStatesofattemptedsabotageintheEricsenaeroplaneworksandweresentencedtoatermofimprisonment.Afterservingyoursentence,youcameoutandtheauthoritieslostsightofyou.YouwerenextheardofinLondonstayingatClaridge’sandcallingyourselfAnthonyBrowne.ThereyouscrapedacquaintancewithLordDewsburyandthroughhimyoumetcertainotherprominentarmamentsmanufacturers.YoustayedinLordDewsbury’shouseandbymeansofyourpositionashisguestyouwereshownthingswhichyououghtnevertohaveseen!Itiscuriouscoincidence,Morelli,thatatrailofunaccountableaccidentsandsomeverynearescapesfromdisasteronalargescale
“Coincidences,”saidAnthony,“arecertainlyextraordinarythings.”
“Finally,afteranotherlapseoftime,youreappearedinLondonandrenewedyouracquaintancewithIrisMarle,makingexcusesnottovisitherhome,sothatherfamilyshouldnotrealizehowintimateyouwerebecoming.Finallyyoutriedtoinducehertomarryyousecretly.”
“Youknow,”saidAnthony,“it’sreallyextraordinarythewayyouhavefoundoutallthesethings—Idon’tmeanthearmamentsbusiness—ImeanmythreatstoRosemary,andthetendernothingsIwhisperedtoIris.Surelythosedon’tcomewithintheprovinceofM.I.5?”
Racelookedsharplyathim.
“You’vegotagooddealtoexplain,Morelli.”
“Notatall.Grantedyourfactsareallcorrect,whatofthem?I’veservedmyprisonsentence.I’vemadesomeinterestingfriends.I’vefalleninlovewithaverycharminggirlandamnaturallyimpatienttomarryher.”
“Soimpatientthatyouwouldprefertheweddingtotakeplacebeforeherfamilyhavethechanceoffindingoutanythingaboutyourantecedents.IrisMarleisaveryrichyoungwoman.”
Anthonynoddedhisheadagreeably.
“Iknow.Whenthere’smoney,familiesareinclinedtobeabominablynosy.AndIris,yousee,doesn’tknowanythingaboutmymurkypast.Frankly,I’drathershedidn’t.”
“I’mafraidsheisgoingtoknowallaboutit.”
“Apity,”saidAnthony.
“Possiblyyoudon’trealize—”
Anthonycutinwithalaugh.
“Oh!Icandotthei’sandcrossthet’s.RosemaryBartonknewmycriminalpast,soIkilledher.GeorgeBartonwasgrowingsuspiciousofme,soIkilledhim!NowI’mafterIris’smoney!It’sallveryagreeableandithangstogethernicely,butyouhaven’tgotamiteofproof.”
Racelookedathimattentivelyforsomeminutes.Thenhegotup.
“EverythingIhavesaidistrue,”hesaid.“Andit’sallwrong.”
Anthonywatchedhimnarrowly.
“What’swrong?”
“You’rewrong.”Racewalkedslowlyupanddowntheroom.“IthungtogetherallrightuntilIsawyou—butnowI’veseenyou,itwon’tdo.You’renotacrook.Andifyou’renotacrook,you’reoneofourkind.I’mright,aren’tI?”
Anthonylookedathiminsilencewhileasmileslowlybroadenedonhisface.Thenhehummedsoftlyunderhisbreath.
“‘FortheColonel’sladyandJudyO’Gradyaresistersundertheskin.’Yes,funnyhowoneknowsone’sownkind.That’swhyI’vetriedtoavoidmeetingyou.Iwasafraidyou’dspotmeforwhatIam.Itwasimportantthenthatnobodyshouldknow—importantuptoyesterday.Now,thankgoodness,theballoon’sgoneup!We’vesweptourgangofinternationalsaboteursintothenet.I’vebeenworkingonthisassignmentforthreeyears.Frequentingcertainmeetings,agitatingamongworkmen,gettingmyselftherightreputation.FinallyitwasfixedthatIpulledanimportantjobandgotsentenced.ThebusinesshadtobegenuineifIwastoestablishmybonafides.
“WhenIcameout,thingsbegantomove.LittlebylittleIgotfurtherintothecentreofthings—agreatinternationalnetrunfromCentralEurope.ItwasastheiragentIcametoLondonandwenttoClaridge’s.IhadorderstogetonfriendlytermswithLordDewsbury—thatwasmylay,thesocialbutterfly!IgottoknowRosemaryBartoninmycharacterofattractiveyoungmanabouttown.Suddenly,tomyhorror,IfoundthatsheknewIhadbeeninprisoninAmericaasTonyMorelli.Iwasterrifiedforher!ThepeopleIwasworkingwithwouldhavehadherkilledwithoutamoment’shesitationiftheyhadthoughtsheknewthat.Ididmybesttoscareherintokeepinghermouthshut,butIwasn’tveryhopeful.Rosemarywasborntobeindiscreet.IthoughtthebestthingIcoulddowastosheeroff—andthenIsawIriscomingdownastaircase,andIsworethataftermyjobwasdoneIwouldcomebackandmarryher.
“Whentheactivepartofmyworkwasover,IturnedupagainandgotintotouchwithIris,butIkeptalooffromthehouseandherpeopleforIknewthey’dwanttomakeinquiriesaboutmeandIhadtokeepundercoverforabitlonger.ButIgotworriedabouther.Shelookedillandafraid—andGeorgeBartonseemedtobebehavinginaveryoddfashion.Iurgedhertocomeawayandmarryme.Well,sherefused.Perhapsshewasright.AndthenIwasropedinforthisparty.ItwasaswesatdowntodinnerthatGeorgementionedyouweretobethere.IsaidratherquicklythatI’dmetamanIknewandmighthavetoleaveearly.ActuallyIhadseenafellowIknewinAmerica—MonkeyColeman—thoughhedidn’trememberme—butIreallywantedtoavoidmeetingyou.Iwasstillonmyjob.
“Youknowwhathappenednext—Georgedied.IhadnothingtodowithhisdeathorwithRosemary’s.Idon’tknownowwhodidkillthem.”
“Notevenanidea?”
“Itmusthavebeeneitherthewaiteroroneofthefivepeopleroundthetable.Idon’tthinkitwasthewaiter.Itwasn’tmeanditwasn’tIris.ItcouldhavebeenSandraFarradayoritcouldhavebeenStephenFarraday,oritcouldhavebeenbothofthemtogether.Butthebestbet,inmyopinion,isRuthLessing.”
“Haveyouanythingtosupportthatbelief?”
“No.Sheseemstomethemostlikelyperson—butIdon’tseeintheleasthowshedidit!Inbothtragediesshewassoplacedatthetablethatitwouldbepracticallyimpossibleforhertotamperwiththechampagneglass—andthemoreIthinkoverwhathappenedtheothernight,themoreitseemstomeimpossiblethatGeorgecouldhavebeenpoisonedatall—andyethewas!”Anthonypaused.“Andthere’sanotherthingthatgetsme—haveyoufoundoutwhowrotethoseanonymouslettersthatstartedhimonthetrack?”
Raceshookhishead.
“No.IthoughtIhad—butIwaswrong.”
“Becausetheinterestingthingisthatitmeansthatthereissomeone,somewhere,whoknowsthatRosemarywasmurdered,sothat,unlessyou’recareful—thatpersonwillbemurderednext!”
Eleven
FrominformationreceivedoverthetelephoneAnthonyknewthatLucillaDrakewasgoingoutatfiveo’clocktodrinkacupofteawithadearoldfriend.Allowingforpossiblecontingencies(returningforapurse,determinationafteralltotakeanumbrellajustincase,andlast-minutechatsonthedoorstep)AnthonytimedhisownarrivalatElvastonSquareatpreciselytwenty-fiveminutespastfive.ItwasIrishewantedtosee,notheraunt.AndbyallaccountsonceshownintoLucilla’spresence,hewouldhavehadverylittlechanceofuninterruptedconversationwithhislady.
Hewastoldbytheparlourmaid(agirllackingtheimpudentpolishofBettyArchdale)thatMissIrishadjustcomeinandwasinthestudy.
Anthonysaidwithasmile,“Don’tbother.I’llfindmyway,”andwentpastherandalongtothestudydoor.
Irisspunroundathisentrancewithanervousstart.
“Oh,it’syou.”
Hecameovertoherswiftly.
“What’sthematter,darling?”
