Towards Zero

AgathaChristie
TowardsZero
ToRobertGraves
DearRobert,
Sinceyouarekindenoughtosayyoulikemystories,Iventuretodedicatethisbooktoyou.AllIaskisthatyoushouldsternlyrestrainyourcriticalfaculties(doubtlesssharpenedbyyourrecentexcessesinthatline!)whenreadingit.
ThisisastoryforyourpleasureandnotacandidateforMr.Graves’literarypillory!
Yourfriend,
Contents
Cover
TitlePage
Dedication
Prologue:November19th
“OpentheDoorandHerearethePeople”
SnowWhiteandRedRose
AFineItalianHand…
ZeroHour
AbouttheAuthor
OtherBooksbyAgathaChristie
Copyright
AboutthePublisher
Prologue
NOVEMBER19TH
Thegrouproundthefireplacewasnearlyallcomposedoflawyersorthosewhohadaninterestinthelaw.TherewasMartin-dalethesolicitor,RufusLord,KC,youngDanielswhohadmadeanameforhimselfintheCarstairscase,asprinklingofotherbarristers,Mr.JusticeCleaver,LewisofLewisandTrenchandoldMr.Treves.Mr.Treveswascloseoneighty,averyripeandexperiencedeighty.Hewasamemberofafamousfirmofsolicitors,andthemostfamousmemberofthatfirm,hewassaidtoknowmoreofbackstairshistorythananymaninEnglandandhewasaspecialistoncriminology.
UnthinkingpeoplesaidMr.Trevesoughttowritehismemoirs.Mr.Trevesknewbetter.Heknewthatheknewtoomuch.
Thoughhehadlongretiredfromactivepractice,therewasnomaninEnglandwhoseopinionwassorespectedbythemembersofhisownfraternity.Wheneverhisthinpreciselittlevoicewasraisedtherewasalwaysarespectfulsilence.
TheconversationnowwasonthesubjectofamuchtalkedofcasewhichhadfinishedthatdayattheOldBailey.Itwasamurdercaseandtheprisonerhadbeenacquitted.Thepresentcompanywasbusytryingthecaseoveragainandmakingtechnicalcriticisms.
Theprosecutionhadmadeamistakeinrelyingononeofitswitnesses—oldDepleachoughttohaverealizedwhatanopeninghewasgivingtothedefence.YoungArthurhadmadethemostofthatservantgirl’sevidence.Bentmore,inhissummingup,hadveryrightlyputthematterinitscorrectperspective,butthemischiefwasdonebythen—thejuryhadbelievedthegirl.Jurieswerefunny—youneverknewwhatthey’dswallowandwhattheywouldn’t.Butletthemoncegetathingintotheirheadsandnoonewasevergoingtogetitoutagain.Theybelievedthatthegirlwasspeakingthetruthaboutthecrowbarandthatwasthat.Themedicalevidencehadbeenabitabovetheirheads.Allthoselongtermsandscientificjargon—damnedbadwitnesses,thesescientificjohnnies—alwayshemmedandhawedandcouldn’tsayyesornotoaplainquestion—always“incertaincircumstancesthatmighttakeplace”—andsoon!
Theytalkedthemselvesout,littlebylittle,andastheremarksbecamemorespasmodicanddisjointed,ageneralfeelinggrewofsomethinglacking.OneheadafteranotherturnedinthedirectionofMr.Treves.ForMr.Treveshadasyetcontributednothingtothediscussion.Graduallyitbecameapparentthatthecompanywaswaitingforafinalwordfromitsmostrespectedcolleague.
Mr.Treves,leaningbackinhischair,wasabsentmindedlypolishinghisglasses.Somethinginthesilencemadehimlookupsharply.
“Eh?”hesaid.“Whatwasthat?Youaskedmesomething?”
YoungLewisspoke.
“Weweretalking,sir,abouttheLamornecase.”
Hepausedexpectantly.
“Yes,yes,”saidMr.Treves.“Iwasthinkingofthat.”
Therewasarespectfulhush.
“ButI’mafraid,”saidMr.Treves,stillpolishing,“thatIwasbeingfanciful.Yes,fanciful.Resultofgettingoninyears,Isuppose.Atmyageonecanclaimtheprivilegeofbeingfanciful,ifonelikes.”
“Yes,indeed,sir,”saidyoungLewis,buthelookedpuzzled.
“Iwasthinking,”saidMr.Treves,“notsomuchofthevariouspointsoflawraised—thoughtheywereinteresting—veryinteresting—iftheverdicthadgonetheotherwaytherewouldhavebeengoodgroundsforappeal.Iratherthink—butIwon’tgointothatnow.Iwasthinking,asIsay,notofthepointsoflawbutofthe—well,ofthepeopleinthecase.”
Everybodylookedratherastonished.Theyhadconsideredthepeopleinthecaseonlyasregardingtheircredibilityorotherwiseaswitnesses.Noonehadevenhazardedaspeculationastowhethertheprisonerhadbeenguiltyorasinnocentasthecourthadpronouncedhimtobe.
“Humanbeings,youknow,”saidMr.Trevesthoughtfully.“Humanbeings.Allkindsandsortsandsizesandshapesof’em.Somewithbrainsandagoodmanymorewithout.They’dcomefromallovertheplace,Lancashire,Scotland—thatrestaurantproprietorfromItalyandthatschoolteacherwomanfromsomewhereoutMiddleWest.AllcaughtupandenmeshedinthethingandfinallyallbroughttogetherinacourtoflawinLondononagreyNovemberday.Eachonecontributinghislittlepart.Thewholethingculminatinginatrialformurder.”
Hepausedandgentlybeatadelicatetattooonhisknee.
“Ilikeagooddetectivestory,”hesaid.“But,youknow,theybegininthewrongplace!Theybeginwiththemurder.Butthemurderistheend.Thestorybeginslongbeforethat—yearsbeforesometimes—withallthecausesandeventsthatbringcertainpeopletoacertainplaceatacertaintimeonacertainday.Takethatlittlemaidservant’sevidence—ifthekitchenmaidhadn’tpinchedheryoungmanshewouldn’thavethrownuphersituationinahuffandgonetotheLamornesandbeentheprincipalwitnessforthedefence.ThatGuiseppeAntonelli—comingovertoexchangewithhisbrotherforamonth.Thebrotherisasblindasabat.Hewouldn’thaveseenwhatGuiseppe’ssharpeyessaw.Iftheconstablehadn’tbeensweetonthecookatNo.48,hewouldn’thavebeenlateonhisbeat….”
Henoddedhisheadgently:
“Allconvergingtowardsagivenspot…Andthen,whenthetimecomes—overthetop!ZeroHour.Yes,allofthemconvergingtowardszero….”
Herepeated:“Towardszero….”
Thengaveaquicklittleshudder.
“You’recold,sir,comenearerthefire.”
“No,no,”saidMr.Treves.“Justsomeonewalkingovermygrave,astheysay.Well,well,Imustbemakingmywayhomewards.”
Hegaveanaffablelittlenodandwentslowlyandpreciselyoutoftheroom.
TherewasamomentofdubioussilenceandthenRufusLord,KC,remarkedthatpooroldTreveswasgettingon.
SirWilliamCleaversaid:
“Anacutebrain—averyacutebrain—butAnnoDominitellsintheend.”
“Gotagroggyheart,too,”saidLord.“Maydropdownanyminute,Ibelieve.”
“Hetakesprettygoodcareofhimself,”saidyoungLewis.
AtthatmomentMr.Treveswascarefullysteppingintohissmooth-runningDaimler.Itdepositedhimatahouseinaquietsquare.Asolicitousbutlervalethelpedhimoffwithhiscoat.Mr.Treveswalkedintohislibrarywhereacoalfirewasburning.Hisbedroomlaybeyond,foroutofconsiderationforhisheartheneverwentupstairs.
Hesatdowninfrontofthefireanddrewhisletterstowardshim.
HismindwasstilldwellingonthefancyhehadoutlinedattheClub.
“Evennow,”thoughtMr.Trevestohimself,“somedrama—somemurdertobe—isincourseofpreparation.IfIwerewritingoneoftheseamusingstoriesofbloodandcrime,Ishouldbeginnowwithanelderlygentlemansittinginfrontofthefireopeninghisletters—going,unbeknownsttohimself—towardszero….”
Heslitopenanenvelopeandgazeddownabsentlyatthesheetheabstractedfromit.
Suddenlyhisexpressionchanged.Hecamebackfromromancetoreality.
“Dearme,”saidMr.Treves.“Howextremelyannoying!Really,howveryvexing.Afteralltheseyears!Thiswillalterallmyplans.”
“OPENTHEDOORANDHEREARETHEPEOPLE”
January11th
Themaninthehospitalbedshiftedhisbodyslightlyandstifledagroan.
Thenurseinchargeofthewardgotupfromhertableandcamedowntohim.Sheshiftedhispillowsandmovedhimintoamorecomfortableposition.
AngusMacWhirteronlygaveagruntbywayofthanks.
Hewasinastateofseethingrebellionandbitterness.
Bythistimeitoughttohavebeenover.Heoughttohavebeenoutofitall!Cursethatdamnedridiculoustreegrowingoutofthecliff!Cursethoseofficioussweetheartswhobravedthecoldofawinter’snighttokeepatrystonthecliffedge.
Butforthem(andthetree!)itwouldhavebeenover—aplungeintothedeepicywater,abriefstruggleperhaps,andthenoblivion—theendofamisused,useless,unprofitablelife.
Andnowwherewashe?Lyingridiculouslyinahospitalbedwithabrokenshoulderandwiththeprospectofbeinghauledupinapolicecourtforthecrimeoftryingtotakehisownlife.
Curseit,itwashisownlife,wasn’tit?
Andifhehadsucceededinthejob,theywouldhaveburiedhimpiouslyasofunsoundmind!
Unsoundmind,indeed!He’dneverbeensaner!Andtocommitsuicidewasthemostlogicalandsensiblethingthatcouldbedonebyamaninhisposition.
Completelydownandout,withhishealthpermanentlyaffected,withawifewhohadlefthimforanotherman.Withoutajob,withoutaffection,withoutmoney,healthorhope,surelytoenditallwastheonlypossiblesolution?
Andnowherehewasinthisridiculousplight.Hewouldshortlybeadmonishedbyasanctimoniousmagistratefordoingthecommonsensethingwithacommoditywhichbelongedtohimandtohimonly—hislife.
Hesnortedwithanger.Awaveoffeverpassedoverhim.
Thenursewasbesidehimagain.
Shewasyoung,red-haired,withakindly,rathervacantface.
“Areyouinmuchpain?”
“No,I’mnot.”
“I’llgiveyousomethingtomakeyousleep.”
“You’lldonothingofthesort.”
“But—”
“DoyouthinkIcan’tbearabitofpainandsleeplessness?”
Shesmiledinagentle,slightlysuperiorway.
“Doctorsaidyoucouldhavesomething.”
“Idon’tcarewhatdoctorsaid.”
Shestraightenedthecoversandsetaglassoflemonadealittlenearertohim.Hesaid,slightlyashamedofhimself:
“SorryifIwasrude.”
“Oh,that’sallright.”
Itannoyedhimthatshewassocompletelyundisturbedbyhisbadtemper.Nothinglikethatcouldpenetratehernurse’sarmourofindulgentindifference.Hewasapatient—notaman.
Hesaid:
“Damnedinterference—allthisdamnedinterference….”
Shesaidreprovingly:
“Now,now,thatisn’tverynice.”
“Nice?”hedemanded.“Nice?MyGod.”
Shesaidcalmly:“You’llfeelbetterinthemorning.”
Heswallowed.
“Younurses.Younurses!You’reinhuman,that’swhatyouare!”
“Weknowwhat’sbestforyou,yousee.”
“That’swhat’ssoinfuriating!Aboutyou.Aboutahospital.Abouttheworld.Continualinterference!Knowingwhat’sbestforotherpeople.Itriedtokillmyself.Youknowthat,don’tyou?”
Shenodded.
“Nobody’sbusinessbutminewhetherIthrewmyselfoffabloodycliffornot.I’dfinishedwithlife.Iwasdownandout!”
Shemadealittleclickingnoisewithhertongue.Itindicatedabstractsympathy.Hewasapatient.Shewassoothinghimbylettinghimblowoffsteam.
“Whyshouldn’tIkillmyselfifIwantto?”hedemanded.
Sherepliedtothatquiteseriously.
“Becauseit’swrong.”
“Whyisitwrong?”
Shelookedathimdoubtfully.Shewasnotdisturbedinherownbelief,butshewasmuchtooinarticulatetoexplainherreaction.
“Well—Imean—it’swickedtokillyourself.You’vegottogoonlivingwhetheryoulikeitornot.”
“Whyhaveyou?”
“Well,thereareotherpeopletoconsider,aren’tthere?”
“Notinmycase.There’snotasoulintheworldwho’dbetheworseformypassingon.”
“Haven’tyougotanyrelations?Nomotherorsistersoranything?”
“No.Ihadawifeoncebutsheleftme—quiterighttoo!ShesawIwasnogood.”
“Butyou’vegotfriends,surely?”
“No,Ihaven’t.I’mnotafriendlysortofman.Lookhere,nurse,I’lltellyousomething.Iwasahappysortofchaponce.Hadagoodjobandagood-lookingwife.Therewasacaraccident.MybosswasdrivingthecarandIwasinit.Hewantedmetosayhewasdrivingunderthirtyatthetimeoftheaccident.Hewasn’t.Hewasdrivingnearerfifty.Nobodywaskilled,nothinglikethat,hejustwantedtobeintherightfortheinsurancepeople.Well,Iwouldn’tsaywhathewanted.Itwasalie.Idon’ttelllies.”
Thenursesaid:
“Well,Ithinkyouwerequiteright.Quiteright.”
“Youdo,doyou?Thatpigheadednessofminecostmemyjob.Mybosswassore.HesawtoitthatIdidn’tgetanother.Mywifegotfedupseeingmemoochaboutunabletogetanythingtodo.Shewentoffwithamanwhohadbeenmyfriend.Hewasdoingwellandgoingupintheworld.Idriftedalong,goingsteadilydown.Itooktodrinkingabit.Thatdidn’thelpmetoholddownjobs.FinallyIcamedowntohauling—strainedmyinside—thedoctortoldmeI’dneverbestrongagain.Well,therewasn’tmuchtoliveforthen.Easiestway,andthecleanestway,wastogorightout.Mylifewasnogoodtomyselforanyoneelse.”