“Nothing.”Shepaused,thensaidquickly,“Nothing.OnlyIwasnearlyrunover.Oh,myownfault,IexpectIwasthinkingsohardandmooningacrosstheroadwithoutlooking,andthecarcametearingroundacornerandjustmissedme.”
Hegaveheragentlelittleshake.
“Youmustn’tdothatsortofthing,Iris.I’mworriedaboutyou—oh!notaboutyourmiraculousescapefromunderthewheelsofacar,butaboutthereasonthatletsyoumoonaboutinthemidstoftraffic.Whatisit,darling?There’ssomethingspecial,isn’tthere?”
Shenodded.Hereyes,raisedmournfullytohis,werelargeanddarkwithfear.Herecognizedtheirmessageevenbeforeshesaidverylowandquick:
“I’mafraid.”
Anthonyrecoveredhiscalmsmilingpoise.HesatdownbesideIrisonawidesettee.
“Comeon,”hesaid,“let’shaveit.”
“Idon’tthinkIwanttotellyou,Anthony.”
“Nowthen,funny,don’tbeliketheheroinesofthird-ratethrillerswhostartintheveryfirstchapterbyhavingsomethingtheycan’tpossiblytellfornorealreasonexcepttogumuptheheroandmakethebookspinitselfoutforanotherfiftythousandwords.”
Shegaveafaintpalesmile.
“Iwanttotellyou,Anthony,butIdon’tknowwhatyou’dthink—Idon’tknowifyou’dbelieve—”
Anthonyraisedahandandbegantocheckoffthefingers.
“One,anillegitimatebaby.Two,ablackmailinglover.Three—”
Sheinterruptedhimindignantly:
“Ofcoursenot.Nothingofthatkind.”
“Yourelievemymind,”saidAnthony.“Comeon,littleidiot.”
Iris’sfacecloudedoveragain.
“It’snothingtolaughat.It’s—it’sabouttheothernight.”
“Yes?”Hisvoicesharpened.
Irissaid:
“Youwereattheinquestthismorning—youheard—”
Shepaused.
“Verylittle,”saidAnthony.“ThepolicesurgeonbeingtechnicalaboutcyanidesgenerallyandtheeffectofpotassiumcyanideonGeorge,andthepoliceevidenceasgivenbythatfirstinspector,notKemp,theonewiththesmartmoustachewhoarrivedfirstattheLuxembourgandtookcharge.IdentificationofthebodybyGeorge’schiefclerk.Theinquestwasthenadjournedforaweekbyaproperlydocilecoroner.”
“It’stheinspectorImean,”saidIris.“Hedescribedfindingasmallpaperpacketunderthetablecontainingtracesofpotassiumcyanide.”
Anthonylookedinterested.
“Yes.ObviouslywhoeverslippedthatstuffintoGeorge’sglassjustdroppedthepaperthathadcontaineditunderthetable.Simplestthingtodo.Couldn’triskhavingitfoundonhim—orher.”
TohissurpriseIrisbegantotrembleviolently.
“Oh,no,Anthony.Oh,no,itwasn’tlikethat.”
“Whatdoyoumean,darling?Whatdoyouknowaboutit?”
Irissaid,“Idroppedthatpacketunderthetable.”
Heturnedastonishedeyesuponher.
“Listen,Anthony.YourememberhowGeorgedrankoffthatchampagneandthenithappened?”
Henodded.
“Itwasawful—likeabaddream.Comingjustwheneverythinghadseemedtobeallright.Imeanthat,afterthecabaret,whenthelightswentup—Ifeltsorelieved.Becauseitwasthen,youknow,thatwefoundRosemarydead—andsomehow,Idon’tknowwhy,IfeltI’dseeitallhappenagain…Ifeltshewasthere,dead,atthetable….”
“Darling….”
“Oh,Iknow.Itwasjustnerves.Butanyway,therewewere,andtherewasnothingawfulandsuddenlyitseemedthewholethingwasreallydonewithatlastandonecould—Idon’tknowhowtoexplainit—beginagain.AndsoIdancedwithGeorgeandreallyfeltIwasenjoyingmyselfatlast,andwecamebacktothetable.AndthenGeorgesuddenlytalkedaboutRosemaryandaskedustodrinktohermemoryandthenhediedandallthenightmarehadcomeback.
“IjustfeltparalysedIthink.Istoodthere,shaking.Youcameroundtolookathim,andImovedbackalittle,andthewaiterscameandsomeoneaskedforadoctor.AndallthetimeIwasstandingtherefrozen.ThensuddenlyabiglumpcameinmythroatandtearsbegantorundownmycheeksandIjerkedopenmybagtogetmyhandkerchief.Ijustfumbledinit,notseeingproperly,andgotoutmyhandkerchief,buttherewassomethingcaughtupinsidethehandkerchief—afoldedstiffbitofwhitepaper,likethekindyougetpowdersinfromthechemist.Only,yousee,Anthony,ithadn’tbeeninmybagwhenIstartedfromhome.Ihadn’thadanythinglikethat!I’dputthethingsinmyselfwhenthebagwasquiteempty—apowdercompact,alipstick,myhandkerchief,myeveningcombinitscaseandashillingandacoupleofsixpences.Somebodyhadputthatpacketinmybag—theymusthavedone.AndIrememberedhowthey’dfoundapacketlikethatinRosemary’sbagaftershediedandhowithadhadcyanideinit.Iwasfrightened,Anthony,Iwashorriblyfrightened.Myfingerswentlimpandthepacketfluttereddownfrommyhandkerchiefunderthetable.Iletitgo.AndIdidn’tsayanything.Iwastoofrightened.SomebodymeantittolookasthoughIhadkilledGeorge,andIdidn’t.”
Anthonygaveventtoalongandprolongedwhistle.
“Andnobodysawyou?”hesaid.
Irishesitated.
“I’mnotsure,”shesaidslowly.“IbelieveRuthnoticed.ButshewaslookingsodazedthatIdon’tknowwhethershereallynoticed—orifshewasjuststaringatmeblankly.”
Anthonygaveanotherwhistle.
“This,”heremarked,“isaprettykettleoffish.”
Irissaid:
“It’sgotworseandworse.I’vebeensoafraidthey’dfindout.”
“Whyweren’tyourfingerprintsonit,Iwonder?Thefirstthingthey’ddowouldbetofingerprintit.”
“IsupposeitwasbecauseIwasholdingitthroughthehandkerchief.”
Anthonynodded.
“Yes,youhadluckthere.”
“Butwhocouldhaveputitinmybag?Ihadmybagwithmealltheevening.”
“That’snotsoimpossibleasyouthink.Whenyouwenttodanceafterthecabaret,youleftyourbagonthetable.Somebodymayhavetamperedwithitthen.Andtherearethewomen.Couldyougetupandgivemeanimitationofjusthowawomanbehavesintheladies’cloakroom?It’sthesortofthingIwouldn’tknow.Doyoucongregateandchatordoyoudriftofftodifferentmirrors?”
Irisconsidered.
“Weallwenttothesametable—agreatlongglass-toppedone.Andweputourbagsdownandlookedatourfaces,youknow.”
“ActuallyIdon’t.Goon.”
“RuthpowderedhernoseandSandrapattedherhairandpushedahairpininandItookoffmyfoxcapeandgaveittothewomanandthenIsawI’dgotsomedirtonmyhand—asmearofmudandIwentovertothewashbasins.”
“Leavingyourbagontheglasstable?”
“Yes.AndIwashedmyhands.RuthwasstillfixingherfaceIthinkandSandrawentandgaveuphercloakandthenshewentbacktotheglassandRuthcameandwashedherhandsandIwentbacktothetableandjustfixedmyhairalittle.”
“Soeitherofthosetwocouldhaveputsomethinginyourbagwithoutyourseeing?”
“Yes,butIcan’tbelieveeitherRuthorSandrawoulddosuchathing.”
“Youthinktoohighlyofpeople.SandraisthekindofGothiccreaturewhowouldhaveburnedherenemiesatthestakeintheMiddleAges—andRuthwouldmakethemostdevastatinglypracticalpoisonerthateversteppedthisearth.”
“IfitwasRuthwhydidn’tshesayshesawmedropit?”
“Youhavemethere.IfRuthdeliberatelyplantedcyanideonyou,she’dtakejollygoodcareyoudidn’tgetridofit.Soitlooksasthoughitwasn’tRuth.Infactthewaiterisfarandawaythebestbet.Thewaiter,thewaiter!Ifonlywehadastrangewaiter,apeculiarwaiter,awaiterhiredforthateveningonly.ButinsteadwehaveGiuseppeandPierreandtheyjustdon’tfit….”