Thelittlenursemurmured:
“Youdon’tknowthat.”
Helaughed.Hewasbetter-temperedalready.Herna?veobstinacyamusedhim.
“Mydeargirl,whatuseamItoanybody?”
Shesaidconfusedly:
“Youdon’tknow.Youmaybe—someday—”
“Someday?Therewon’tbeanysomeday.NexttimeIshallmakesure.”
Sheshookherheaddecidedly.
“Oh,no,”shesaid.“Youwon’tkillyourselfnow.”
“Whynot?”
“Theyneverdo.”
Hestaredather.“Theyneverdo.”Hewasoneofaclassofwould-besuicides.Openinghismouthtoprotestenergetically,hisinnatehonestysuddenlystoppedhim.
Wouldhedoitagain?Didhereallymeantodoit?
Heknewsuddenlythathedidn’t.Fornoreason.Perhapstherightreasonwastheoneshehadgivenoutofherspecializedknowledge.Suicidesdidn’tdoitagain.
Allthemorehefeltdeterminedtoforceanadmissionfromherontheethicalside.
“AtanyrateI’vegotarighttodowhatIlikewithmyownlife.”
“No—no,youhaven’t.”
“Butwhynot,mydeargirl,why?”
Sheflushed.Shesaid,herfingersplayingwiththelittlegoldcrossthathungroundherneck:
“Youdon’tunderstand.Godmayneedyou.”
Hestared—takenaback.Hedidnotwanttoupsetherchildlikefaith.Hesaidmockingly:
“IsupposethatonedayImaystoparunawayhorseandsaveagolden-hairedchildfromdeath—eh?Isthatit?”
Sheshookherhead.Shesaidwithvehemenceandtryingtoexpresswhatwassovividinhermindandsohaltingonhertongue:
“Itmaybejustbybeingsomewhere—notdoinganything—justbybeingatacertainplaceatacertaintime—oh,Ican’tsaywhatImean,butyoumightjust—justwalkalongastreetsomedayandjustbydoingthataccomplishsomethingterriblyimportant—perhapsevenwithoutknowingwhatitwas.”
Thered-hairedlittlenursecamefromthewestcoastofScotlandandsomeofherfamilyhad“thesight.”
Perhaps,dimly,shesawapictureofamanwalkinguparoadonanightinSeptemberandtherebysavingahumanbeingfromaterribledeath….
February14th
Therewasonlyonepersonintheroomandtheonlysoundtobeheardwasthescratchingofthatperson’spenasittracedlineafterlineacrossthepaper.
Therewasnoonetoreadthewordsthatwerebeingtraced.Iftherehadbeen,theywouldhardlyhavebelievedtheireyes.Forwhatwasbeingwrittenwasaclear,carefullydetailedprojectformurder.
Therearetimeswhenabodyisconsciousofamindcontrollingit—whenitbowsobedienttothataliensomethingthatcontrolsitsactions.Thereareothertimeswhenamindisconsciousofowningandcontrollingabodyandaccomplishingitspurposebyusingthatbody.
Thefiguresittingwritingwasinthelast-namedstate.Itwasamind,acool,controlledintelligence.Thismindhadonlyonethoughtandonepurpose—thedestructionofanotherhumanbeing.Totheendthatthispurposemightbeaccomplished,theschemewasbeingworkedoutmeticulouslyonpaper.Everyeventuality,everypossibilitywasbeingtakenintoaccount.Thethinghadgottobeabsolutelyfoolproof.Thescheme,likeallgoodschemes,wasnotabsolutelycutanddried.Therewerecertainalternativeactionsatcertainpoints.Moreover,sincethemindwasintelligent,itrealizedthattheremustbeintelligentprovisionleftfortheunforeseen.Butthemainlineswereclearandhadbeencloselytested.Thetime,theplace,themethod,thevictim!…
Thefigureraiseditshead.Withitshand,itpickedupthesheetsofpaperandreadthemcarefullythrough.Yes,thethingwascrystalclear.
Acrosstheseriousfaceasmilecame.Itwasasmilethatwasnotquitesane.Thefiguredrewadeepbreath.
AsmanwasmadeintheimageofhisMaker,sotherewasnowaterribletravestyofacreator’sjoy.
Yes,everythingplanned—everyone’sreactionforetoldandallowedfor,thegoodandevilineverybodyplayeduponandbroughtintoharmonywithoneevildesign.
Therewasonethinglackingstill….
Withasmilethewritertracedadate—adateinSeptember.
Then,withalaugh,thepaperwastorninpiecesandthepiecescarriedacrosstheroomandputintotheheartoftheglowingfire.Therewasnocarelessness.Everysinglepiecewasconsumedanddestroyed.Theplanwasnowonlyexistentinthebrainofitscreator.
March8th
SuperintendentBattlewassittingatthebreakfasttable.Hisjawwassetinatruculentfashionandhewasreading,slowlyandcarefully,aletterthathiswifehadjusttearfullyhandedtohim.Therewasnoexpressionvisibleonhisface,forhisfaceneverdidregisteranyexpression.Ithadtheaspectofafacecarvedoutofwood.Itwassolidanddurableand,insomeway,impressive.SuperintendentBattlehadneversuggestedbrilliance;hewas,definitely,notabrilliantman,buthehadsomeotherquality,difficulttodefine,thatwasneverthelessforceful.
“Ican’tbelieveit,”saidMrs.Battle,sobbing.“Sylvia!”
SylviawastheyoungestofSuperintendentandMrs.Battle’sfivechildren.ShewassixteenandatschoolnearMaidstone.
TheletterwasfromMissAmphrey,headmistressoftheschoolinquestion.Itwasaclear,kindlyandextremelytactfulletter.Itsetout,inblackandwhite,thatvarioussmalltheftshadbeenpuzzlingtheschoolauthoritiesforsometime,thatthematterhadatlastbeenclearedup,thatSylviaBattlehadconfessed,andthatMissAmphreywouldliketoseeMr.andMrs.Battleattheearliestopportunity“todiscusstheposition.”
SuperintendentBattlefoldeduptheletter,putitinhispocket,andsaid:“Youleavethistome,Mary.”
Hegotup,walkedroundthetable,pattedheronthecheekandsaid,“Don’tworry,dear,itwillbeallright.”
Hewentfromtheroom,leavingcomfortandreassurancebehindhim.
Thatafternoon,inMissAmphrey’smodernandindividualisticdrawingroom,SuperintendentBattlesatverysquarelyonhischair,hislargewoodenhandsonhisknees,confrontingMissAmphreyandmanagingtolook,farmorethanusual,everyinchapoliceman.
MissAmphreywasaverysuccessfulheadmistress.Shehadpersonality—agreatdealofpersonality,shewasenlightenedanduptodate,andshecombineddisciplinewithmodernideasofself-determination.
HerroomwasrepresentativeofthespiritofMeadway.Everythingwasofacooloatmealcolour—therewerebigjarsofdaffodilsandbowlsoftulipsandhyacinths.OneortwogoodcopiesoftheantiqueGreek,twopiecesofadvancedmodernsculpture,twoItalianprimitivesonthewalls.Inthemidstofallthis,MissAmphreyherself,dressedinadeepshadeofblue,withaneagerfacesuggestiveofaconscientiousgreyhound,andclearblueeyeslookingseriousthroughthicklenses.
“Theimportantthing,”shewassayinginherclearwell-modulatedvoice,“isthatthisshouldbetakentherightway.Itisthegirlherselfwehavetothinkof,Mr.Battle.Sylviaherself!Itismostimportant—mostimportant,thatherlifeshouldnotbecrippledinanyway.Shemustnotbemadetoassumeaburdenofguilt—blamemustbeveryverysparinglymetedout,ifatall.Wemustarriveatthereasonbehindthesequitetrivialpilferings.Asenseofinferiority,perhaps?Sheisnotgoodatgames,youknow—anobscurewishtoshineinadifferentsphere—thedesiretoassertherego?Wemustbeveryverycareful.ThatiswhyIwantedtoseeyoualonefirst—toimpressuponyoutobeveryverycarefulwithSylvia.Irepeatagain,it’sveryimportanttogetatwhatisbehindthis.”
“That,MissAmphrey,”saidSuperintendentBattle,“iswhyIhavecomedown.”
Hisvoicewasquiet,hisfaceunemotional,hiseyessurveyedtheschoolmistressappraisingly.
“Ihavebeenverygentlewithher,”saidMissAmphrey.
Battlesaidlaconically:
“Goodofyou,Ma’am.”
“Yousee,Ireallyloveandunderstandtheseyoungthings.”
Battledidnotreplydirectly.Hesaid:
“I’dliketoseemygirlnow,ifyoudon’tmind,MissAmphrey.”
WithrenewedemphasisMissAmphreyadmonishedhimtobecareful—togoslow—nottoantagonizeachildjustbuddingintowomanhood.
SuperintendentBattleshowednosignsofimpatience.Hejustlookedblank.
Shetookhimatlasttoherstudy.Theypassedoneortwogirlsinthepassages.Theystoodpolitelytoattentionbuttheireyeswerefullofcuriosity.HavingusheredBattleintoasmallroom,notquitesoredolentofpersonalityastheonedownstairs,MissAmphreywithdrewandsaidshewouldsendSylviatohim.
Justasshewasleavingtheroom,Battlestoppedher.
“Oneminute,Ma’am,howdidyoucometopitchuponSylviaastheoneresponsibleforthese—er—leakages?”
“Mymethods,Mr.Battle,werepsychological.”
MissAmphreyspokewithdignity.
“Psychological?H’m.Whatabouttheevidence,MissAmphrey?”
“Yes,yes,Iquiteunderstand,Mr.Battle—youwouldfeelthatway.Your—er—professionstepsin.Butpsychologyisbeginningtoberecognizedincriminology.Icanassureyouthatthereisnomistake—Sylviafreelyadmitsthewholething.”
“Yes,yes—Iknowthat.Iwasjustaskinghowyoucametopitchuponhertobeginwith.”
“Well,Mr.Battle,thisbusinessofthingsbeingtakenoutofthegirls’lockerswasontheincrease.Icalledtheschooltogetherandtoldthemthefacts.Atthesametime,Istudiedtheirfacesunobtrusively.Sylvia’sexpressionstruckmeatonce.Itwasguilty—confused.Iknewatthatmomentwhowasresponsible.Iwanted,nottoconfrontherwithherguilt,buttogethertoadmititherself.Isetalittletestforher—awordassociation.”
Battlenoddedtoshowheunderstood.
“Andfinallythechildadmitteditall.”
Herfathersaid:
“Isee.”
MissAmphreyhesitatedaminute,thenwentout.
Battlewasstandinglookingoutofthewindowwhenthedooropenedagain.
Heturnedroundslowlyandlookedathisdaughter.
Sylviastoodjustinsidethedoor,whichshehadclosedbehindher.Shewastall,dark,angular.Herfacewassullenandboremarksoftears.Shesaidtimidlyratherthandefiantly:
“Well,hereIam.”
Battlelookedatherthoughtfullyforaminuteortwo.Hesighed.
“Ishouldneverhavesentyoutothisplace,”hesaid.“Thatwoman’safool.”
Sylvialostsightofherownproblemsinsheeramazement.
“MissAmphrey?Oh,butshe’swonderful.Weallthinkso.”
“H’m,”saidBattle.“Can’tbequiteafool,then,ifshesellstheideaofherselfaswellasthat.Allthesame,Meadwaywasn’ttheplaceforyou—althoughIdon’tknow—thismighthavehappenedanywhere.”
Sylviatwistedherhandstogether.Shelookeddown.Shesaid:
“I’m—I’msorry,Father.Ireallyam.”
“Soyoushouldbe,”saidBattleshortly.“Comehere.”
Shecameslowlyandunwillinglyacrosstheroomtohim.Hetookherchininhisgreatsquarehandandlookedcloselyintoherface.
“Beenthroughagooddeal,haven’tyou?”hesaidgently.
Tearsstartedintohereyes.
Battlesaidslowly:
“Yousee,Sylvia,I’veknownallalongwithyou,thattherewassomething.Mostpeoplehavegotaweaknessofsomekindoranother.Usuallyit’splainenough.Youcanseewhenachild’sgreedy,orbad-tempered,orgotastreakofthebullyinhim.Youwereagoodchild,veryquiet—verysweet-tempered—notroubleinanyway—andsometimesI’veworried.Becauseifthere’saflawyoudon’tsee,sometimesitwrecksthewholeshowwhenthearticleistriedout.”
“Likeme!”saidSylvia.
“Yes,likeyou.You’vecrackedunderstrain—andinadamnedqueerwaytoo.It’saway,oddlyenough,I’venevercomeacrossbefore.”
Thegirlsaidsuddenlyandscornfully:
“Ishouldthinkyou’dcomeacrossthievesoftenenough!”
“Ohyes—Iknowallaboutthem.Andthat’swhy,mydear—notbecauseI’myourfather(fathersdon’tknowmuchabouttheirchildren)butbecauseI’mapolicemanIknowwellenoughyou’renotathief.Younevertookathinginthisplace.Thievesareoftwokinds,thekindthatyieldstosuddenandoverwhelmingtemptation—(andthathappensdamnedseldom—it’samazingwhattemptationtheordinarynormalhonesthumanbeingcanwithstand)andthere’sthekindthatjusttakeswhatdoesn’tbelongtothemalmostasamatterofcourse.Youdon’tbelongtoeithertype.You’renotathief.You’reaveryunusualtypeofliar.”
Sylviabegan,“But—”
Heswepton.
“You’veadmitteditall?Ohyes,Iknowthat.Therewasasaintonce—wentoutwithbreadforthepoor.Husbanddidn’tlikeit.Metherandaskedwhattherewasinherbasket.Shelosthernerveandsaiditwasroses—hetoreopenherbasketandrosesitwas—amiracle!Nowifyou’dbeenSaintElizabethandwereoutwithabasketofroses,andyourhusbandhadcomealongandaskedwhatyou’dgot,you’dhavelostyournerveandsaid‘Bread.’”
Hepausedandthensaidgently:
“That’showithappened,isn’tit?”
Therewasalongerpauseandthenthegirlsuddenlybentherhead.
Battlesaid:
“Tellme,child.Whathappenedexactly?”
“Shehadusallup.Madeaspeech.AndIsawhereyesonmeandIknewshethoughtitwasme!Ifeltmyselfgettingred—andIsawsomeofthegirlslookingatme.Itwasawful.Andthentheothersbeganlookingatmeandwhisperingincorners.Icouldseetheyallthoughtso.AndthentheAmphadmeupherewithsomeoftheothersoneeveningandweplayedasortofwordgame—shesaidwordsandwegaveanswers—”
Battlegaveadisgustedgrunt.
“AndIcouldseewhatitmeant—and—andIsortofgotparalysed.Itriednottogivethewrongword—Itriedtothinkofthingsquiteoutside—likesquirrelsorflowers—andtheAmpwastherewatchingmewitheyeslikegimlets—youknow,sortofboringinsideone.Andafterthat—oh,itgotworseandworse,andonedaytheAmptalkedtomequitekindlyandso—sounderstandingly—and—andIbrokedownandsaidIhaddoneit—andoh!Daddy,therelief!”
Battlewasstrokinghischin.
“Isee.”
“Youdounderstand?”
“No,Sylvia,Idon’tunderstand,becauseI’mnotmadethatway.IfanyonetriedtomakemesayI’ddonesomethingIhadn’tI’dfeelmorelikegivingthemasockonthejaw.ButIseehowitcameaboutinyourcase—andthatgimlet-eyedAmpofyourshashadasprettyanexampleofunusualpsychologyshovedunderhernoseasanyhalf-bakedexponentofmisunderstoodtheoriescouldaskfor.Thethingtodonowisclearupthismess.Where’sMissAmphrey?”
MissAmphreywashoveringtactfullynearathand.HersympatheticsmilefrozeonherfaceasSuperintendentBattlesaidbluntly:
“Injusticetomydaughter,Imustaskthatyoucallinyourlocalpoliceoverthis.”
“But,Mr.Battle,Sylviaherself—”
“Sylviahasnevertouchedathingthatdidn’tbelongtoherinthisplace.”
“Iquiteunderstandthat,asafather—”
“I’mnottalkingasafather,butasapoliceman.Getthepolicetogiveyouahandoverthis.They’llbediscreet.You’llfindthethingshiddenawaysomewhereandtherightsetoffingerprintsonthem,Iexpect.Pettypilferersdon’tthinkofwearinggloves.I’mtakingmydaughterawaywithmenow.Ifthepolicefindevidence—realevidence—toconnectherwiththethefts,I’mpreparedforhertoappearincourtandtakewhat’scomingtoher,butI’mnotafraid.”
AshedroveoutofthegatewithSylviabesidehimsomefiveminuteslater,heasked:
“Who’sthegirlwithfairhair,ratherfuzzy,verypinkcheeksandaspotonherchin,blueeyesfarapart?Ipassedherinthepassage.”
“ThatsoundslikeOliveParsons.”
“Ah,well,Ishouldn’tbesurprisedifsheweretheone.”
“Didshelookfrightened?”
“No,lookedsmug!CalmsmuglookI’veseeninthepolicecourthundredsoftimes!I’dbetgoodmoneyshe’sthethief—butyouwon’tfindherconfessing—notmuch!”
Sylviasaidwithasigh:
“It’slikecomingoutofabaddream.OhDaddy,Iamsorry!Oh,Iamsorry!HowcouldIbesuchafool,suchanutterfool?Idofeelawfulaboutit.”
“Ah,well,”saidSuperintendentBattle,pattingheronthearmwithahandhedisengagedfromthewheel,andutteringoneofhispetformsoftriteconsolation.“Don’tyouworry.Thesethingsaresenttotryus.Yes,thesethingsaresenttotryus.Atleast,Isupposeso.Idon’tseewhatelsetheycanbesentfor….”
April19th
ThesunwaspouringdownonNevileStrange’shouseatHindhead.
ItwasanAprildaysuchasusuallyoccursatleastonceinamonth,hotterthanmostoftheJunedaystofollow.
NevileStrangewascomingdownthestairs.Hewasdressedinwhiteflannelsandheldfourtennisracquetsunderhisarm.
IfamancouldhavebeenselectedfromamongstotherEnglishmenasanexampleofaluckymanwithnothingtowishfor,aSelectionCommitteemighthavechosenNevileStrange.HewasamanwellknowntotheBritishpublic,afirst-classtennisplayerandall-roundsportsman.ThoughhehadneverreachedthefinalsatWimbledon,hehadlastedseveraloftheopeningroundsandinthemixeddoubleshadtwicereachedthesemifinals.Hewas,perhaps,toomuchofanall-roundathletetobeaChampiontennisplayer.Hewasscratchatgolf,afineswimmerandhaddonesomegoodclimbsintheAlps.Hewasthirty-three,hadmagnificenthealth,goodlooks,plentyofmoney,anextremelybeautifulwifewhomhehadrecentlymarriedand,toallappearances,nocaresorworries.
NeverthelessasNevileStrangewentdownstairsthisfinemorningashadowwentwithhim.Ashadowperceptible,perhaps,tonoeyesbuthis.Buthewasawareofit,thethoughtofitfurrowedhisbrowandmadehisexpressiontroubledandindecisive.
Hecrossedthehall,squaredhisshouldersasthoughdefinitelythrowingoffsomeburden,passedthroughthelivingroomandoutontoaglass-enclosedverandawherehiswife,Kay,wascurledupamongstcushionsdrinkingorangejuice.
KayStrangewastwenty-threeandunusuallybeautiful.Shehadaslenderbutsubtlyvoluptuousfigure,darkredhair,suchaperfectskinthatsheusedonlytheslightestmakeuptoenhanceit,andthosedarkeyesandbrowswhichsoseldomgowithredhairandwhicharesodevastatingwhentheydo.
Herhusbandsaidlightly:
“Hullo,Gorgeous,what’sforbreakfast?”
Kayreplied:“Horriblybloody-lookingkidneysforyou—andmushrooms—androllsofbacon.”
“Soundsallright,”saidNevile.
Hehelpedhimselftotheaforementionedviandsandpouredoutacupofcoffee.Therewasacompanionablesilenceforsomeminutes.
“Oo,”saidKayvoluptuously,wrigglingbaretoeswithscarletmanicurednails.“Isn’tthesunlovely?England’snotsobadafterall.”
TheyhadjustcomebackfromtheSouthofFrance.
Nevile,afterabareglanceatthenewspaperhealines,hadturnedtotheSportspageandmerelysaid“Um….”
Then,proceedingtotoastandmarmalade,heputthepaperasideandopenedhisletters.
Therewereagoodmanyofthese,butmostofthemhetoreacrossandchuckedaway.Circulars,advertisements,printedmatter.
Kaysaid:“Idon’tlikemycolourschemeinthelivingroom.CanIhaveitdoneover,Nevile?”
“Anythingyoulike,beautiful.”
“Peacockblue,”saidKaydreamily,“andivorysatincushions.”
“You’llhavetothrowinanape,”saidNevile.
“Youcanbetheape,”saidKay.
Nevileopenedanotherletter.
“Oh,bytheway,”saidKay.“ShirtyhasaskedustogotoNorwayontheyachtattheendofJune.Rathersickeningwecan’t.”
ShelookedcautiouslysidewaysatNevileandaddedwistfully:“Iwouldloveitso.”
Something,somecloud,someuncertainty,seemedhoveringonNevile’sface.
Kaysaidrebelliously:
“HavewegottogotodrearyoldCamilla’s?”
Nevilefrowned.
“Ofcoursewehave.Lookhere,Kay,we’vehadthisoutbefore.SirMatthewwasmyguardian.HeandCamillalookedafterme.Gull’sPointismyhome,asfarasanyplaceishometome.”
“Ohallright,allright,”saidKay.“Ifwemust,wemust.Afterall,wegetallthatmoneywhenshedies,soIsupposewehavetosuckupabit.”
Nevilesaidangrily:
“It’snotaquestionofsuckingup!She’snocontroloverthemoney.SirMatthewleftitintrustforherduringherlifetimeandtocometomeandmywifeafterwards.It’saquestionofaffection.Whycan’tyouunderstandthat?”
Kaysaid,afteramoment’spause:
“Idounderstandreally.I’mjustputtingonanactbecause—wellbecauseIknowI’monlyallowedthereonsufferanceasitwere.Theyhateme!Yes,theydo!LadyTressilianlooksdownthatlongnoseofhersatmeandMaryAldinlooksovermyshoulderwhenshetalkstome.It’sallverywellforyou.Youdon’tseewhatgoeson.”
“Theyalwaysseemtobeverypolitetoyou.YouknowquitewellIwouldn’tstandforitiftheyweren’t.”
Kaygavehimacuriouslookfromunderherdarklashes.
“They’repoliteenough.Buttheyknowhowtogetundermyskinallright.I’mtheinterloper,that’swhattheyfeel.”
“Well,”saidNevile,“afterall,Isuppose—that’snaturalenough,isn’tit?”
Hisvoicehadchangedslightly.HegotupandstoodlookingoutattheviewwithhisbacktoKay.
“Ohyes,Idaresay,it’snatural.TheyweredevotedtoAudrey,weren’tthey?”Hervoiceshookalittle.“Dear,well-bred,cool,colourlessAudrey!Camilla’snotforgivenmefortakingherplace.”
Neviledidnotturn.Hisvoicewaslifeless,dull.Hesaid:“Afterall,Camilla’sold—pastseventy.Hergenerationdoesn’treallylikedivorce,youknow.OnthewholeIthinkshe’sacceptedthepositionverywellconsideringhowfondshewasof—ofAudrey.”
Hisvoicechangedjustalittleashespokethename.
“Theythinkyoutreatedherbadly.”
“SoIdid,”saidNevileunderhisbreath,buthiswifeheard.
“OhNevile—don’tbesostupid.Justbecauseshechosetomakesuchafrightfulfuss.”
“Shedidn’tmakeafuss.Audreynevermadefusses.”
“Well,youknowwhatImean.Becauseshewentawayandwasill,andwentabouteverywherelookingbrokenhearted.That’swhatIcallafuss!Audrey’snotwhatIcallagoodloser.Frommypointofviewifawifecan’tholdherhusbandsheoughttogivehimupgracefully!Youtwohadnothingincommon.Sheneverplayedagameandwasasanaemicandwashedupas—asadishrag.Nolifeorgoinher!Ifshereallycaredaboutyou,sheoughttohavethoughtaboutyourhappinessfirstandbeengladyouweregoingtobehappywithsomeonemoresuitedtoyou.”
Nevileturned.Afaintlysardonicsmileplayedaroundhislips.
“Whatalittlesportsman!Howtoplaythegameinloveandmatrimony!”
Kaylaughedandreddened.
“Well,perhapsIwasgoingabittoofar.Butatanyrateoncethethinghadhappened,thereitwas.You’vegottoacceptthesethings!”
Nevilesaidquietly:
“Audreyacceptedit.ShedivorcedmesothatyouandIcouldmarry.”
“Yes,Iknow—”Kayhesitated.
Nevilesaid:“You’veneverunderstoodAudrey.”
“No,Ihaven’t.Inaway,Audreygivesmethecreeps.Idon’tknowwhatitisabouther.Youneverknowwhatshe’sthinking…She’s—she’salittlefrightening.”
“Oh,nonsense,Kay.”
“Well,shefrightensme.Perhapsit’sbecauseshe’sgotbrains.”
“Mylovelynitwit!”
Kaylaughed.
“Youalwayscallmethat!”
“Becauseit’swhatyouare!”
Theysmiledateachother.Nevilecameovertoherand,bendingdown,kissedthebackofherneck.
“Lovely,lovelyKay,”hemurmured.
“VerygoodKay,”saidKay.“Givingupalovelyyachtingtriptogoandbesnubbedbyherhusband’sprimVictorianrelations.”
Nevilewentbackandsatdownbythetable.
“Youknow,”hesaid.“Idon’tseewhyweshouldn’tgoonthattripwithShirtyifyoureallywanttosomuch.”
Kaysatupinastonishment.
“AndwhataboutSaltcreekandGull’sPoint?”
Nevilesaidinaratherunnaturalvoice:
“Idon’tseewhyweshouldn’tgothereearlyinSeptember.”
“Oh,butNevile,surely—”Shestopped.
“Wecan’tgoinJulyandAugustbecauseoftheTournaments,”saidNevile.“Butwe’dfinishupatSt.LoothelastweekinAugust,anditwouldfitinverywellifwewentontoSaltcreekfromthere.”
“Oh,itwouldfitinallright—beautifully.ButIthought—well,shealwaysgoesthereforSeptember,doesn’tshe?”
“Audrey,youmean?”
“Yes.Isupposetheycouldputheroff,but—”
“Whyshouldtheyputheroff?”
Kaystaredathimdubiously.
“Youmean,we’dbethereatthesametime?Whatanextraordinaryidea.”
Nevilesaidirritably:
“Idon’tthinkit’satallanextraordinaryidea.Lotsofpeopledoitnowadays.Whyshouldn’tweallbefriendstogether?Itmakesthingssomuchsimpler.Why,yousaidsoyourselfonlytheotherday.”
“Idid?”
“Yes,don’tyouremember?WeweretalkingabouttheHowes,andyousaiditwasthesensiblecivilizedwaytolookatthings,andthatLeonard’snewwifeandhisExwerethebestoffriends.”
“Oh,Iwouldn’tmind.Idothinkit’ssensible.But—well,Idon’tthinkAudreywouldfeellikethataboutit.”
“Nonsense.”
“Itisn’tnonsense.Youknow,Nevile,Audreyreallywasterriblyfondofyou…Idon’tthinkshe’dstanditforamoment.”
“You’requitewrong,Kay.Audreythinksitwouldbequiteagoodthing.”
“Audrey—whatdoyoumean,Audreythinks?HowdoyouknowwhatAudreythinks?”
Nevilelookedslightlyembarrassed.Heclearedhisthroatalittleself-consciously.
“Asamatteroffact,IhappenedtorunintoheryesterdaywhenIwasupinLondon.”
“Younevertoldme.”
Nevilesaidirritably:
“I’mtellingyounow.Itwasabsolutechance.IwaswalkingacrosstheParkandthereshewascomingtowardsme.Youwouldn’twantmetorunawayfromher,wouldyou?”
“No,ofcoursenot,”saidKay,staring.“Goon.”
“I—we—well,westopped,ofcourse,andthenIturnedroundandwalkedwithher.I—IfeltitwastheleastIcoulddo.”