Irissighed.
“I’mgladI’vetoldyou.Noonewilleverknownow,willthey?OnlyyouandI?”
Anthonylookedatherwitharatherembarrassedexpression.
“It’snotgoingtobejustlikethat,Iris.Infactyou’recomingwithmenowinataxitooldmanKemp.Wecan’tkeepthisunderourhats.”
“Oh,no,Anthony.They’llthinkIkilledGeorge.”
They’llcertainlythinksoiftheyfindoutlaterthatyousattightandsaidnothingaboutallthis!Yourexplanationwillthensoundextremelythin.Ifyouvolunteeritnowthere’salikelihoodofitsbeingbelieved.”
“Please,Anthony.”
“Lookhere,Iris,you’reinatightplace.Butapartfromanythingelse,there’ssuchathingastruth.Youcan’tplaysafeandtakecareofyourownskinwhenit’saquestionofjustice.”
“Oh,Anthony,mustyoubesogrand?”
“That,”saidAnthony,“wasaveryshrewdblow!Butallthesamewe’regoingtoKemp!Now!”
Unwillinglyshecamewithhimoutintothehall.Hercoatwaslyingtossedonachairandhetookitandhelditoutforhertoputon.
Therewasbothmutinyandfearinhereyes,butAnthonyshowednosignofrelenting.Hesaid:
“We’llpickupataxiattheendoftheSquare.”
Astheywenttowardsthehalldoorthebellwaspressedandtheyhearditringinginthebasementbelow.
Irisgaveanexclamation.
“Iforgot.It’sRuth.Shewascomingherewhenshelefttheofficetosettleaboutthefuneralarrangements.It’stobethedayaftertomorrow.IthoughtwecouldsettlethingsbetterwhileAuntLucillawasout.Shedoesconfusethingsso.”
Anthonysteppedforwardandopenedthedoor,forestallingtheparlourmaidwhocamerunningupthestairsfrombelow.
“It’sallright,Evans,”saidIris,andthegirlwentdownagain.
Ruthwaslookingtiredandratherdishevelled.Shewascarryingalarge-sizedattachécase.
“I’msorryI’mlate,butthetubewassoterriblycrowdedtonightandthenIhadtowaitforthreebusesandnotataxiinsight.”
Itwas,thoughtAnthony,unliketheefficientRuthtoapologize.AnothersignthatGeorge’sdeathhadsucceededinshatteringthatalmostinhumanefficiency.
Irissaid:
“Ican’tcomewithyounow,Anthony.RuthandImustsettlethings.”
Anthonysaidfirmly:
“I’mafraidthisismoreimportant…I’mawfullysorry,MissLessing,todragIrisofflikethis,butitreallyisimportant.”
Ruthsaidquickly:
“That’squiteallright,Mr.Browne.IcanarrangeeverythingwithMrs.Drakewhenshecomesin.”Shesmiledfaintly.“Icanreallymanageherquitewell,youknow.”
“I’msureyoucouldmanageanyone,MissLessing,”saidAnthonyadmiringly.
“Perhaps,Iris,ifyoucantellmeanyspecialpoints?”
“Therearen’tany.IsuggestedourarrangingthistogethersimplybecauseAuntLucillachangeshermindabouteverythingeverytwominutes,andIthoughtitwouldberatherhardonyou.You’vehadsomuchtodo.ButIreallydon’tcarewhatsortoffuneralitis!AuntLucillalikesfunerals,butIhatethem.You’vegottoburypeople,butIhatemakingafussaboutit.Itcan’tmattertothepeoplethemselves.They’vegotawayfromitall.Thedeaddon’tcomeback.”
Ruthdidnotanswer,andIrisrepeatedwithastrangedefiantinsistence:“Thedeaddon’tcomeback!”
“Comeon,”saidAnthony,andpulledheroutthroughtheopendoor.
AcruisingtaxiwascomingslowlyalongtheSquare.AnthonyhaileditandhelpedIrisin.
“Tellme,beautiful,”hesaid,afterhehaddirectedthedrivertogotoScotlandYard.“Whoexactlydidyoufeelwasthereinthehallwhenyoufounditsonecessarytoaffirmthatthedeadaredead?WasitGeorgeorRosemary?”
“Nobody!Nobodyatall!Ijusthatefunerals,Itellyou.”
Anthonysighed.
“Definitely,”hesaid.“Imustbepsychic!”
Twelve
Threemensatatasmallroundmarble-toppedtable.
ColonelRaceandChiefInspectorKempweredrinkingcupsofdarkbrowntea,richintannin.AnthonywasdrinkinganEnglishcafé’sideaofanicecupofcoffee.ItwasnotAnthony’sidea,butheendureditforthesakeofbeingadmittedonequaltermstotheothertwomen’sconference.ChiefInspectorKemp,havingpainstakinglyverifiedAnthony’scredentials,hadconsentedtorecognizehimasacolleague.
“Ifyouaskme,”saidthechiefinspector,droppingseverallumpsofsugarintohisblackbrewandstirringit,“thiscasewillneverbebroughttotrial.We’llnevergettheevidence.”
“Youthinknot?”askedRace.
Kempshookhisheadandtookanapprovingsipofhistea.
“Theonlyhopewastogetevidenceconcerningtheactualpurchasingorhandlingofcyanidebyoneofthosefive.I’vedrawnablankeverywhere.It’llbeoneofthosecaseswhereyouknowwhodidit,andcan’teverproveit.”
“Soyouknowwhodidit?”Anthonyregardedhimwithinterest.
“Well,I’mprettycertaininmyownmind.LadyAlexandraFarraday.”
“Sothat’syourbet,”saidRace.“Reasons?”
“Youshallhave’em.I’dsayshe’sthetypethat’smadlyjealous.Andautocratic,too.Likethatqueeninhistory—EleanorofSomething,thatfollowedthecluetoFairRosamund’sBowerandofferedherthechoiceofadaggeroracupofpoison.”
“Onlyinthiscase,”saidAnthony,“shedidn’tofferFairRosemaryanychoice.”
ChiefInspectorKempwenton:
“SomeonetipsMr.Bartonoff.Hebecomessuspicious—andIshouldsayhissuspicionswereprettydefinite.Hewouldn’thavegonesofarasactuallybuyingahouseinthecountryunlesshewantedtokeepaneyeontheFarradays.Hemusthavemadeitprettyplaintoher—harpingonthispartyandurgingthemtocometoit.She’snotthekindtoWaitandSee.Autocraticagain,shefinishedhimoff!That,yousaysofar,isalltheoryandbasedoncharacter.ButI’llsaythattheonlypersonwhocouldhavehadanychancewhateverofdroppingsomethingintoMr.Barton’sglassjustbeforehedrankwouldbetheladyonhisright.”
“Andnobodysawherdoit?”saidAnthony.
“Quite.Theymighthave—buttheydidn’t.Say,ifyoulike,shewasprettyadroit.”
“Apositiveconjurer.”
Racecoughed.Hetookouthispipeandbeganstuffingthebowl.
“Justoneminorpoint.GrantedLadyAlexandraisautocratic,jealousandpassionatelydevotedtoherhusband,grantedthatshe’dnotstickatmurder,doyouthinksheisthetypetoslipincriminatingevidenceintoagirl’shandbag?Aperfectlyinnocentgirl,mind,whohasneverharmedherinanyway?IsthatintheKidderminstertradition?”
InspectorKempsquirmeduneasilyinhisseatandpeeredintohisteacup.
“Womendon’tplaycricket,”hesaid.“Ifthat’swhatyoumean.”
“Actually,alotofthemdo,”saidRace,smiling.“ButI’mgladtoseeyoulookuncomfortable.”
KempescapedfromhisdilemmabyturningtoAnthonywithanairofgraciouspatronage.
“Bytheway,Mr.Browne(I’llstillcallyouthat,ifyoudon’tmind),IwanttosaythatI’mverymuchobligedtoyouforthepromptwayyoubroughtMissMarlealongthiseveningtotellthatstoryofhers.”
“Ihadtodoitpromptly,”saidAnthony.“IfI’dwaitedIshouldprobablynothavebroughtheralongatall.”
“Shedidn’twanttocome,ofcourse,”saidColonelRace.
“She’sgotthewindupbadly,poorkid,”saidAnthony.“Quitenatural,Ithink.”