“Goon,”saidKay.
“Andthenwesatdownonacoupleofchairsandtalked.Shewasverynice—veryniceindeed.”
“Delightfulforyou,”saidKay.
“Andwegottalking,youknow,aboutonethingandanother.Shewasquitenaturalandnormaland—andallthat.”
“Remarkable!”saidKay.
“Andsheaskedhowyouwere—”
“Verykindofher!”
“Andwetalkedaboutyouforabit.Really,Kay,shecouldn’thavebeennicer.”
“DarlingAudrey!”
“Andthenitsortofcametome—youknow—howniceitwouldbeif—ifyoutwocouldbefriends—ifwecouldallgettogether.AnditoccurredtomethatperhapswemightmanageitatGull’sPointthissummer.Sortofplaceitcouldhappenquitenaturally.”
“Youthoughtofthat?”
“I—well—yes,ofcourse.Itwasallmyidea.”
“You’veneversaidanythingtomeabouthavinganysuchidea.”
“Well,Ionlyhappenedtothinkofitjustthen.”
“Isee.Anyway,yousuggesteditandAudreythoughtitwasamarvellousbrainwave?”
Forthefirsttime,somethinginKay’smannerseemedtopenetratetoNevile’sconsciousness.
Hesaid:
“Isanythingthematter,gorgeous?”
“Ohno,nothing!Nothingatall!Itdidn’toccurtoyouorAudreywhetherIshouldthinkitamarvellousidea?”
Nevilestaredather.
“But,Kay,whyonearthshouldyoumind?”
Kaybitherlip.
Nevilewenton:
“Yousaidyourselfonlytheotherday—”
“Oh,don’tgointoallthatagain!Iwastalkingaboutotherpeople—notus.”
“Butthat’spartlywhatmademethinkofit.”
“Morefoolme.NotthatIbelievethat.”
Nevilewaslookingatherwithdismay.
“But,Kay,whyshouldyoumind?Imean,there’snothingforyoutomindabout!”
“Isn’tthere?”
“Well,Imean—anyjealousyorthat—wouldbeontheotherside.”Hepaused,hisvoicechanged.“Yousee,Kay,youandItreatedAudreydamnedbadly.No,Idon’tmeanthat.Itwasnothingtodowithyou.Itreatedherverybadly.It’snogoodjustsayingthatIcouldn’thelpmyself.IfeelthatifthiscouldcomeoffI’dfeelbetteraboutthewholething.Itwouldmakemealothappier.”
Kaysaidslowly:“Soyouhaven’tbeenhappy?”
“Darlingidiot,whatdoyoumean?OfcourseI’vebeenhappy,radiantlyhappy.But—”
Kaycutin.
“But—that’sit!There’salwaysbeena‘but’inthishouse.Somedamnedcreepingshadowabouttheplace.Audrey’sshadow.”
Nevilestaredather.
“Youmeantosayyou’rejealousofAudrey?”heasked.
“I’mnotjealousofher.I’mafraidofher…Nevile,youdon’tknowwhatAudrey’slike.”
“Notknowwhatshe’slikewhenI’vebeenmarriedtoherforovereightyears?”
“Youdon’tknow,”Kayrepeated,“whatAudreyislike.”
April30th
“Preposterous!”saidLadyTressilian.Shedrewherselfuponherpillowandglaredfiercelyroundtheroom.“Absolutelypreposterous!Nevilemustbemad.”
“Itdoesseemratherodd,”saidMaryAldin.
LadyTressilianhadastriking-lookingprofilewithaslenderbridgednosedownwhich,whensoinclined,shecouldlookwithtellingeffect.Thoughnowoverseventyandinfrailhealth,hernativevigourofmindwasinnowayimpaired.Shehad,itistrue,longperiodsofretreatfromlifeanditsemotionswhenshewouldliewithhalf-closedeyes,butfromthesesemi-comasshewouldemergewithallherfacultiessharpenedtotheuttermost,andwithanincisivetongue.Proppedupbypillowsinalargebedsetacrossonecornerofherroom,sheheldhercourtlikesomeFrenchQueen.MaryAldin,adistantcousin,livedwithherandlookedafterher.Thetwowomengotontogetherexcellently.Marywasthirty-six,buthadoneofthosesmoothagelessfacesthatchangelittlewithpassingyears.Shemighthavebeenthirtyorforty-five.Shehadagoodfigure,anairofbreeding,anddarkhairtowhichonelockofwhiteacrossthefrontgaveatouchofindividuality.Itwasatonetimeafashion,butMary’swhitelockofhairwasnaturalandshehadhaditsincehergirlhood.
ShelookeddownnowreflectivelyatNevileStrange’sletterwhichLadyTressilianhadhandedtoher.
“Yes,”shesaid.“Itdoesseemratherodd.”
“Youcan’ttellme,”saidLadyTressilian,“thatthisisNevile’sownidea!Somebody’sputitintohishead.Probablythatnewwifeofhis.”
“Kay.YouthinkitwasKay’sidea?”
“Itwouldbequitelikeher.Newandvulgar!Ifhusbandsandwiveshavetoadvertisetheirdifficultiesinpublicandhaverecoursetodivorce,thentheymightatleastpartdecently.Thenewwifeandtheoldwifemakingfriendsisquitedisgustinginmymind.Nobodyhasanystandardsnowadays!”
“Isupposeitisjustthemodernway,”saidMary.
“Itwon’thappeninmyhouse,”saidLadyTressilian.“IconsiderI’vedoneallthatcouldbeaskedofmehavingthatscarlet-toedcreaturehereatall.”
“SheisNevile’swife.”
“Exactly.ThereforeIfeltthatMatthewwouldhavewishedit.Hewasdevotedtotheboyandalwayswantedhimtolookonthisashishome.Sincetorefusetoreceivehiswifewouldhavemadeanopenbreach,Igavewayandaskedherhere.Idonotlikeher—she’squitethewrongwifeforNevile—nobackground,noroots!”
“She’squitewellborn,”saidMaryplacatingly.
“Badstock!”saidLadyTressilian.“Herfather,asI’vetoldyou,hadtoresignfromallhisclubsafterthatcardbusiness.Luckilyhediedshortlyafter.AndhermotherwasnotoriousontheRiviera.Whatabringingupforthegirl.NothingbutHotellife—andthatmother!ThenshemeetsNevileonthetenniscourts,makesadeadsetathimandneverrestsuntilshegetshimtoleavehiswife—ofwhomhewasextremelyfond—andgooffwithher!Iblameherentirelyforthewholething!”
Marysmiledfaintly.LadyTressilianhadtheold-fashionedcharacteristicofalwaysblamingthewomanandbeingindulgenttowardsthemaninthecase.
“Isuppose,strictlyspeaking,Nevilewasequallytoblame,”shesuggested.
“Nevilewasverymuchtoblame,”agreedLadyTressilian.“Hehadacharmingwifewhohadalwaysbeendevoted—perhapstoodevoted—tohim.Nevertheless,ifithadn’tbeenforthatgirl’spersistence,Iamconvincedhewouldhavecometohissenses.Butshewasdeterminedtomarryhim!Yes,mysympathiesareentirelywithAudrey.IamveryfondofAudrey.”
Marysighed.“Ithasallbeenverydifficult,”shesaid.
“Yes,indeed.Oneisatalosstoknowhowtoactinsuchdifficultcircumstances.MatthewwasfondofAudrey,andsoamI,andonecannotdenythatshewasaverygoodwifetoNevilethoughperhapsitisapitythatshecouldnothavesharedhisamusementsmore.Shewasneveranathleticgirl.Thewholebusinesswasverydistressing.WhenIwasagirl,thesethingssimplydidnothappen.Menhadtheiraffairs,naturally,buttheywerenotallowedtobreakupmarriedlife.”
“Well,theyhappennow,”saidMarybluntly.
“Exactly.Youhavesomuchcommonsense,dear.Itisofnouserecallingbygonedays.Thesethingshappen,andgirlslikeKayMortimerstealotherwomen’shusbandsandnobodythinkstheworseofthem!”
“Exceptpeoplelikeyou,Camilla!”
“Idon’tcount.ThatKaycreaturedoesn’tworrywhetherIapproveofherornot.She’stoobusyhavingagoodtime.NevilecanbringherherewhenhecomesandI’mevenwillingtoreceiveherfriends—thoughIdonotmuchcareforthatverytheatrical-lookingyoungmanwhoisalwayshangingroundher—whatishisname?”
“TedLatimer?”
“Thatisit.AfriendofherRivieradays—andIshouldverymuchliketoknowhowhemanagestoliveashedoes.”
“Byhiswits,”suggestedMary.
“Onemightpardonthat.Iratherfancyhelivesbyhislooks.NotapleasantfriendforNevile’swife!IdislikedthewayhecamedownlastsummerandstayedattheEasterheadBayHotelwhiletheywerehere.”
Marylookedoutoftheopenwindow.LadyTressilian’shousewassituatedonasteepcliffoverlookingtheRiverTern.OntheothersideoftheriverwasthenewlycreatedsummerresortofEasterheadBay,consistingofabigsandybathingbeach,aclusterofmodernbungalowsandalargeHotelontheheadlandlookingouttosea.Saltcreekitselfwasastragglingpicturesquefishingvillagesetonthesideofahill.Itwasold-fashioned,conservativeanddeeplycontemptuousofEasterheadBayanditssummervisitors.
TheEasterheadBayHotelwasnearlyexactlyoppositeLadyTressilian’shouse,andMarylookedacrossthenarrowstripofwateratitnowwhereitstoodinitsblatantnewness.
“Iamglad,”saidLadyTressilian,closinghereyes,“thatMatthewneversawthatvulgarbuilding.Thecoastlinewasquiteun-spoiltinhistime.”
SirMatthewandLadyTressilianhadcometoGull’sPointthirtyyearsago.ItwasnineyearssinceSirMatthew,anenthusiasticsailingman,hadcapsizedhisdinghyandbeendrownedalmostinfrontofhiswife’seyes.
EverybodyhadexpectedhertosellGull’sPointandleaveSaltcreek,butLadyTressilianhadnotdoneso.Shehadlivedoninthehouse,andheronlyvisiblereactionhadbeentodisposeofalltheboatsanddoawaywiththeboathouse.TherewerenoboatsavailableforguestsatGull’sPoint.Theyhadtowalkalongtotheferryandhireaboatfromoneoftherivalboatmenthere.
Marysaid,hesitatingalittle:
“ShallIwrite,then,toNevileandtellhimthatwhatheproposesdoesnotfitinwithourplans?”
“IcertainlyshallnotdreamofinterferingwithAudrey’svisit.ShehasalwayscometousinSeptemberandIshallnotaskhertochangeherplans.”
Marysaid,lookingdownattheletter:
“YoudidseethatNevilesaysAudrey—er—approvesoftheidea—thatsheisquitewillingtomeetKay?”
“Isimplydon’tbelieveit,”saidLadyTressilian.“Nevile,likeallmen,believeswhathewantstobelieve!”
Marypersisted:
“Hesayshehasactuallyspokentoheraboutit.”
“Whataveryoddthingtodo!No—perhaps,afterall,itisn’t!”
Marylookedatherinquiringly.
“LikeHenrytheEighth,”saidLadyTressilian.
Marylookedpuzzled.
LadyTressilianelaboratedherlastremark.
“Conscience,youknow!HenrywasalwaystryingtogetCatherinetoagreethatthedivorcewastherightthing.Nevileknowsthathehasbehavedbadly—hewantstofeelcomfortableaboutitall.SohehasbeentryingtobullyAudreyintosayingeverythingisallrightandthatshe’llcomeandmeetKayandthatshedoesn’tmindatall.”
“Iwonder,”saidMaryslowly.
LadyTressilianlookedathersharply.
“What’sinyourmind,mydear?”
“Iwaswondering—”Shestopped,thenwenton:“It—itseemssounlikeNevile—thisletter!Youdon’tthinkthat,forsomereason,Audreywantsthis—thismeeting?”
“Whyshouldshe?”saidLadyTressiliansharply.“AfterNevilelefthershewenttoheraunt,Mrs.Royde,attheRectory,andhadacompletebreakdown.Shewasabsolutelylikeaghostofherformerself.Obviouslyithitherterriblyhard.She’soneofthosequietself-containedpeoplewhofeelthingsintensely.”
Marymoveduneasily.
“Yes,sheisintense.Aqueergirlinmanyways….”
“Shesufferedalot…ThenthedivorcewentthroughandNevilemarriedthegirl,andlittlebylittleAudreybegantogetoverit.Nowshe’salmostbacktoheroldself.Youcan’ttellmeshewantstorakeupoldmemoriesagain?”
Marysaidwithgentleobstinacy:“Nevilesaysshedoes.”
Theoldladylookedathercuriously.
“You’reextraordinarilyobstinateaboutthis,Mary.Why?Doyouwanttohavethemheretogether?”
MaryAldinflushed.“No,ofcoursenot.”
LadyTressiliansaidsharply:
“It’snotyouwhohavebeensuggestingallthistoNevile?”
“Howcanyoubesoabsurd?”
“Well,Idon’tbelieveforaminuteit’sreallyhisidea.It’snotlikeNevile.”Shepausedaminute,thenherfacecleared.“It’sthe1stofMaytomorrow,isn’tit?Well,onthe3rdAudreyiscomingtostaywiththeDarlingtonsatEsbank.It’sonlytwentymilesaway.Writeandaskhertocomeoverandlunchhere.”
May5th
“Mrs.Strange,m’lady.”
AudreyStrangecameintothebigbedroom,crossedtheroomtothebigbed,stoopeddownandkissedtheoldladyandsatdowninthechairplacedreadyforher.
“Nicetoseeyou,mydear,”saidLadyTressilian.
“Andnicetoseeyou,”saidAudrey.
TherewasaqualityofintangibilityaboutAudreyStrange.Shewasofmediumheightwithverysmallhandsandfeet.Herhairwasash-blondeandtherewasverylittlecolourinherface.Hereyesweresetwideapartandwereaclearpalegrey.Herfeaturesweresmallandregular,astraightlittlenosesetinasmallovalpaleface.Withsuchcolouring,withafacethatwasprettybutnotbeautiful,shehadneverthelessaqualityaboutherthatcouldnotbedeniednorignoredandthatdrewyoureyestoheragainandagain.Shewasalittlelikeaghost,butyoufeltatthesametimethataghostmightbepossessedofmorerealitythanalivehumanbeing…
Shehadasingularlylovelyvoice;softandclearlikeasmallsilverbell.
Forsomeminutessheandtheoldladytalkedofmutualfriendsandcurrentevents.ThenLadyTressiliansaid:
“Besidesthepleasureofseeingyou,mydear,IaskedyoutocomebecauseI’vehadratheracuriousletterfromNevile.”
Audreylookedup.Hereyeswerewide,tranquilandcalm.Shesaid:
“Ohyes?”
“Hesuggests—apreposteroussuggestion,Icallit!—thatheand—andKayshouldcomehereinSeptember.HesayshewantsyouandKaytobefriendsandthatyouyourselfthinkitagoodidea?”
Shewaited.PresentlyAudreysaidinhergentleplacidvoice:
“Isit—sopreposterous?”
“Mydear—doyoureallywantthistohappen?”
Audreywassilentagainforaminuteortwo,thenshesaidgently:
“Ithink,youknow,itmightberatheragoodthing.”
“Youreallywanttomeetthis—youwanttomeetKay?”
“Idothink,Camilla,thatitmight—simplifythings.”
“Simplifythings!”LadyTressilianrepeatedthewordshelplessly.
Audreyspokeverysoftly.
“DearCamilla.Youhavebeensogood.IfNevilewantsthis—”
“AfigforwhatNevilewants!”saidLadyTressilianrobustly.“Doyouwantit,that’sthequestion?”
AlittlecolourcameinAudrey’scheeks.Itwasthesoftdelicateglowofaseashell.
“Yes,”shesaid.“Idowantit.”
“Well,”saidLadyTressilian.“Well—”
Shestopped.
“But,ofcourse,”saidAudrey.“Itisentirelyyourchoice.Itisyourhouseand—”
LadyTressilianshuthereyes.
“I’manoldwoman,”shesaid.“Nothingmakessenseanymore.”
“Butofcourse—I’llcomesomeothertime.Anytimewillsuitme.”
“You’llcomeinSeptemberasyoualwaysdo,”snappedLadyTressilian.“AndNevileandKayshallcometoo.ImaybeoldbutIcanadaptmyself,Isuppose,aswellasanyoneelse,tothechangingphasesofmodernlife.Notanotherword,that’ssettled.”
Sheclosedhereyesagain.Afteraminuteortwoshesaid,peeringthroughhalf-shutlidsattheyoungwomansittingbesideher:“Well,gotwhatyouwant?”
Audreystarted.
“Oh,yes,yes.Thankyou.”
“Mydear,”saidLadyTressilian,andhervoicewasdeepandconcerned,“areyousurethisisn’tgoingtohurtyou?YouwereveryfondofNevile,youknow.Thismayreopenoldwounds.”
Audreywaslookingdownathersmallglovedhands.Oneofthem,LadyTressiliannoticed,wasclenchedonthesideofthebed.
Audreyliftedherhead.Hereyeswerecalmanduntroubled.
Shesaid:
“Allthatisquiteovernow.Quiteover.”
LadyTressilianleanedmoreheavilybackonherpillows.“Well,youshouldknow.I’mtired—youmustleavemenow,dear.Maryiswaitingforyoudownstairs.TellthemtosendBarretttome.”
BarrettwasLadyTressilian’selderlyanddevotedmaid.
Shecameintofindhermistresslyingbackwithclosedeyes.
“ThesoonerI’moutofthisworldthebetter,Barrett,”saidLadyTressilian.“Idon’tunderstandanythingoranyoneinit.”
“Ah!don’tsaythat,mylady,you’retired.”
“Yes,I’mtired.Takethateiderdownoffmyfeetandgivemeadoseofmytonic.”
“It’sMrs.Strangecomingthat’supsetyou.Anicelady,butshecoulddowithatonic,I’dsay.Nothealthy.Alwayslooksasthoughshe’sseeingthingsotherpeopledon’tsee.Butshe’sgotalotofcharacter.Shemakesherselffelt,asyoumightsay.”
“That’sverytrue,Barrett,”saidLadyTressilian.“Yes,that’sverytrue.”
“Andshe’snotthekindyouforgeteasily,either.I’veoftenwonderedifMr.Nevilethinksabouthersometimes.ThenewMrs.Strangeisveryhandsome—veryhandsomeindeed—butMissAudreyisthekindyourememberwhensheisn’tthere.”
LadyTressiliansaidwithasuddenchuckle:
“Nevile’safooltowanttobringthosetwowomentogether.He’stheonewho’llbesorryforit!”
May29th
ThomasRoyde,pipeinmouth,wassurveyingtheprogressofhispackingwithwhichthedeft-fingeredMalayanNo.1boywasbusy.Occasionallyhisglanceshiftedtotheviewovertheplantations.Forsomesixmonthshewouldnotseethatviewwhichhadbeensofamiliarforthepastsevenyears.
ItwouldbequeertobeinEnglandagain.
AllenDrake,hispartner,lookedin.
“Hullo,Thomas,howgoesit?”
“Allsetnow.”
“Comeandhaveadrink,youluckydevil.I’mconsumedwithenvy.”
ThomasRoydemovedslowlyoutofthebedroomandjoinedhisfriend.Hedidnotspeak,forThomasRoydewasamansingularlyeconomicalofwords.Hisfriendshadlearnedtogaugehisreactionscorrectlyfromthequalityofhissilences
Aratherthicksetfigure,withastraightsolemnfaceandobservantthoughtfuleyes,hewalkedalittlesideways,crablike.This,theresultofbeingjammedinadoorduringanearthquake,hadcontributedtowardhisnicknameoftheHermitCrab.Ithadlefthisrightarmandshoulderpartiallyhelplesswhich,addedtoanartificialstiffnessofgait,oftenledpeopletothinkhewasfeelingshyandawkwardwheninrealityheseldomfeltanythingofthekind.
AllenDrakemixedthedrinks.
“Well,”hesaid.“Goodhunting!”
Roydesaidsomethingthatsoundedlike“Ahhum.”
Drakelookedathimcuriously.
“Phlegmaticasever,”heremarked.“Don’tknowhowyoumanageit.Howlongisitsinceyouwenthome?”
“Sevenyears—nearereight.”
“It’salongtime.Wonderyouhaven’tgonecompletelynative.”
“PerhapsIhave.”
“YoualwaysdidbelongtoOurDumbFriendsratherthantothehumanrace!Plannedoutyourleave?”
“Well—yes—partly.”
Thebronzeimpassivefacetookasuddenandadeeperbrickredtinge.
AllenDrakesaidwithlivelyastonishment:
“Ibelievethere’sagirl!Damnitall,youareblushing!”
ThomasRoydesaidratherhuskily:“Don’tbeafool!”
Andhedrewveryhardonhisancientpipe.
Hebrokeallpreviousrecordsbycontinuingtheconversationhimself.
“Daresay,”hesaid,“Ishallfindthingsabitchanged.”
AllenDrakesaidcuriously:
“I’vealwayswonderedwhyyouchuckedgoinghomelasttime.Rightatthelastminute,too.”
Roydeshruggedhisshoulders.
“Thoughtthatshootingtripmightbeinteresting.Badnewsfromhomeaboutthen.”
“Ofcourse.Iforgot.Yourbrotherwaskilled—inthatmotoringaccident.”
ThomasRoydenodded.
Drakereflectedthat,allthesame,itseemedacuriousreasonforputtingoffajourneyhome.Therewasamother—hebelievedasisteralso.Surelyatsuchatime—thenherememberedsomething.Thomashadcancelledhispassagebeforethenewsofhisbrother’sdeatharrived.
Allenlookedathisfriendcuriously.Darkhorse,oldThomas!
Afteralapseofthreeyearshecouldask:
“Youandyourbrothergreatpals?”
“AdrianandI?Notparticularly.Eachofusalwayswenthisownway.Hewasabarrister.”
“Yes,”thoughtDrake,“averydifferentlife.ChambersinLondon,parties—alivingearnedbytheshrewduseofthetongue.”HereflectedthatAdrianRoydemusthavebeenaverydifferentchapfromoldSilentThomas.
“Yourmother’salive,isn’tshe?”
“Themater?Yes.”
“Andyou’vegotasister,too.”
Thomasshookhishead.
“Oh,Ithoughtyouhad.Inthatsnapshot—”
Roydemumbled,“Notasister.Sortofdistantcousinorsomething.Broughtupwithusbecauseshewasanorphan.”
Oncemoreaslowtideofcoloursuffusedthebronzedskin.
Drakethought,“Hullo—o—?”
Hesaid:“Isshemarried?”
“Shewas.MarriedthatfellowNevileStrange.”
“Fellowwhoplaystennisandracquetsandallthat?”
“Yes.Shedivorcedhim.”
“Andyou’regoinghometotryyourluckwithher,”thoughtDrake.
Mercifullyhechangedthesubjectoftheconversation.
“Goingtogetanyfishingorshooting?”
“Shallgohomefirst.ThenIthoughtofdoingabitofsailingdownatSaltcreek.”
“Iknowit.Attractivelittleplace.Ratheradecentold-fashionedHotelthere.”
“Yes.TheBalmoralCourt.Maystaythere,ormayputupwithfriendswho’vegotahousethere.”
“Soundsallrighttome.”
“Ahhum.Nicepeacefulplace,Saltcreek.Nobodytohustleyou.”
“Iknow,”saidDrake.“Thekindofplacewherenothingeverhappens.”
May29th
“Itisreallymostannoying,”saidoldMr.Treves.“Fortwenty-fiveyearsnowIhavebeentotheMarineHotelatLeahead—andnow,wouldyoubelieveit,thewholeplaceisbeingpulleddown.Wideningthefrontorsomenonsenseofthatkind.Whytheycan’tlettheseseasideplacesalone—Leaheadalwayshadapeculiarcharmofitsown—Regency—pureRegency.”
RufusLordsaidconsolingly:
“Still,thereareotherplacestostaythere,Isuppose?”
“Ireallydon’tfeelIcangotoLeaheadatall.AttheMarine,Mrs.Mackayunderstoodmyrequirementsperfectly.Ihadthesameroomseveryyear—andtherewashardlyeverachangeintheservice.Andthecookingwasexcellent—quiteexcellent.”
“WhatabouttryingSaltcreek?There’sratheraniceold-fashionedHotelthere.TheBalmoralCourt.Tellyouwhokeepsit.CoupleofthenameofRogers.SheusedtobecooktooldLordMounthead—hehadthebestdinnersinLondon.Shemarriedthebutlerandtheyrunthishotelnow.Itsoundstomejustyourkindofplace.Quiet—noneofthesejazzbands—andfirst-classcookingandservice.”
“It’sanidea—it’scertainlyanidea.Isthereashelteredterrace?”
“Yes—acovered-inverandaandaterracebeyond.Youcangetsunorshadeasyouprefer.Icangiveyousomeintroductionsintheneighbourhood,too,ifyoulike.There’soldLadyTressilian—shelivesalmostnextdoor.Acharminghouseandsheherselfisadelightfulwomaninspiteofbeingverymuchofaninvalid.”
“Thejudge’swidow,doyoumean?”
“That’sit.”
“IusedtoknowMatthewTressilian,andIthinkI’vemether.Acharmingwoman—though,ofcourse,that’salongtimeago.SaltcreekisnearSt.Loo,isn’tit?I’veseveralfriendsinthatpartoftheworld.Doyouknow,IreallythinkSaltcreekisaverygoodidea.Ishallwriteandgetparticulars.ThemiddleofAugustiswhenIwishtogothere—themiddleofAugusttothemiddleofSeptember.Thereisagarageforthecar,Isuppose?Andmychauffeur?”
“Ohyes.It’sthoroughlyup-to-date.”
“Because,asyouknow,Ihavetobecarefulaboutwalkinguphill.Ishouldpreferroomsonthegroundfloor,thoughIsupposethereisalift.”
“Ohyes,allthatsortofthing.”
“Itsounds,”saidMr.Treves,“asthoughitwouldsolvemyproblemperfectly.AndIshouldenjoyrenewingmyacquaintancewithLadyTressilian.”
July28th
KayStrange,dressedinshorts,andacanary-colouredwoolly,wasleaningforwardwatchingthetennisplayers.ItwasthesemifinaloftheSt.Lootournament,men’ssingles,andNevilewasplayingyoungMerrick,whowasregardedasthecomingstarinthetennisfirmament.Hisbrilliancewasundeniable—someofhisservesquiteunreturnable—butheoccasionallystruckawildpatchwhentheolderman’sexperienceandcourtcraftswontheday.
Thescorewasthreeallinthefinalset.
SlippingontoaseatnexttoKay,TedLatimerobservedinalazyironicvoice:
“Devotedwifewatchesherhusbandslashhiswaytovictory!”
Kaystarted.
“Howyoustartledme.Ididn’tknowyouwerethere.”
“Iamalwaysthere.Youshouldknowthatbythistime.”
TedLatimerwastwenty-fiveandextremelygood-looking—eventhoughunsympatheticoldcolonelswerewonttosayofhim:
“TouchoftheDago!”
Hewasdarkandbeautifullysunburntandawonderfuldancer.
Hisdarkeyescouldbeveryeloquent,andhemanagedhisvoicewiththeassuranceofanactor.Kayhadknownhimsinceshewasfifteen.TheyhadoiledandsunnedthemselvesatJuanlesPins,haddancedtogetherandplayedtennistogether.Theyhadbeennotonlyfriendsbutallies.
YoungMerrickwasservingfromtheleft-handcourt.Nevile’sreturnwasunplayable,asuperbshottotheextremecorner.
“Nevile’sbackhandisgood,”saidTed.“It’sbetterthanhisforehand.Merrick’sweakonthebackhandandNevileknowsit.He’sgoingtopoundatitallheknowshow.”
Thegameended.“Fourthree—Strangeleads.”
Hetookthenextgameonhisservice.YoungMerrickwashittingoutwildly.
“Fivethree.”
“GoodforNevile,”saidLatimer.
Andthentheboypulledhimselftogether.Hisplaybecamecautious.Hevariedthepaceofhisshots.
“He’sgotaheadonhim,”saidTed.“Andhisfootworkisfirst-class.It’sgoingtobeafight.”
Slowlytheboypulleduptofiveall.Theywenttosevenall,andMerrickfinallywonthematchatnineseven.