“Verynatural,”saidtheinspectorandpouredhimselfoutanothercupoftea.Anthonytookagingerlysipofcoffee
“Well,”saidKemp.“Ithinkwerelievedhermind—shewentoffhomequitehappily.”
“Afterthefuneral,”saidAnthony,“Ihopeshe’llgetawaytothecountryforabit.Twenty-fourhours’peaceandquietawayfromAuntieLucilla’snonstoptonguewilldohergood,Ithink.”
“AuntLucilla’stonguehasitsuses,”saidRace.
“You’rewelcometoit,”saidKemp.“LuckyIdidn’tthinkitnecessarytohaveashorthandreportmadewhenItookherstatement.IfIhad,thepoorfellowwouldhavebeeninhospitalwithwriter’scramp.”
“Well,”saidAnthony.“Idaresayyou’reright,chiefinspector,insayingthatthecasewillnevercometotrial—butthat’saveryunsatisfactoryfinish—andthere’sonethingwestilldon’tknow—whowrotethoseletterstoGeorgeBartontellinghimhiswifewasmurdered?Wehaven’ttheleastideawhothatpersonis.”
Racesaid:“Yoursuspicionsstillthesame,Browne?”
“RuthLessing?Yes,Isticktoherasmycandidate.YoutoldmethatsheadmittedtoyoushewasinlovewithGeorge.Rosemarybyallaccountswasprettypoisonoustoher.SayshesawsuddenlyagoodchanceofgettingridofRosemary,andwasfairlyconvincedthatwithRosemaryoutoftheway,shecouldmarryGeorgeoutofhand.”
“Igrantyouallthat,”saidRace.“I’lladmitthatRuthLessinghasthecalmpracticalefficiencythatcancontemplateandcarryoutmurder,andthatsheperhapslacksthatqualityofpitywhichisessentiallyaproductofimagination.Yes,Igiveyouthefirstmurder.ButIsimplycan’tseehercommittingthesecondone.Isimplycannotseeherpanickingandpoisoningthemanshelovedandwantedtomarry!Anotherpointthatrulesherout—whydidsheholdhertonguewhenshesawIristhrowthecyanidepacketunderthetable?”
“Perhapsshedidn’tseeherdoit,”suggestedAnthony,ratherdoubtfully.
“I’mfairlysureshedid,”saidRace.“WhenIwasquestioningher,Ihadtheimpressionthatshewaskeepingsomethingback.AndIrisMarleherselfthoughtRuthLessingsawher.”
“Comenow,colonel,”saidKemp.“Let’shaveyour‘spot.’You’vegotone,Isuppose?”
Racenodded.
“Outwithit.Fair’sfair.You’velistenedtoours—andraisedobjections.”
Race’seyeswentthoughtfullyfromKemp’sfacetoAnthonyandrestedthere.
Anthony’seyebrowsrose.
“Don’tsayyoustillthinkIamthevillainofthepiece?”
SlowlyRaceshookhishead.
“IcanimaginenopossiblereasonwhyyoushouldkillGeorgeBarton.IthinkIknowwhodidkillhim—andRosemaryBartontoo.”
“Whoisit?”
Racesaidmusingly:
“Curioushowwehaveallselectedwomenassuspects.Isuspectawoman,too.”Hepausedandsaidquietly:“IthinktheguiltypersonisIrisMarle.”
WithacrashAnthonypushedhischairback.Foramomenthisfacewentdarkcrimson—thenwithaneffort,heregainedcommandofhimself.Hisvoice,whenhespoke,hadaslighttremorbutwasdeliberatelyaslightandmockingasever.
“Byallmeansletusdiscussthepossibility,”hesaid.“WhyIrisMarle?Andifso,whyshouldshe,ofherownaccord,tellmeaboutdroppingthecyanidepaperunderthetable?”
“Because,”saidRace,“sheknewthatRuthLessinghadseenherdoit.”
Anthonyconsideredthereply,hisheadononeside.Finallyhenodded.
“Passed,”hesaid.“Goon.Whydidyoususpectherinthefirstplace?”
“Motive,”saidRace.“AnenormousfortunehadbeenlefttoRosemaryinwhichIriswasnottoparticipate.Forallweknowshemayhavestruggledforyearswithasenseofunfairness.ShewasawarethatifRosemarydiedchildless,allthatmoneycametoher.AndRosemarywasdepressed,unhappy,run-downafterflu,justthemoodwhenaverdictofsuicidewouldbeacceptedwithoutquestion.”
“That’sright,makethegirloutamonster!”saidAnthony.
“Notamonster,”saidRace.“ThereisanotherreasonwhyIsuspectedher—afar-fetchedone,itmayseemtoyou—VictorDrake.”
“VictorDrake?”Anthonystared.
“Badblood.Yousee,Ididn’tlistentoLucillaDrakefornothing.IknowallabouttheMarlefamily.VictorDrake—notsomuchweakaspositivelyevil.Hismother,feebleinintellectandincapableofconcentration.HectorMarle,weak,viciousandadrunkard.Rosemary,emotionallyunstable.Afamilyhistoryofweakness,viceandinstability.Predisposingcauses.”
Anthonylitacigarette.Hishandstrembled.
“Don’tyoubelievethattheremaybeasoundblossomonaweakorevenabadstock?”
“Ofcoursetheremay.ButIamnotsurethatIrisMarleisasoundblossom.”
“Andmyworddoesn’tcount,”saidAnthonyslowly,“becauseI’minlovewithher.Georgeshowedherthoseletters,andshegotinafunkandkilledhim?That’showitgoeson,isit?”
“Yes.Panicwouldobtaininhercase.”
“AndhowdidshegetthestuffintoGeorge’schampagneglass?”
“That,Iconfess,Idonotknow.”
“I’mthankfulthere’ssomethingyoudon’tknow.”Anthonytiltedhischairbackandthenforward.Hiseyeswereangryanddangerous.“You’vegotanervesayingallthistome.”
Racerepliedquietly:
“Iknow.ButIconsiderithadtobesaid.”
Kempwatchedthembothwithinterest,buthedidnotspeak.Hestirredhistearoundandroundabsentmindedly.
“Verywell.”Anthonysatupright.“Thingshavechanged.It’snolongeraquestionofsittingroundatable,drinkingdisgustingfluids,andairingacademictheories.Thiscasehasgottobesolved.We’vegottoresolveallthedifficultiesandgetatthetruth.That’sgottobemyjob—andI’lldoitsomehow.I’vegottohammeratthethingswedon’tknow—becausewhenwedoknowthem,thewholethingwillbeclear.
“I’llre-statetheproblem.WhoknewthatRosemaryhadbeenmurdered?WhowrotetoGeorgetellinghimso?Whydidtheywritetohim?
“Andnowthemurdersthemselves.Washoutthefirstone.It’stoolongago,andwedon’tknowexactlywhathappened.Butthesecondmurdertookplaceinfrontofmyeyes.Isawithappen.ThereforeIoughttoknowhowithappened.TheidealtimetoputthecyanideinGeorge’sglasswasduringthecabaret—butitcouldn’thavebeenputinthenbecausehedrankfromhisglassimmediatelyafterwards.Isawhimdrink.Afterhedrank,nobodyputanythinginhisglass.Nobodytouchedhisglass,neverthelessnexttimehedrank,itwasfullofcyanide.Hecouldn’thavebeenpoisoned—buthewas!Therewascyanideinhisglass—butnobodycouldhaveputitthere!Arewegettingon?”
“No,”saidChiefInspectorKemp.
“Yes,”saidAnthony.“Thethinghasnowenteredintotherealmofaconjuringtrick.Oraspiritmanifestation.Iwillnowoutlinemypsychictheory.Whilstweweredancing,theghostofRosemaryhoversnearGeorge’sglassanddropsinsomecleverlymaterializedcyanide—anyspiritcanmakecyanideoutofectoplasm.Georgecomesbackanddrinksherhealthand—oh,Lord!”
Theothertwostaredcuriouslyathim.Hishandswereholdinghishead.Herockedtoandfroinapparentmentalagony.Hesaid:
“That’sit…that’sit…thebag…thewaiter….”
“Thewaiter?”Kempwasalert.
Anthonyshookhishead.
“No,no.Idon’tmeanwhatyoumean.Ididthinkoncethatwhatweneededwasawaiterwhowasnotawaiterbutaconjurer—awaiterwhohadbeenengagedthedaybefore.Insteadwehadawaiterwhohadalwaysbeenawaiter—andalittlewaiterwhowasoftheroyallineofwaiters—acherubicwaiter—awaiterabovesuspicion.Andhe’sstillabovesuspicion—butheplayedhispart!Oh,Lord,yes,heplayedastarpart.”