Nevilecameuptothenet,grinningandshakinghisheadruefully,toshakehands.
“Youthtells,”saidTedLatimer.“Nineteenagainstthirty-three.ButIcantellyouthereason,Kay,whyNevilehasneverbeenactualchampionshipclass.He’stoogoodaloser.”
“Nonsense.”
“Itisn’t.Nevile,blasthim,isalwaysthecompletegoodsportsman.I’veneverseenhimlosehistemperoverlosingamatch.”
“Ofcoursenot,”saidKay.“Peopledon’t.”
“Ohyes,theydo!We’veallseenthem.Tennisstarswhogivewaytonerves—andwhodamn’wellsnatcheveryadvantage.ButoldNevile—he’salwaysreadytotakethecountandgrin.Letthebestmanwinandallthat.God,howIhatethepublicschoolspirit!ThankthelordIneverwenttoone.”
Kayturnedherhead.
“Beingratherspiteful,aren’tyou?”
“Positivelyfeline!”
“Iwishyouwouldn’tmakeitsoclearyoudon’tlikeNevile.”
“WhyshouldIlikehim?Hepinchedmygirl.”
Hiseyeslingeredonher.
“Iwasn’tyourgirl.Circumstancesforbade.”
“Quiteso.Noteventheproverbialtuppenceayearbetweenus.”
“Shutup.IfellinlovewithNevileandmarriedhim—”
“Andhe’sajollygoodfellow—andsosayallofus!”
“Areyoutryingtoannoyme?”
Sheturnedherheadassheaskedthequestion.Hesmiled—andpresentlyshereturnedhissmile.
“How’sthesummergoing,Kay?”
“So,so.Lovelyyachtingtrip.I’mrathertiredofallthistennisbusiness.”
“Howlonghaveyougotofit?Anothermonth?”
“Yes.TheninSeptemberwegotoGull’sPointforafortnight.”
“IshallbeattheEasterheadBayHotel,”saidTed.“I’vebookedmyroom.”
“It’sgoingtobealovelyparty!”saidKay.“NevileandI,andNevile’sEx,andsomeMalayanplanterwho’shomeonleave.”
“Thatdoessoundhilarious!”
“Andthedowdycousin,ofcourse.Slavingawayroundthatunpleasantoldwoman—andshewon’tgetanythingforit,either,sincethemoneycomestomeandNevile.”
“Perhaps,”saidTed,“shedoesn’tknowthat?”
“Thatwouldberatherfunny,”saidKay.
Butshespokeabsently.Shestareddownattheracquetshewastwiddlinginherhands.Shecaughtherbreathsuddenly
“OhTed!”
“What’sthematter,sugar?”
“Idon’tknow.It’sjustsometimesIget—Igetcoldfeet!Igetscaredandfeelqueer.”
“Thatdoesn’tsoundlikeyou,Kay.”
“Itdoesn’t,doesit?Anyway,”shesmiledratheruncertainly,“you’llbeattheEasterheadBayHotel.”
“Allaccordingtoplan.”
WhenKaymetNevileoutsidethechangingrooms,hesaid:
“Iseetheboyfriend’sarrived.”
“Ted?”
“Yes,thefaithfuldog—orfaithfullizardmightbemoreapt.”
“Youdon’tlikehim,doyou?”
“Oh,Idon’tmindhim.Ifitamusesyoutopullhimaroundonastring—”
Heshruggedhisshoulders.
Kaysaid:
“Ibelieveyou’rejealous.”
“OfLatimer?”Hissurprisewasgenuine.
Kaysaid:
“Ted’ssupposedtobeveryattractive.”
“I’msureheis.HehasthatlitheSouthAmericancharm.”
“Youarejealous.”
Nevilegaveherarmafriendlysqueeze.
“No,I’mnot,Gorgeous.Youcanhaveyourtameadorers—awholecourtofthemifyoulike.I’mthemaninpossession,andpossessionisninepointsofthelaw.”
“You’reverysureofyourself,”saidKaywithaslightpout.
“Ofcourse.YouandIareFate.Fateletusmeet.Fatebroughtustogether.DoyourememberwhenwemetatCannesandIwasgoingontoEstorilandsuddenly,whenIgotthere,thefirstpersonImetwaslovelyKay!IknewthenthatitwasFate—andthatIcouldn’tescape.”
“Itwasn’texactlyFate,”Kaysaid.“Itwasme!”
“Whatdoyoumeanby‘itwasme?’”
“Becauseitwas!Yousee,IheardyousayatCannesyouweregoingtoEstoril,soIsettoworkonMumsandgotherallworkedup—andthat’swhythefirstpersonyousawwhenyougottherewasKay.”
Nevilelookedatherwitharathercuriousexpression.Hesaidslowly:“Younevertoldmethatbefore.”
“No,becauseitwouldn’thavebeengoodforyou.Itmighthavemadeyouconceited!ButIalwayshavebeengoodatplanning.Thingsdon’thappenunlessyoumakethem!Youcallmeanitwitsometimes—butinmyownwayI’mquiteclever.Imakethingshappen.SometimesIhavetoplanalongwaybeforehand.”
“Thebrainworkmustbeintense.”
“It’sallverywelltolaugh.”
Nevilesaidwithasuddencuriousbitterness:
“AmIjustbeginningtounderstandthewomanI’vemarried?ForFate—readKay!”
Kaysaid:
“You’renotcross,areyou,Nevile?”
Hesaidratherabsently:
“No—no,ofcoursenot.Iwasjust—thinking….”
August10th
LordCornelly,thatrichandeccentricpeer,wassittingatthemonumentaldeskwhichwashisespecialprideandpleasure.Ithadbeendesignedforhimatimmenseexpenseandthewholefurnishingoftheroomwassubordinatedtoit.TheeffectwasterrificandonlyslightlymarredbytheunavoidableadditionofLordCornellyhimself,aninsignificantandrotundlittlemancompletelydwarfedbythedesk’smagnificence.
IntothissceneofCitysplendourthereenteredablondesecretary,alsoinharmonywiththeluxuryfurnishings.
Glidingsilentlyacrossthefloor,shelaidaslipofpaperbeforethegreatman.
LordCornellypeereddownatit.
“MacWhirter?MacWhirter?Who’she?Neverheardofhim.Hashegotanappointment?”
Theblondesecretaryindicatedthatsuchwasthecase.
“MacWhirter,eh?Oh!MacWhirter!Thatfellow!Ofcourse!Sendhimin.Sendhiminatonce.”
LordCornellychuckledgleefully.Hewasinhighgood-humour.
Throwinghimselfbackinhischair,hestaredupintothedourunsmilingfaceofthemanhehadsummonedtoaninterview.
“You’reMacWhirter,eh?AngusMacWhirter?”
“That’smyname.”
MacWhirterspokestiffly,standingerectandunsmiling.
“YouwerewithHerbertClay?That’sright,isn’tit?”
“Yes.”
LordCornellybegantochuckleagain.
“Iknowallaboutyou.Claygothisdrivinglicenceendorsed,allbecauseyouwouldn’tbackhimupandswearhewasgoingattwentymilesanhour!Lividaboutithewas!”Thechuckleincreased.“ToldusallaboutitintheSavoyGrill.‘Thatdamnedpig-headedScot!’That’swhathesaid!Wentonandon.D’youknowwhatIwasthinking?”
“I’venottheleastidea.”
MacWhirter’stonewasrepressive.LordCornellytooknonotice.Hewasenjoyinghisremembranceofhisownreactions
“Ithoughttomyself:‘That’sthekindofchapIcoulddowith!Manwhocan’tbebribedtotelllies.’Youwon’thavetotellliesforme.Idon’tdomybusinessthatway.Igoabouttheworldlookingforhonestmen—andtherearedamnedfewofthem!”
Thelittlepeercackledwithshrilllaughter,hisshrewdmonkeylikefacewrinkledwithmirth.MacWhirterstoodsolidly,notamused.
LordCornellystoppedlaughing.Hisfacebecameshrewd,alert.
“IfyouwantajobMacWhirter,I’vegotoneforyou.”
“Icoulddowithajob,”saidMacWhirter.
“It’sanimportantjob.It’sajobthatcanonlybegiventoamanwithgoodqualifications—you’vegotthoseallright—I’vebeenintothat—andtoamanwhocanbetrusted—absolutely.”
LordCornellywaited.MacWhirterdidnotspeak.
“Well,man,canIdependuponyouabsolutely?”
MacWhirtersaiddryly:
“You’llnotknowthatfromhearingmeanswerthatofcourseyoucan.”
LordCornellylaughed.
“You’lldo.You’rethemanI’vebeenlookingfor.DoyouknowSouthAmericaatall?”
Hewentintodetails.HalfanhourlaterMacWhirterstoodonthepavement,amanwhohadlandedaninterestingandextremelywell-paidjob—andajobthatpromisedafuture.
Fate,afterhavingfrowned,hadchosentosmileuponhim.Buthewasinnomoodtosmileback.Therewasnoexultationinhim,thoughhissenseofhumourwasgrimlytickledwhenhethoughtbackovertheinterview.Therewasasternpoeticjusticeinthefactthatitwashisformeremployer’sdiatribesagainsthimthathadactuallygothimhispresentadvancement!
Hewasafortunateman,hesupposed.Notthathecared!Hewaswillingtoaddresshimselftothetaskofliving,notwithenthusiasm,notevenwithpleasure,butinamethodicaldayafterdayspirit.Sevenmonthsago,hehadattemptedtotakehisownlife;chance,andnothingbutchance,hadintervened,buthewasnotparticularlygrateful.True,hefeltnopresentdispositiontodoawaywithhimself.Thatphasewasoverforgood.Youcouldnot,headmitted,takeyourlifeincoldblood.Therehadtobesomeextrafillipofdespair,ofgrief,ofdesperationorofpassion.Youcouldnotcommitsuicidemerelybecauseyoufeltthatlifewasadrearyroundofuninterestinghappenings.
OnthewholehewasgladthathisworkwouldtakehimoutofEngland.HewastosailforSouthAmericatheendofSeptember.Thenextfewweekswouldbebusygettingtogethercertainequipmentandbeingputintouchwiththesomewhatcomplicatedramificationsofthebusiness.
Buttherewouldbeaweek’sleisurebeforeheleftthecountry.Hewonderedwhatheshoulddowiththatweek?StayinLondon?Goaway?
Anideastirrednebulouslyinhisbrain
Saltcreek?
“I’veadamnedgoodmindtogodownthere,”saidMacWhirtertohimself.
Itwouldbe,hethought,grimlyamusing
August19th
“Andbanggoesmyholiday,”saidSuperintendentBattledisgustedly.
Mrs.Battlewasdisappointed,butlongyearsasthewifeofapoliceofficerhadpreparedhertotakedisappointmentsphilosophically.
“Ohwell,”shesaid,“itcan’tbehelped.AndIsupposeitisaninterestingcase?”
“Notsothatyou’dnoticeit,”saidSuperintendentBattle.“It’sgottheForeignOfficeinatwitter—allthosetallthinyoungmenrushingaboutandsayingHushHushhere,thereandeverywhere.It’llstraightenouteasyenough—andweshallsaveeverybody’sface.Butit’snotthekindofcaseI’dputinmyMemoirs,supposingIwaseverfoolishenoughtowriteany.”
“Wecouldputourholidayoff,Isuppose—”beganMrs.Battledoubtfully,butherhusbandinterruptedherdecisively.
“Notabitofit.YouandthegirlsgoofftoBritlington—theroomshavebeenbookedsinceMarch—pitytowastethem.ItellyouwhatI’lldo—godownandspendaweekwithJimwhenthisblowsover.”
JimwasSuperintendentBattle’snephew,InspectorJamesLeach.
“Saltington’squiteclosetoEasterheadBayandSaltcreek,”hewenton.“Icangetabitofseaairandadipinthebriny.”
Mrs.Battlesniffed.
“Morelikelyhe’llropeyouintohelphimoveracase!”
“Theydon’thaveanycasesthistimeoftheyear—unlessit’sawomanwhopinchesafewsixpennyworthsfromWoolworth’s.AndanywayJim’sallright—hedoesn’tneedhiswitssharpeningforhim.”
“Ohwell,”saidMrs.Battle.“Isupposeitwillworkoutallright,butitisdisappointing.”
“Thesethingsaresenttotryus,”SuperintendentBattleassuredher.
SNOWWHITEANDREDROSE
I
ThomasRoydefoundMaryAldinwaitingforhimontheplatformatSaltingtonwhenhegotoutofthetrain.
Hehadonlyadimrecollectionofher,andnowthathesawheragainhewasrathersurprisedlyawareofpleasureinherbriskcapablewayofdealingwiththings.
ShecalledhimbyhisChristianname.
“Hownicetoseeyou,Thomas.Afteralltheseyears.”
“Niceofyoutoputmeup.Hopeitisn’tabother.”
“Notatall.Onthecontrary.You’llbeparticularlywelcome.Isthatyourporter?Tellhimtobringthethingsoutthisway.I’vegotthecarrightattheend.”
ThebagswerestowedintheFord.MarytookthewheelandRoydegotinbesideher.TheydroveoffandThomasnoticedthatshewasagooddriver,deftandcarefulintrafficandwithanicejudgementofdistanceandspaces.
SaltingtonwassevenmilesfromSaltcreek.Oncetheywereoutofthesmallmarkettownandontheopenroad,MaryAldinreopenedthesubjectofhisvisit.
“Really,Thomas,yourvisitjustnowisgoingtobeagodsend.Thingsareratherdifficult—andastranger—orpartialstrangerisjustwhatisneeded.”
“What’sthetrouble?”
Hismanner,asalways,wasincurious—almostlazy.Heaskedthequestion,itseemed,morefrompolitenessthanbecausehehadanydesirefortheinformation.ItwasamannerparticularlysoothingtoMaryAldin.Shewantedbadlytotalktosomeone—butshemuchpreferredtotalktosomeonewhowasnottoomuchinterested.
Shesaid:
“Well—we’vegotratheradifficultsituation.Audreyishere,asyouprobablyknow?”
ShepausedquestioninglyandThomasRoydenodded.
“AndNevileandhiswifealso.”
ThomasRoyde’seyebrowswentup.Hesaidafteraminuteortwo:“Bitawkward—what?”
“Yesitis.ItwasNevile’sidea.”
Shepaused.Roydedidnotspeak,butasthoughawareofsomecurrentofdisbeliefissuingfromhim,sherepeatedassertively:“ItwasNevile’sidea.”
“Why?”
Sheraisedherhandsforamomentfromthesteeringwheel.
“Oh,somemodernreaction!Allsensibleandfriendstogether.Thatidea.ButIdon’tthink,youknow,it’sworkingverywell.”
“Possiblyitmightn’t.”Headded,“What’sthenewwifelike?”
“Kay?Good-looking,ofcourse.Reallyverygood-looking.Andquiteyoung.”
“AndNevile’skeenonher?”
“Ohyes.Ofcoursethey’veonlybeenmarriedayear.”
ThomasRoydeturnedhisheadslowlytolookather.Hismouthsmiledalittle.Marysaidhastily:
“Ididn’tmeanthatexactly.”
“Comenow,Mary.Ithinkyoudid.”
“Well,onecan’thelpseeingthatthey’vereallygotverylittleincommon.Theirfriends,forinstance—”Shecametoastop.
Roydeasked:
“Hemether,didn’the,ontheRiviera?Idon’tknowmuchaboutit.Onlyjustthebarefactsthatthematerwrote.”
“Yes,theymetfirstatCannes.Nevilewasattracted,butIshouldimaginehe’dbeenattractedbefore—inaharmlesssortofway.Istillthinkmyselfthatifhe’dbeenlefttohimselfnothingwouldhavecomeofit.HewasfondofAudrey,youknow.”
Thomasnodded.
Marywenton:
“Idon’tthinkhewantedtobreakuphismarriage—I’msurehedidn’t.Butthegirlwasabsolutelydetermined.Shewouldn’trestuntilshe’dgothimtoleavehiswife—andwhat’samantodointhosecircumstances?Itflattershim,ofcourse.”
“Headoverheelsinlovewithhim,wasshe?”
“Isupposeitmayhavebeenthat.”
Mary’stonesoundeddoubtful.Shemethisinquiringglancewithaflush.
“WhatacatIam!There’sayoungmanalwayshangingabout—good-lookinginagigolokindofway—anoldfriendofhers—andIcan’thelpwonderingsometimeswhetherthefactthatNevileisverywelloffanddistinguishedandallthatdidn’thavesomethingtodowithit.Thegirlhadn’tapennyofherown,Igather.”
Shepaused,lookingratherashamed.ThomasRoydemerelysaid:“Uhhum,”inaspeculativevoice.
“However,”saidMary,“that’sprobablyplaincat!Thegirliswhatonewouldcallglamorous—andthatprobablyrousesthefelineinstinctsofmiddle-agedspinsters.”
Roydelookedthoughtfullyather,buthispokerfaceshowednorecognizablereaction.Hesaid,afteraminuteortwo:
“Butwhat,exactly,isthepresenttroubleabout?”
“Really,youknow,Ihaven’ttheleastidea!That’swhat’ssoodd.NaturallyweconsultedAudreyfirst—andsheseemedtohavenofeelingagainstmeetingKay—shewascharmingaboutitall.Shehasbeencharming.Noonecouldhavebeennicer.Audrey,ofcourse,ineverythingshedoesisalwaysjustright.Hermannertothembothisperfect.She’sveryreserved,asyouknow,andoneneverhasanyideaofwhatsheisreallythinkingorfeeling—buthonestlyIdon’tbelieveshemindsatall.”
“Noreasonwhysheshould,”saidThomasRoyde.Headded,ratherbelatedly,“Afterall,it’sthreeyearsago.”
“DopeoplelikeAudreyforget?ShewasveryfondofNevile.”
ThomasRoydeshiftedinhisseat.
“She’sonlythirty-two.Gotherlifeinfrontofher.”
“Oh,Iknow.Butshedidtakeithard.Shehadquiteabadnervousbreakdown,youknow.”
“Iknow.Thematerwroteme.”
“Inaway,”saidMary,“IthinkitwasgoodforyourmothertohaveAudreytolookafter.Ittookhermindoffherowngrief—aboutyourbrother’sdeath.Weweresosorryaboutthat.”
“Yes.PooroldAdrian.Alwaysdiddrivetoofast.”
Therewasapause.MarystretchedoutherhandasasignshewastakingtheturnthatleddownthehilltoSaltcreek.
Presently,astheywereslippingdownthenarrowtwistingroad,shesaid:
“Thomas—youknowAudreyverywell?”
“Soso.Haven’tseenmuchofherforthelasttenyears.”
“No,butyouknewherasachild.ShewaslikeasistertoyouandAdrian?”
Henodded.
“Wasshe—wassheatallunbalancedinanyway?OhIdon’tmeanthatquitethewayitsounds.ButI’veafeelingthatthereissomethingverywrongwithhernow.She’ssocompletelydetached,herpoiseissounnaturallyperfect—butIwondersometimeswhatisgoingonbehindthefa?ade.I’veafeeling,nowandthen,ofsomereallypowerfulemotion.AndIdon’tquiteknowwhatitis!ButIdofeelthatsheisn’tnormal.There’ssomething!Itworriesme.Idoknowthatthere’sanatmosphereinthehousethataffectseverybody.We’reallnervousandjumpy.ButIdon’tknowwhatitis.Andsometimes,Thomas,itfrightensme.”
“Frightensyou?”Hisslowwonderingtonemadeherpullherselftogetherwithalittlenervouslaugh.
“Itsoundsabsurd…Butthat’swhatImeantjustnow—yourarrivalwillbegoodforus—createadiversion.Ah,hereweare.”
Theyhadslippedroundthelastcorner.Gull’sPointwasbuiltonaplateauofrockoverlookingtheriver.Ontwosidesithadsheercliffgoingdowntothewater.Thegardensandtenniscourtwereontheleftofthehouse.Thegarage—amodernafterthought—wasactuallyfartheralongtheroad,ontheothersideofit.
Marysaid:
“I’llputthecarawaynowandcomeback.Hurstallwilllookafteryou.”
Hurstall,theagedbutler,wasgreetingThomaswiththepleasureofanoldfriend.
“Verygladtoseeyou,Mr.Royde,afteralltheseyears.Andsowillherladyshipbe.You’reintheeastroom,sir.Ithinkyou’llfindeveryoneinthegarden,unlessyouwanttogotoyourroomfirst.”
Thomasshookhishead.Hewentthroughthedrawingroomtothewindowwhichopenedontotheterrace.Hestoodthereforamoment,watching,unobservedhimself.
Twowomenweretheonlyoccupantsoftheterrace.Onewassittingonthecornerofthebalustradelookingoutoverthewater.Theotherwomanwaswatchingher.
ThefirstwasAudrey—theother,heknew,mustbeKayStrange.Kaydidnotknowshewasbeingoverlookedandshetooknopainstodisguiseherexpression.ThomasRoydewasnot,perhaps,averyobservantmanwherewomenwereconcerned,buthecouldnotfailtonoticethatKayStrangedislikedAudreyStrangeverymuch.
AsforAudrey,shewaslookingoutacrosstheriverandseemedunconsciousof,orindifferentto,theother’spresence.
ItwassevenyearssinceThomashadseenAudreyStrange.Hestudiedhernowverycarefully.Hadshechanged,and,ifso,inwhatway?
Therewasachange,hedecided.Shewasthinner,paler,altogethermoreethereal-looking—buttherewassomethingelse,somethinghecouldnotquitedefine.Itwasasthoughshewereholdingherselftightlyinleash,watchfulovereverymovement—andyetallthetimeintenselyawareofeverythinggoingonroundher.Shewaslikeaperson,hethought,whohadasecrettohide.Butwhatsecret?Heknewalittleoftheeventsthathadbefallenherinthelastfewyears.Hehadbeenpreparedforlinesofsorrowandloss—butthiswassomethingelse.Shewaslikeachildwho,byatightlyclenchedhandoveratreasure—callsattentiontowhatitwantstohide.
Andthenhiseyeswenttotheotherwoman—thegirlwhowasnowNevileStrange’swife.Beautiful,yes.MaryAldinhadbeenright.Heratherfancieddangerous,too.Hethought:Iwouldn’tliketotrusthernearAudreyifshehadaknifeinherhand….
Andyet,whyshouldshehateNevile’sfirstwife?Allthatwasoveranddonewith.Audreyhadnopartorparcelintheirlivesnowadays.FootstepsrangoutontheterraceasNevilecameroundthecornerofthehouse.Helookedwarmandwascarryingapicturepaper.
“Here’stheIllustratedReview,”hesaid.“Couldn’tgettheother—”
Thentwothingshappenedatpreciselythesameminute.
Kaysaid:“Ohgood,giveittome,”andAudrey,withoutmovingherhead,heldoutherhandalmostabsentmindedly.
Nevilehadstoppedhalfwaybetweenthetwowomen.Adawnofembarrassmentshowedinhisface.Beforehecouldspeak,Kaysaid,hervoicerisingwithaslightnoteofhysteria,“Iwantit.Giveitme!Giveitme,Nevile!”
AudreyStrangestarted,turnedherhead,withdrewherhandandmurmuredwithjusttheslightestairofconfusion:
“Ohsorry.Ithoughtyouwerespeakingtome,Nevile.”
ThomasRoydesawthecolourcomeupbrickredinNevileStrange’sneck.HetookthreequickstepsforwardandheldoutthepicturepapertoAudrey.
Shesaid,hesitating,herairofembarrassmentgrowing:
“Oh,but—”
Kaypushedbackherchairwitharoughmovement.Shestoodup,then,turning,shemadeforthedrawingroomwindow.Roydehadnotimetomovebeforeshehadchargedintohimblindly.
Theshockmadeherrecoil;shelookedathimasheapologized.Hesawthenwhyshehadnotseenhim,hereyeswerebrimmingwithtears—tears,hefancied,ofanger.
“Hullo,”shesaid.“Whoareyou?Oh,ofcourse,themanfromMalay!”
“Yes,”saidThomas.“I’mthemanfromMalay.”
“IwishtoGodIwasinMalay,”saidKay.“Anywherebuthere!Iloathethisbeastlylousyhouse!Iloatheeveryoneinit!”
EmotionalscenesalwaysalarmedThomas.HeregardedKaywarilyandmurmurednervously:
“Ah—hum.”
“Unlessthey’reverycareful,”saidKay,“Ishallkillsomeone!EitherNevileorthatwhey-facedcatoutthere!”
Shebrushedpasthimandwentoutoftheroom,bangingthedoor.
ThomasRoydestoodstock-still.Hewasnotquitesurewhattodonext,buthewasgladthatyoungMrs.Strangehadgone.Hestoodandlookedatthedoorthatshehadslammedsovigorously.Somethingofatigercat,thenewMrs.Strange.
ThewindowwasdarkenedasNevileStrangepausedinthespacebetweenthefrenchdoors.Hewasbreathingratherfast.
HegreetedThomasvaguely.
“Oh—er—hullo,Royde,didn’tknowyou’darrived.Isay,haveyouseenmywife?”
“Shepassedthroughaboutaminuteago,”saidtheother.
Nevileinhisturnwentoutthroughthedrawingroomdoor.Hewaslookingannoyed.
ThomasRoydewentslowlythroughtheopenwindow.Hewasnotaheavywalker.NotuntilhewasacoupleofyardsawaydidAudreyturnherhead.
Thenhesawthosewide-aparteyesopenwider,sawherlipspart.Sheslippeddownfromthewallandcametowardshim,handsoutstretched.
“OhThomas,”shesaid.“DearThomas!HowgladIamyou’vecome.”
Ashetookthetwosmallwhitehandsinhisandbentdowntoher,MaryAldininherturnarrivedatthefrenchwindows.Seeingthetwoontheterraceshecheckedherself,watchedthemforamomentortwo,thenslowlyturnedawayandwentbackintothehouse.
II
UpstairsNevilehadfoundKayinherbedroom.TheonlylargedoublebedroominthehousewasLadyTressilian’s.Amarriedcouplewasalwaysgiventhetworoomswiththecommunicatingdoorandasmallbathroombeyondonthewestsideofthehouse.Itwasasmallisolatedsuite.
Nevilepassedthroughhisownroomandonintohiswife’s.Kayhadflungherselfdownonherbed.Raisingatearstainedface,shecriedangrily:
“Soyou’vecome!Abouttime,too!”
“Whatisallthisfussabout?Haveyougonequitecrazy,Kay?”
Nevilespokequietly,buttherewasadentatthecornerofhisnostrilthatregisteredrestrainedanger.
“WhydidyougivethatIllustratedReviewtoherandnottome?”
“Really,Kay,youareachild!Allthisfussaboutawretchedlittlepicturepaper.”
“Yougaveittoherandnottome,”repeatedKayobstinately.
“Well,whynot?Whatdoesitmatter?”
“Itmatterstome.”
“Idon’tknowwhat’swrongwithyou.Youcan’tbehaveinthishystericalfashionwhenyou’restayinginotherpeople’shouses.Don’tyouknowhowtobehaveinpublic?”
“WhydidyougiveittoAudrey?”
“Becauseshewantedit.”
“SodidI,andI’myourwife.”
“Allthemorereason,inthatcase,forgivingittoanolderwomanandonewho,technically,isnorelation.”
“Shescoredoffme!Shewantedtoandshedid.Youwereonherside!”
“You’retalkinglikeanidioticjealouschild.Forgoodness’sake,controlyourself,andtrytobehaveproperlyinpublic!”
“Likeshedoes,Isuppose?”
Nevilesaidcoldly:“AtanyrateAudreycanbehavelikealady.Shedoesn’tmakeanexhibitionofherself.”
“She’sturningyouagainstme!Shehatesmeandshe’sgettingherrevenge.”
“Lookhere,Kay,willyoustopbeingmelodramaticandcompletelyfoolish?I’mfedup!”
“Thenlet’sgoawayfromhere!Let’sgotomorrow.Ihatethisplace!”
“We’veonlybeenherefourdays.”
“It’squiteenough!Dolet’sgo,Nevile.”
“Nowlookhere,Kay,I’vehadenoughofthis.WecamehereforafortnightandI’mgoingtostayforafortnight.”
“Ifyoudo,”saidKay,“you’llbesorry.YouandyourAudrey!Youthinkshe’swonderful!”
“Idon’tthinkAudreyiswonderful.Ithinkshe’sanextremelyniceandkindlypersonwhomI’vetreatedverybadlyandwhohasbeenmostgenerousandforgiving.”