Hestaredatthem.
“Don’tyouseeit?Awaitercouldhavepoisonedthechampagnebutthewaiterdidn’t.NobodytouchedGeorge’sglassbutGeorgewaspoisoned.A,indefinitearticle.The,definitearticle.George’sglass!George!Twoseparatethings.Andthemoney—lotsandlotsofmoney!Andwhoknows—perhapsloveaswell?Don’tlookatmeasthoughI’mmad.Comeon,I’llshowyou.”
ThrustinghischairbackhesprangtohisfeetandcaughtKempbythearm.
“Comewithme.”
Kempcastaregretfulglanceathishalf-fullcup.
“Gottopay,”hemuttered.
“No,no,we’llbebackinamoment.Comeon.Imustshowyououtside.Comeon,Race.”
Pushingthetableaside,hesweptthemawaywithhimtothevestibule.
“Youseethattelephoneboxthere?”
“Yes?”
Anthonyfeltinhispockets.
“Damn,Ihaven’tgottwopence.Nevermind.OnsecondthoughtsI’drathernotdoitthatway.Comeback.”
Theywentbackintothecafé,Kempfirst,RacefollowingwithAnthony’shandonhisarm.
Kemphadafrownonhisfaceashesatdownandpickeduphispipe.Heblewdownitcarefullyandbegantooperateonitwithahairpinwhichhebroughtoutofhiswaistcoatpocket.
RacewasfrowningatAnthonywithapuzzledface.Heleanedbackandpickeduphiscup,drainingtheremainingfluidinit.
“Damn,”hesaidviolently.“It’sgotsugarinit!”
HelookedacrossthetabletomeetAnthony’sslowlywideningsmile.
“Hallo,”saidKemp,ashetookasipfromhiscup.“Whatthehell’sthis?”
“Coffee,”saidAnthony.“AndIdon’tthinkyou’lllikeit.Ididn’t.”
Thirteen
Anthonyhadthepleasureofseeinginstantcomprehensionflashintotheeyesofbothhiscompanions.
Hissatisfactionwasshort-lived,foranotherthoughtstruckhimwiththeforceofaphysicalblow.
Heejaculatedoutloud:
“MyGod—thatcar!”
Hesprangup.
“FoolthatIwas—idiot!Shetoldmethatacarhadnearlyrunherdown—andIhardlylistened.Comeon,quick!”
Kempsaid:
“ShesaidshewasgoingstraighthomewhenshelefttheYard.”
“Yes.Whydidn’tIgowithher?”
“Who’satthehouse?”askedRace.
“RuthLessingwasthere,waitingforMrs.Drake.It’spossiblethatthey’rebothdiscussingthefuneralstill!”
“DiscussingeverythingelseaswellifIknowMrs.Drake,”saidRace.Headdedabruptly,“HasIrisMarleanyotherrelations?”
“NotthatIknowof.”
“IthinkIseethedirectioninwhichyourthoughts,ideas,areleadingyou.But—isitphysicallypossible?”
“Ithinkso.Considerforyourselfhowmuchhasbeentakenforgrantedononeperson’sword.”
Kempwaspayingthecheck.ThethreemenhurriedoutasKempsaid:
“Youthinkthedangerisacute?ToMissMarle?”
“Yes,Ido.”
Anthonysworeunderhisbreathandhailedataxi.ThethreemengotinandthedriverwastoldtogotoElvastonSquareasquicklyaspossible.
Kempsaidslowly:
“I’veonlygotthegeneralideaasyet.ItwashestheFarradaysrightout.”
“Yes.”
“Thankgoodnessforthat.Butsurelytherewouldn’tbeanotherattempt—sosoon?”
“Thesoonerthebetter,”saidRace.“Beforethere’sanychanceofourmindsrunningontherighttrack.Thirdtimelucky—thatwillbetheidea.”Headded:“IrisMarletoldme,infrontofMrs.Drake,thatshewouldmarryyouassoonasyouwantedherto.”
Theyspokeinspasmodicjerks,forthetaxidriverwastakingtheirdirectionsliterallyandwashurtlingroundcornersandcuttingthroughtrafficwithimmenseenthusiasm.
TurningwithafinalspurtintoElvastonSquare,hedrewupwithaterrificjerkinfrontofthehouse.
ElvastonSquarehadneverlookedmorepeaceful.
Anthony,withaneffortregainedhisusualcoolmanner,murmured:
“Quitelikethemovies.Makesonefeelratherafool,somehow.”
ButhewasonthetopstepringingthebellwhileRacepaidoffthetaxiandKempfollowedupthesteps.
Theparlourmaidopenedthedoor.
Anthonysaidsharply:
“HasMissIrisgotback?”
Evanslookedalittlesurprised.
“Oh,yes,sir.Shecameinhalfanhourago.”
Anthonybreathedasighofrelief.Everythinginthehousewassocalmandnormalthathefeltashamedofhisrecentmelodramaticfears.
“Whereisshe?”
“Iexpectshe’sinthedrawingroomwithMrs.Drake.”
Anthonynoddedandtookthestairsineasystrides,RaceandKempclosebehindhim.
Inthedrawingroom,placidunderitsshadedelectriclights,LucillaDrakewashuntingthroughthepigeonholesofthedeskwiththehopefulabsorptionofaterrierandmurmuringaudibly:
“Dear,dear,nowwheredidIputMrs.Marsham’sletter?Now,letmesee….”
“Where’sIris?”demandedAnthonyabruptly.
Lucillaturnedandstared.
“Iris?She—Ibegyourpardon!”Shedrewherselfup.“MayIaskwhoyouare?”
RacecameforwardfrombehindhimandLucilla’sfacecleared.ShedidnotyetseeChiefInspectorKempwhowasthethirdtoentertheroom.
“Oh,dear,ColonelRace!Howkindofyoutocome!ButIdowishyoucouldhavebeenherealittleearlier—Ishouldhavelikedtoconsultyouaboutthefuneralarrangements—aman’sadvice,sovaluable—andreallyIwasfeelingsoupset,asIsaidtoMissLessing,thatreallyIcouldn’teventhink—andImustsaythatMissLessingwasreallyverysympatheticforonceandofferedtodoeverythingshecouldtotaketheburdenoffmyshoulders—only,assheputitveryreasonably,naturallyIshouldbethepersonmostlikelytoknowwhatwereGeorge’sfavouritehymns—notthatIactuallydid,becauseI’mafraidGeorgedidn’tveryoftengotochurch—butnaturally,asaclergyman’swife—Imeanwidow—Idoknowwhatissuitable—”
Racetookadvantageofamomentarypausetoslipinhisquestion:“WhereisMissMarle?”
“Iris?Shecameinsometimeago.Shesaidshehadaheadacheandwasgoingstraightuptoherroom.Younggirls,youknow,donotseemtometohaveverymuchstaminanowadays—theydon’teatenoughspinach—andsheseemspositivelytodisliketalkingaboutthefuneralarrangements,butafterall,someonehastodothesethings—andonedoeswanttofeelthateverythinghasbeendoneforthebest,andproperrespectshowntothedead—notthatIhaveeverthoughtmotorhearsesreallyreverent—ifyouknowwhatImean—notlikehorseswiththeirlongblacktails—but,ofcourse,Isaidatoncethatitwasquiteallright,andRuth—IcalledherRuthandnotMissLessing—andIweremanagingsplendidly,andshecouldleaveeverythingtous.”
Kempasked:
“MissLessinghasgone?”
“Yes,wesettledeverything,andMissLessingleftabouttenminutesago.Shetooktheannouncementsforthepaperswithher.Noflowers,underthecircumstances—andCanonWestburytotaketheservice—”
Astheflowwenton,Anthonyedgedgentlyoutofthedoor.HehadlefttheroombeforeLucilla,suddenlyinterruptinghernarrative,pausedtosay:“Whowasthatyoungmanwhocamewithyou?Ididn’trealizeatfirstthatyouhadbroughthim.Ithoughtpossiblyhemighthavebeenoneofthosedreadfulreporters.Wehavehadsuchtroublewiththem.”
Anthonywasrunninglightlyupthestairs.Hearingfootstepsbehindhim,heturnedhishead,andgrinnedatChiefInspectorKemp.
“Youdesertedtoo?PooroldRace!”
Kempmuttered.
“Hedoesthesethingssonicely.I’mnotpopularinthatquarter.”
TheywereonthesecondfloorandjustpreparingtostartupthethirdwhenAnthonyheardalightfootstepdescending.HepulledKempinsideanadjacentbathroomdoor.
Thefootstepswentondownthestairs.
Anthonyemergedandranupthenextflightofstairs.Iris’sroom,heknew,wasthesmalloneattheback.Herappedlightlyonthedoor.
“Hi—Iris.”Therewasnoreply—andheknockedandcalledagain.Thenhetriedthehandlebutfoundthedoorlocked
Withrealurgencynowhebeatuponit.
“Iris—Iris—”
Afterasecondortwo,hestoppedandglanceddown.Hewasstandingononeofthosewoollyold-fashionedrugsmadetofitoutsidedoorstoobviatedraughts.Thisonewascloseupagainstthedoor.Anthonykickeditaway.Thespaceunderthedooratthebottomwasquitewide—sometime,hededuced,ithadbeencuttoclearafittedcarpetinsteadofstainedboards.
Hestoopedtothekeyholebutcouldseenothing,butsuddenlyheraisedhisheadandsniffed.Thenhelaydownflatandpressedhisnoseagainstthecrackunderthedoor.
Springingup,heshouted:“Kemp!”
Therewasnosignofthechiefinspector.Anthonyshoutedagain.
ItwasColonelRace,however,whocamerunningupthestairs.Anthonygavehimnochancetospeak.Hesaid:
“Gas—pouringout!We’llhavetobreakthedoordown.”
Racehadapowerfulphysique.HeandAnthonymadeshortshriftoftheobstacle.Withasplintering,crackingnoise,thelockgave.
Theyfellbackforamoment,thenRacesaid:
“She’stherebythefireplace.I’lldashinandbreakthewindow.Yougether.”
IrisMarlewaslyingbythegasfire—hermouthandnoselyingonthewideopengasjet.
Aminuteortwolater,chokingandspluttering,AnthonyandRacelaidtheunconsciousgirlonthelandingfloorinthedraughtofthepassagewindow.
Racesaid:
“I’llworkonher.Yougetadoctorquickly.”
Anthonyswungdownthestairs.Racecalledafterhim:
“Don’tworry.Ithinkshe’llbeallright.Wegothereintime.”
InthehallAnthonydialledandspokeintothemouthpiece,hamperedbyabackgroundofexclamationsfromLucillaDrake.
Heturnedatlastfromthetelephonetosaywithasighofrelief:
“Caughthim.HelivesjustacrosstheSquare.He’llbehereinacoupleofminutes.”
“—butImustknowwhathashappened!IsIrisill?”
ItwasafinalwailfromLucilla.
Anthonysaid:
“Shewasinherroom.Doorlocked.Herheadinthegasfireandthegasfullon.”
“Iris?”Mrs.Drakegaveapiercingshriek.“Irishascommittedsuicide?Ican’tbelieveit.Idon’tbelieveit!”
AfaintghostofAnthony’sgrinreturnedtohim.
“Youdon’tneedtobelieveit,”hesaid.“Itisn’ttrue.”
Fourteen
“Andnow,please,Tony,willyoutellmeallaboutit?”
Iriswaslyingonasofa,andthevaliantNovembersunshinewasmakingabraveshowoutsidethewindowsofLittlePriors.
AnthonylookedacrossatColonelRacewhowassittingonthewindowsill,andgrinnedengagingly:
“Idon’tmindadmitting,Iris,thatI’vebeenwaitingforthismoment.IfIdon’texplaintosomeonesoonhowcleverI’vebeen,Ishallburst.Therewillbenomodestyinthisrecital.Itwillbeshamelessblowingofmyowntrumpetwithsuitablepausestoenableyoutosay‘Anthony,howcleverofyou’or‘Tony,howwonderful’orsomephraseofalikenature.Ahem!Theperformancewillnowbegin.Herewego.
“Thethingasawholelookedsimpleenough.WhatImeanis,thatitlookedlikeaclearcaseofcauseandeffect.Rosemary’sdeath,acceptedatthetimeassuicide,wasnotsuicide.Georgebecamesuspicious,startedinvestigating,waspresumablygettingnearthetruth,andbeforehecouldunmaskthemurdererwas,inhisturn,murdered.Thesequence,ifImayputitthatway,seemsperfectlyclear.
“Butalmostatoncewecameacrosssomeapparentcontradictions.Suchas:A.Georgecouldnotbepoisoned.B.Georgewaspoisoned.And:A.NobodytouchedGeorge’sglass.B.George’sglasswastamperedwith.
“ActuallyIwasoverlookingaverysignificantfact—thevarieduseofthepossessivecase.George’searisGeorge’searindisputablybecauseitisattachedtohisheadandcannotberemovedwithoutasurgicaloperation!ButbyGeorge’swatch,IonlymeanthewatchthatGeorgeiswearing—thequestionmightarisewhetheritishisormaybeonelenthimbysomeoneelse.AndwhenIcometoGeorge’sglass,orGeorge’steacup,IbegintorealizethatImeansomethingveryvagueindeed.AllIactuallymeanistheglassorcupoutofwhichGeorgehaslatelybeendrinking—andwhichhasnothingtodistinguishitfromseveralothercupsandglassesofthesamepattern.
“Toillustratethis,Itriedanexperiment.Racewasdrinkingteawithoutsugar,Kempwasdrinkingteawithsugar,andIwasdrinkingcoffee.Inappearancethethreefluidswereofmuchthesamecolour.Weweresittingroundasmallmarble-toppedtableamongseveralotherroundmarble-toppedtables.OnthepretextofanurgentbrainwaveIurgedtheothertwooutoftheirseatsandoutintothevestibule,pushingthechairsasideaswewent,andalsomanagingtomoveKemp’spipewhichwaslyingbyhisplatetoasimilarpositionbymyplatebutwithoutlettinghimseemedoit.AssoonaswewereoutsideImadeanexcuseandwereturned,Kempslightlyahead.Hepulledthechairtothetableandsatdownoppositetheplatethatwasmarkedbythepipehehadleftbehindhim.RacesatonhisrightasbeforeandIonhisleft—butmarkwhathadhappened—anewA.andB.contradiction!A.Kemp’scuphassugaredteainit.B.Kemp’scuphascoffeeinit.Twoconflictingstatementsthatcannotbothbetrue—Buttheyarebothtrue.ThemisleadingtermisKemp’scup.Kemp’scupwhenheleftthetableandKemp’scupwhenhereturnedtothetablearenotthesame.
“Andthat,Iris,iswhathappenedattheLuxembourgthatnight.Afterthecabaret,whenyouallwenttodance,youdroppedyourbag.Awaiterpickeditup—notthewaiter,thewaiterattendingonthattablewhoknewjustwhereyouhadbeensitting—butawaiter,ananxioushurriedlittlewaiterwitheverybodybullyinghim,runningalongwithasauce,andwhoquicklystooped,pickedupthebagandplaceditbyaplate—actuallybytheplateoneplacetotheleftofwhereyouhadbeensitting.YouandGeorgecamebackfirstandyouwentwithoutathoughtstraighttotheplacemarkedbyyourbag—justasKempdidtotheplacemarkedbyhispipe.Georgesatdowninwhathethoughttobehisplace,onyourright.AndwhenheproposedhistoastinmemoryofRosemary,hedrankfromwhathethoughtwashisglassbutwasinrealityyourglass—theglassthatcanquiteeasilyhavebeenpoisonedwithoutneedingaconjuringtricktoexplainit,becausetheonlypersonwhodidnotdrinkafterthecabaret,wasnecessarilythepersonwhosehealthwasbeingdrunk!
“Nowgooverthewholebusinessagainandthesetupisentirelydifferent!Youaretheintendedvictim,notGeorge!Soitlooks,doesn’tit,asthoughGeorgeisbeingused.What,ifthingshadnotgonewrong,wouldhavebeenthestoryastheworldwouldseeit?Arepetitionofthepartyayearago—andarepetitionof—suicide!Clearly,peoplewouldsay,asuicidalstreakinthatfamily!Bitofpaperwhichhascontainedcyanidefoundinyourbag.Clearcase!Poorgirlhasbeenbroodingoverhersister’sdeath.Verysad—buttheserichgirlsaresometimesveryneurotic!”
Irisinterruptedhim.Shecriedout:
“Butwhyshouldanyonewanttokillme?Why?Why?”
“Allthatlovelymoney,angel.Money,money,money!Rosemary’smoneywenttoyouonherdeath.Nowsupposeyouweretodie—unmarried.Whatwouldhappentothatmoney?Theanswerwasitwouldgotoyournextofkin—toyouraunt,LucillaDrake.Nowfromallaccountsofthedearlady,IcouldhardlyseeLucillaDrakeasFirstMurderess.Butisthereanyoneelsewhowouldbenefit?Yes,indeed.VictorDrake.IfLucillahasmoney,itwillbeexactlythesameasVictorhavingit—Victorwillseetothat!Hehasalwaysbeenabletodowhathelikeswithhismother.AndthereisnothingdifficultaboutseeingVictorasFirstMurderer.Allalong,fromtheverystartofthecase,therehavebeenreferencestoVictor,mentionsofVictor.Hehasbeenintheoffing,ashadowy,unsubstantial,evilfigure.”
“ButVictor’sintheArgentine!He’sbeeninSouthAmericaforoverayear.”
“Hashe?We’recomingnowtowhathasbeensaidtobethefundamentalplotofeverystory.‘GirlmeetsBoy!’WhenVictormetRuthLessing,thisparticularstorystarted.Hegotholdofher.Ithinkshemusthavefallenforhimprettybadly.Thosequiet,levelheaded,law-abidingwomenarethekindthatoftenfallforarealbadlot.
“Thinkaminuteandyou’llrealizethatalltheevidenceforVictor’sbeinginSouthAmericadependsonRuth’sword.Noneofitwasverifiedbecauseitwasneveramainissue!RuthsaidthatshehadseenVictoroffontheS.S.CristobalbeforeRosemary’sdeath!ItwasRuthwhosuggestedputtingacallthroughtoBuenosAiresonthedayofGeorge’sdeath—andlatersackedthetelephonegirlwhomighthaveinadvertantlyletoutthatshedidnosuchthing.
“Ofcourseit’sbeeneasytocheckupnow!VictorDrakearrivedinBuenosAiresbyaboatleavingEnglandthedayafterRosemary’sdeathayearago.Ogilvie,inBuenosAires,hadnotelephoneconversationwithRuthonthesubjectofVictorDrakeonthedayofGeorge’sdeathAndVictorDrakeleftBuenosAiresforNewYorksomeweeksago.Easyenoughforhimtoarrangeforacabletobesentoffinhisnameonacertainday—oneofthosewell-knowncablesaskingformoneythatseemedproofpositivethathewasmanythousandsofmilesaway.Insteadofwhich—”
“Yes,Anthony?”
“Insteadofwhich,”saidAnthony,leadinguptohisclimaxwithintensepleasure,“hewassittingatthenexttabletooursattheLuxembourgwithanot-so-dumbblonde!”
“Notthatawful-lookingman?”
“Ayellowblotchycomplexionandbloodshoteyesareeasythingstoassume,andtheymakealotofdifferencetoaman.Actually,ofourparty,Iwastheonlyperson(apartfromRuthLessing)whohadeverseenVictorDrake—andIhadneverknownhimunderthatname!InanycaseIwassittingwithmybacktohim.IdidthinkIrecognized,inthecocktailloungeoutside,aswecamein,amanIhadknowninmyprisondays—MonkeyColeman.ButasIwasnowleadingahighlyrespectablelifeIwasnottooanxiousthatheshouldrecognizeme.IneverforonemomentsuspectedthatMonkeyColemanhadhadanythingtodo
“ButIdon’tseenowhowhedidit?”
ColonelRacetookupthetale.
“Intheeasiestwayintheworld.Duringthecabarethewentouttotelephone,passingourtable.Drakehadbeenanactorandhehadbeensomethingmoreimportant—awaiter.ToassumethemakeupandplaythepartofPedroMoraleswaschild’splaytoanactor,buttomovedeftlyroundatable,withthestepandgaitofawaiter,fillingupthechampagneglasses,neededthedefiniteknowledgeandtechniqueofamanwhohadactuallybeenawaiter.Aclumsyactionormovementwouldhavedrawnyourattentiontohim,butasabonafidewaiternoneofyounoticedorsawhim.YouwerelookingattheCabaret,notnoticingthatportionoftherestaurant’sfurnishings—thewaiter!”
Irissaidinahesitatingvoice:
“AndRuth?”
Anthonysaid:
“ItwasRuth,ofcourse,whoputthecyanidepaperinyourbag—probablyinthecloakroomatthebeginningoftheevening.Thesametechniqueshehadadoptedayearago—withRosemary.”
“Ialwaysthoughtitodd,”saidIris,“thatGeorgehadn’ttoldRuthaboutthoseletters.Heconsultedherabouteverything.”
Anthonygaveashortlaugh.
“Ofcoursehetoldher—firstthing.Sheknewhewould.That’swhyshewrotethem.Thenshearrangedallhis‘plan’forhim—havingfirstgothimwellworkedup.Andsoshehadthestageset—allnicelyarrangedforsuicideNo.2—andifGeorgechosetobelievethatyouhadkilledRosemaryandwerecommittingsuicideoutofremorseorpanic—well,thatwouldn’tmakeanydifferencetoRuth!”
“AndtothinkIlikedher—likedherverymuch!AndactuallywantedhertomarryGeorge.”
“She’dprobablyhavemadehimaverygoodwife,ifshehadn’tcomeacrossVictor,”saidAnthony.“Moral:everymurderesswasanicegirlonce.”
Irisshivered.“Allthatformoney!”
“Youinnocent,moneyiswhatthesethingsaredonefor!Victorcertainlydiditformoney.Ruthpartlyformoney,partlyforVictor,andpartly,Ithink,becauseshehatedRosemary.Yes,she’dtravelledalongwaybythetimeshedeliberatelytriedtorunyoudowninacar,andstillfurtherwhensheleftLucillainthedrawingroom,bangedthefrontdoorandthenranuptoyourbedroom.Whatdidsheseemlike?Excitedatall?”
Irisconsidered.
“Idon’tthinkso.Shejusttappedonthedoor,cameinandsaideverythingwasfixedupandshehopedIwasfeelingallright.Isaidyes,Iwasjustabittired.Andthenshepickedupmybigrubber-coveredtorchandsaidwhatanicetorchthatwasandafterthatIdon’tseemtorememberanything.”
“No,dear,”saidAnthony.“Becauseshehityouanicelittlecrack,nottoohard,onthebackoftheneckwithyournicetorch.Thenshearrangedyouartisticallybythegasfire,shutthewindowstight,turnedonthegas,wentout,lockingthedoorandpassingthekeyunderneathit,pushedthewoollymatcloseupagainstthecracksoastoshutoutanydraughtandtrippedgentlydownthestairs.KempandIjustgotintothebathroomintime.IracedonuptoyouandKempfollowedMissRuthLessingunbeknownsttowhereshehadleftthatcarparked—youknow,IfeltatthetimetherewassomethingfishyanduncharacteristicaboutthewayRuthtriedtoforceitonourmindsthatshehadcomebybusandtube!”
Irisgaveashudder.
“It’shorrible—tothinkanyonewasasdeterminedtokillmeasallthat.Didshehatemetoobythen?”
“Oh,Ishouldn’tthinkso.ButMissRuthLessingisaveryefficientyoungwoman.She’dalreadybeenanaccessoryintwomurdersandshedidn’tfancyhavingriskedherneckfornothing.I’venodoubtLucillaDrakebleatedoutyourdecisiontomarrymeatamoment’snotice,andinthatcasetherewasnotimetolose.Oncemarried,IshouldbeyournextofkinandnotLucilla.”
“PoorLucilla.I’msoterriblysorryforher.”
“Ithinkweallare.She’saharmless,kindlysoul.”
“Ishereallyarrested?”
AnthonylookedatRace,whonoddedandsaid:
“Thismorning,whenhelandedinNewYork.”
“WashegoingtomarryRuth—afterwards?”
“ThatwasRuth’sidea.Ithinkshewouldhavebroughtitofftoo.”
“Anthony—Idon’tthinkIlikemymoneyverymuch.”
“Allright,sweet—we’lldosomethingnoblewithitifyoulike.I’vegotenoughmoneytoliveon—andtokeepawifeinreasonablecomfort.We’llgiveitallawayifyoulike—endowhomesforchildren,orprovidefreetobaccoforoldmen,or—howaboutacampaignforservingbettercoffeealloverEngland?”
“Ishallkeepalittle,”saidIris.“SothatifIeverwantedto,Icouldbegrandandwalkoutandleaveyou.”
“Idon’tthink,Iris,thatistherightspiritinwhichtoenteruponmarriedlife.And,bytheway,youdidn’toncesay‘Tony,howwonderful’or‘Anthony,howcleverofyou!’”
ColonelRacesmiledandgotup.
“GoingovertotheFarradaysfortea,”heexclaimed.TherewasafainttwinkleinhiseyeashesaidtoAnthony:“Don’tsupposeyou’recoming?”
AnthonyshookhisheadandRacewentoutoftheroom.Hepausedinthedoorwaytosay,overhisshoulder:
“Goodshow.”
“That,”saidAnthonyasthedoorclosedbehindhim,“denotessupremeBritishapproval.”
Irisaskedinacalmvoice:
“HethoughtI’ddoneit,didn’the?”
“Youmustn’tholdthatagainsthim,”saidAnthony.“Yousee,he’sknownsomanybeautifulspies,allstealingsecretformulasandwheedlingsecretsoutofmajor-generals,thatit’ssouredhisnatureandwarpedhisjudgement.Hethinksit’sjustgottobethebeautifulgirlinthecase!”
“WhydidyouknowIhadn’t,Tony?”
“Justlove,Isuppose,”saidAnthonylightly.
Thenhisfacechanged,grewsuddenlyserious.HetouchedalittlevasebyIris’ssideinwhichwasasinglesprigofgrey-greenwithamauveflower.
“What’sthatdoinginfloweratthistimeofyear?”
“Itdoessometimes—justanoddsprig—ifit’samildautumn.”
Anthonytookitoutoftheglassandhelditforamomentagainsthischeek.Hehalf-closedhiseyesandsawrichchestnuthair,laughingblueeyesandaredpassionatemouth….
Hesaidinaquietconversationaltone:
“She’snotaroundnowanylonger,isshe?”
“Whodoyoumean?”
“YouknowwhoImean.Rosemary…Ithinksheknew,Iris,thatyouwereindanger.”
Hetouchedthesprigoffragrantgreenwithhislipsandthrewitlightlyoutofthewindow.
“Good-bye,Rosemary,thankyou….”
Irissaidsoftly:
“That’sforremembrance….”
Andmoresoftlystill:
“Prayloveremember….”
AbouttheAuthor
AgathaChristieisthemostwidelypublishedauthorofalltimeandinanylanguage,outsoldonlybytheBibleandShakespeare.HerbookshavesoldmorethanabillioncopiesinEnglishandanotherbillioninahundredforeignlanguages.Sheistheauthorofeightycrimenovelsandshort-storycollections,nineteenplays,twomemoirs,andsixnovelswrittenunderthenameMaryWestmacott.
ShefirsttriedherhandatdetectivefictionwhileworkinginahospitaldispensaryduringWorldWarI,creatingthenowlegendaryHerculePoirotwithherdebutnovelTheMysteriousAffairatStyles.WithTheMurderintheVicarage,publishedin1930,sheintroducedanotherbelovedsleuth,MissJaneMarple.Additionalseriescharactersincludethehusband-and-wifecrime-fightingteamofTommyandTuppenceBeresford,privateinvestigatorParkerPyne,andScotlandYarddetectivesSuperintendentBattleandInspectorJapp.
ManyofChristie’snovelsandshortstorieswereadaptedintoplays,films,andtelevisionseries.TheMousetrap,hermostfamousplayofall,openedin1952andisthelongest-runningplayinhistory.Amongherbest-knownfilmadaptationsareMurderontheOrientExpress(1974)andDeathontheNile(1978),withAlbertFinneyandPeterUstinovplayingHerculePoirot,respectively.OnthesmallscreenPoirothasbeenmostmemorablyportrayedbyDavidSuchet,andMissMarplebyJoanHicksonandsubsequentlyGeraldineMcEwanandJuliaMcKenzie.
ChristiewasfirstmarriedtoArchibaldChristieandthentoarchaeologistSirMaxMallowan,whomsheaccompaniedonexpeditionstocountriesthatwouldalsoserveasthesettingsformanyofhernovels.In1971sheachievedoneofBritain’shighesthonorswhenshewasmadeaDameoftheBritishEmpire.Shediedin1976attheageofeighty-five.Heronehundredandtwentiethanniversarywascelebratedaroundtheworldin2010.
Visitwww.AuthorTracker.comforexclusiveinformationonyourfavoriteHarperCollinsauthors.
www.AgathaChristie.com
THEAGATHACHRISTIECOLLECTION
TheManintheBrownSuit
TheSecretofChimneys
TheSevenDialsMystery
TheMysteriousMr.Quin
TheSittafordMystery
ParkerPyneInvestigates
WhyDidn’tTheyAskEvans?
MurderIsEasy
TheRegattaMysteryandOtherStories
AndThenThereWereNone
TowardsZero
DeathComesastheEnd
SparklingCyanide
TheWitnessfortheProsecutionandOtherStories
CrookedHouse
ThreeBlindMiceandOtherStories
TheyCametoBaghdad
DestinationUnknown
OrdealbyInnocence
DoubleSinandOtherStories
ThePaleHorse
StaroverBethlehem:PoemsandHolidayStories
EndlessNight
PassengertoFrankfurt
TheGoldenBallandOtherStories
TheMousetrapandOtherPlays
TheHarlequinTeaSetandOtherStories
TheHerculePoirotMysteries
TheMysteriousAffairatStyles
TheMurderontheLinks
PoirotInvestigates
TheMurderofRogerAckroyd
TheBigFour
TheMysteryoftheBlueTrain
PerilatEndHouse
LordEdgwareDies
MurderontheOrientExpress
ThreeActTragedy
DeathintheClouds
TheA.B.C.Murders
MurderinMesopotamia
CardsontheTable
MurderintheMews
DumbWitness
DeathontheNile
AppointmentwithDeath
HerculePoirot’sChristmas
SadCypress
One,Two,BuckleMyShoe
EvilUndertheSun
FiveLittlePigs
TheHollow
TheLaborsofHercules
TakenattheFlood
TheUnderDogandOtherStories
Mrs.McGinty’sDead
AftertheFuneral
HickoryDickoryDock
DeadMan’sFolly
CatAmongthePigeons
TheClocks
ThirdGirl
Hallowe’enParty
ElephantsCanRemember
Curtain:Poirot’sLastCase
TheMissMarpleMysteries
TheMurderattheVicarage
TheBodyintheLibrary
TheMovingFinger
AMurderIsAnnounced
TheyDoItwithMirrors
APocketFullofRye
4:50fromPaddington
TheMirrorCrack’dfromSidetoSide
ACaribbeanMystery
AtBertram’sHotel
Nemesis
SleepingMurder
MissMarple:TheCompleteShortStories
TheTommyandTuppenceMysteries
TheSecretAdversary
PartnersinCrime
NorM?
BythePrickingofMyThumbs
PosternofFate
Memoirs
AnAutobiography
Come,TellMeHowYouLive
Copyright
Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Thecharacters,incidents,anddialoguearedrawnfromtheauthor’simaginationandarenottobeconstruedasreal.Anyresemblancetoactualeventsorpersons,livingordead,isentirelycoincidental.
ThistitlewaspreviouslypublishedasRememberedDeath.
AGATHACHRISTIE?SPARKLINGCYANIDE?.Copyright?1945AgathaChristieLimited.Allrightsreserved.
SPARKLINGCYANIDE?1945.PublishedbypermissionofG.P.Putnam’sSons,amemberofPenguinGroup(USA)Inc.AllrightsreservedunderInternationalandPan-AmericanCopyrightConventions.Bypaymentoftherequiredfees,youhavebeengrantedthenonexclusive,nontransferablerighttoaccessandreadthetextofthisebookon-screen.Nopartofthistextmaybereproduced,transmitted,downloaded,decompiled,reverse-engineered,orstoredinorintroducedintoanyinformationstorageandretrievalsystem,inanyformorbyanymeans,whetherelectronicormechanical,nowknownorhereinafterinvented,withouttheexpresswrittenpermissionofHarperCollinsebooks.
Formoreinformationabouteducationaluse,teachersshouldvisitwww.HarperAcademic.com.
FIRSTWILLIAMMORROWTRADEPAPERBACKPUBLISHED2012
LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationDataisavailableuponrequest.
ISBN978-0-06-207438-6
EpubEdition?JANUARY2012ISBN:978-0-06-175263-6
1213141516DIX/BVG10987654321
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