“That’swhereyou’rewrong,”saidKay.Shegotupfromthebed.Herfuryhaddieddown.Shespokeseriously—almostsoberly.
“Audreyhasn’tforgivenyou,Nevile.OnceortwiceI’veseenherlookingatyou…Idon’tknowwhatisgoingoninhermindbutsomethingis—She’sthekindthatdoesn’tletanyoneknowwhatthey’rethinking.”
“It’sapity,”saidNevile,“thattherearen’tmorepeoplelikethat.”
Kay’sfacewentverywhite.
“Doyoumeanthatforme?”Therewasadangerousedgetohervoice.
“Well—youhaven’tshownmuchreticence,haveyou?Everybitofilltemperandspitethatcomesintoyourmindyoublurtstraightout.Youmakeafoolofyourselfandyoumakeafoolofme!”
“Anythingmoretosay?”
Hervoicewasicy.
Hesaidinanequallycoldtone:
“I’msorryifyouthinkthatwasunfair.Butit’stheplaintruth.You’venomoreself-controlthanachild.”
“Youneverloseyourtemper,doyou?Alwaystheself-controlledcharming-manneredlittlepukkasahib!Idon’tbelieveyou’vegotanyfeelings.You’rejustafish—adamnedcold-bloodedfish!Whydon’tyouletyourselfgonowandthen?Whydon’tyoushoutatme,swearatme,tellmetogotoHell?”
Nevilesighed.Hisshoulderssagged.
“Ohlord,”hesaid.
Turningonhisheelhelefttheroom.
III
“Youlookexactlyasyoudidatseventeen,ThomasRoyde,”saidLadyTressilian.“Justthesameowlishlook.Andnomoreconversationnowthanyouhadthen.Whynot?”
Thomassaidvaguely,
“Idunno.Neverhadthegiftofthegab.”
“NotlikeAdrian.Adrianwasaverycleverandwittytalker.”
“Perhapsthat’swhy.Alwaysleftthetalkingtohim.”
“PoorAdrian.Somuchpromise.”
Thomasnodded.
LadyTressilianchangedthesubject.ShewasgrantinganaudiencetoThomas.Sheusuallypreferredhervisitorsoneatatime.Itdidnottireherandshewasabletoconcentrateherattentiononthem.
“You’vebeenheretwenty-fourhours,”shesaid.“WhatdoyouthinkofourSituation?”
“Situation?”
“Don’tlookstupid.Youdothatdeliberately.YouknowquitewellwhatImean.Theeternaltrianglewhichhasestablisheditselfundermyroof.”
Thomassaidcautiously:“Seemsabitoffriction.”
LadyTressiliansmiledratherdiabolically.
“Iwillconfesstoyou,Thomas,Iamratherenjoyingmyself.Thiscameaboutthroughnowishofmine—indeedIdidmyutmosttopreventit.Nevilewasobstinate.Hewouldinsistonbringingthesetwotogether—andnowheisreapingwhathehassown!”
ThomasRoydeshiftedalittleinhischair.
“Seemsfunny,”hesaid.
“Elucidate,”snappedLadyTressilian.
“Shouldn’thavethoughtStrangewasthatkindofchap.”
“It’sinterestingyoursayingthat.BecauseitiswhatIfelt.ItwasuncharacteristicofNevile.Nevile,likemostmen,isusuallyanxioustoavoidanykindofembarrassmentorpossibleunpleasantness.Isuspectedthatitwasn’toriginallyNevile’sidea—but,ifnot,Idon’tseewhoseideaitcanhavebeen.”Shepausedandsaidwithonlytheslightestupwardinflection,“Itwouldn’tbeAudrey’s?”
Thomassaidpromptly,“No,notAudrey.”
“AndIcanhardlybelieveitwasthatunfortunateyoungwoman,Kay’s,idea.Notunlesssheisaremarkableactress.Youknow,Ihavealmostfeltsorryforherlately.”
“Youdon’tlikehermuch,doyou?”
“No.Sheseemstomeempty-headedandlackinginanykindofpoise.But,asIsay,Idobegintofeelsorryforher.Sheisblunderingaboutlikeadaddylonglegsinlamplight.Shehasnoideaofwhatweaponstouse.Badtemper,badmanners,childishrudeness—allthingswhichhaveamostunfortunateeffectuponamanlikeNevile.”
Thomassaidquietly:
“IthinkAudreyistheonewhoisinadifficultposition.”
LadyTressiliangavehimasharpglance
“You’vealwaysbeeninlovewithAudrey,haven’tyou,Thomas?”
Hisreplywasquiteimperturbable.“SupposeIhave.”
“Practicallyfromthetimeyouwerechildrentogether?”
Henodded.
“AndthenNevilecamealongandcarriedherofffromunderyournose?”
Hemoveduneasilyinhischair.
“Ohwell—IalwaysknewIhadn’tachance.”
“Defeatist,”saidLadyTressilian.
“Ialwayshavebeenadulldog.”
“Dobbin!”
“GoodoldThomas!—that’swhatAudreyfeelsaboutme.”
“‘TrueThomas,’”saidLadyTressilian.“Thatwasyournickname,wasn’tit?”
Hesmiledasthewordsbroughtbackmemoriesofchildishdays.“Funny!Ihaven’theardthatforyears.”
“Itmightstandyouingoodsteadnow,”saidLadyTressilian.
Shemethisglanceclearlyanddeliberately.
“Fidelity,”shesaid,“isaqualitythatanyonewhohasbeenthroughAudrey’sexperiencemightappreciate.Thedoglikedevotionofalifetime,Thomas,doessometimesgetitsreward.”
ThomasRoydelookeddown,hisfingersfumblingwithapipe.
“That,”hesaid,“iswhatIcamehomehoping.”
IV
“Sohereweallare,”saidMaryAldin
Hurstall,theoldbutler,wipedhisforehead.Whenhewentintothekitchen,Mrs.Spicer,thecook,remarkeduponhisexpression.
“Idon’tthinkIcanbewell,andthat’sthetruth,”saidHurstall.“IfIcansoexpressmyself,everythingthat’ssaidanddoneinthishouselatelyseemstometomeansomethingthat’sdifferentfromwhatitsoundslike—ifyouknowwhatImean?”
Mrs.Spicerdidnotseemtoknowwhathemeant,soHurstallwenton:
“MissAldin,now,astheyallsatdowntodinner—shesays‘Sohereweallare’—andjustthatgavemeaturn!Mademethinkofatrainerwho’sgotalotofwildanimalsintoacage,andthenthecagedoorshuts.Ifelt,allofasudden,asthoughwewereallcaughtinatrap.”
“Law,Mr.Hurstall,”saidMrs.Spicer,“youmusthaveeatensomethingthat’sdisagreed.”
“It’snotmydigestion.It’sthewayeveryone’sstrungup.ThefrontdoorbangedjustnowandMrs.Strange—ourMrs.Strange,MissAudrey—shejumpedasthoughshehadbeenshot.Andthere’sthesilences,too.Veryqueertheyare.It’sasthough,allofasudden,everybody’safraidtospeak.Andthentheyallbreakoutatoncejustsayingthethingsthatfirstcomeintotheirheads.”
“Enoughtomakeanyoneembarrassed,”saidMrs.Spicer.
“TwoMrs.Strangesinthehouse.WhatIfeelis,itisn’tdecent.”
Inthediningroom,oneofthosesilencesthatHurstallhaddescribedwasproceeding.
ItwaswithquiteaneffortthatMaryAldinturnedtoKayandsaid:
“Iaskedyourfriend,Mr.Latimer,todinetomorrownight!”
“Ohgood,”saidKay.
Nevilesaid:
“Latimer?Ishedownhere?”
“He’sstayingattheEasterheadBayHotel,”saidKay.
Nevilesaid:
“Wemightgooveranddinethereonenight.Howlatedoestheferrygo?”
“Untilhalfpastone,”saidMary.
“Isupposetheydancethereintheevenings?”
“Mostofthepeopleareaboutahundred,”saidKay.
“Notveryamusingforyourfriend,”saidNeviletoKay.
Marysaidquickly:
“WemightgooverandbatheonedayatEasterheadBay.It’squitewarmstillandit’salovelysandybeach.”
ThomasRoydesaidinalowvoicetoAudrey:
“Ithoughtofgoingoutsailingtomorrow.Willyoucome?”
“I’dliketo.”
“Wemightallgosailing,”saidNevile.
“Ithoughtyousaidyouweregoingtoplaygolf,”saidKay.
“Ididthinkofgoingovertothelinks.Iwasrightoffmywoodenshotstheotherday.”
“Whatatragedy!”saidKay.
Nevilesaidgood-humouredly:
“Golf’satragicgame.”
MaryaskedKayifsheplayed.
“Yes—afterafashion.”
Nevilesaid:
“Kaywouldbeverygoodifshetookalittletrouble.She’sgotanaturalswing.”
KaysaidtoAudrey:
“Youdon’tplayanygames,doyou?”
“Notreally.Iplaytennisafterafashion—butI’macompleterabbit.”
“Doyoustillplaythepiano,Audrey?”askedThomas.
Sheshookherhead.
“Notnowadays.”
“Youusedtoplayratherwell,”saidNevile.
“Ithoughtyoudidn’tlikemusic,Nevile,”saidKay.
“Idon’tknowmuchaboutit,”saidNevilevaguely.“IalwayswonderedhowAudreymanagedtostretchanoctave,herhandsaresosmall.”
Hewaslookingatthemasshelaiddownherdessertknifeandfork.
Sheflushedalittleandsaidquickly:
“I’vegotaverylonglittlefinger.Iexpectthathelps.”
“Youmustbeselfishthen,”saidKay.“Ifyou’reunselfishyouhaveashortlittlefinger.”
“Isthattrue?”askedMaryAldin.“ThenImustbeunselfish.Look,mylittlefingersarequiteshort.”
“Ithinkyouareveryunselfish,”saidThomasRoyde,eyeingherthoughtfully
Shewentred—andcontinued,quickly.
“Who’sthemostunselfishofus?Let’scomparelittlefingers.Mineareshorterthanyours,Kay.ButThomas,Ithink,beatsme.”
“Ibeatyouboth,”saidNevile.“Look,”hestretchedoutahand.
“Onlyonehand,though,”saidKay.“Yourlefthandlittlefingerisshortbutyourrighthandoneismuchlonger.Andyourlefthandiswhatyouarebornwithandtherighthandiswhatyoumakeofyourlife.Sothatmeansthatyouwerebornunselfishbuthavebecomemoreselfishastimegoeson.”
“Canyoutellfortunes,Kay?”askedMaryAldin.Shestretchedoutherhand,palmupward.“Afortune-tellertoldmeIshouldhavetwohusbandsandthreechildren.Ishallhavetohurryup!”
Kaysaid:
“Thoselittlecrossesaren’tchildren,they’rejourneys.Thatmeansyou’lltakethreejourneysacrosswater.”
“Thatseemsunlikelytoo,”saidMaryAldin.
ThomasRoydeaskedher:“Haveyoutravelledmuch?”
“No,hardlyatall.”
Heheardanundercurrentofregretinhervoice.
“Youwouldliketo?”
“Aboveeverything.”
Hethoughtinhisslowreflectivewayofherlife.Alwaysinattendanceonanoldwoman.Calm,tactful,anexcellentmanager.Heaskedcuriously:
“HaveyoulivedwithLadyTressilianlong?”
“Fornearlyfifteenyears.Icametobewithheraftermyfatherdied.Hehadbeenahelplessinvalidforsomeyearsbeforehisdeath.”
Andthen,answeringthequestionshefelttobeinhismind:
“I’mthirty-six.That’swhatyouwantedtoknow,wasn’tit?”
“Ididwonder,”headmitted.“Youmightbe—anyage,yousee.”
“That’sratheratwo-edgedremark!”
“Isupposeitis.Ididn’tmeanitthatway.”
Thatsombrethoughtfulgazeofhisdidnotleaveherface.Shedidnotfinditembarrassing.Itwastoofreefromself-consciousnessforthat—agenuinethoughtfulinterest.Seeinghiseyesonherhair,sheputupherhandtotheonewhitelock.
“I’vehadthat,”shesaid,“sinceIwasveryyoung.”
“Ilikeit,”saidThomasRoydesimply
Hewentonlookingather.Shesaidatlast,inaslightlyamusedtoneofvoice:
“Well,whatistheverdict?”
Hereddenedunderhistan.
“Oh,Isupposeitisrudeofmetostare.Iwaswonderingaboutyou—whatyouarereallylike.”
“Please,”shesaidhurriedlyandrosefromthetable.ShesaidasshewentintothedrawingroomwithherarmthroughAudrey’s:
“OldMr.Trevesiscomingtodinnertomorrow,too.”
“Who’she?”askedNevile.
“HebroughtanintroductionfromtheRufusLords.Adelightfuloldgentleman.He’sstayingattheBalmoralCourt.He’sgotaweakheartandlooksveryfrail,buthisfacultiesareperfectandhehasknownalotofinterestingpeople.Hewasasolicitororabarrister—Iforgetwhich.”
“Everybodydownhereisterriblyold,”saidKaydiscontentedly.
Shewasstandingjustunderatalllamp.Thomaswaslookingthatway,andhegaveherthatsameslowinterestedattentionthathegavetoanythingthatwasimmediatelyoccupyinghislineofvision.
Hewasstrucksuddenlywithherintenseandpassionatebeauty.Abeautyofvividcolouring,ofabundantandtriumphantvitality.HelookedacrossfromhertoAudrey,paleandmothlikeinasilverygreydress.
Hesmiledtohimselfandmurmured:
“RedRoseandSnowWhite.”
“What?”ItwasMaryAldinathiselbow.
Herepeatedthewords.“Liketheoldfairystory,youknow—”
MaryAldinsaid:“It’saverygooddescription….”
V
Mr.Trevessippedhisglassofportappreciatively.Averynicewine.Andanexcellentlycookedandserveddinner.ClearlyLadyTressilianhadnodifficultieswithherservants.
Thehousewaswellmanaged,too,inspiteofthemistressofitbeinganinvalid.
Apity,perhaps,thattheladiesdidnotleavethediningroomwhentheportwentround.Hepreferredtheold-fashionedroutine.Buttheseyoungpeoplehadtheirownways.
HiseyesrestedthoughtfullyonthatbrilliantandbeautifulyoungwomanwhowasthewifeofNevileStrange.
ItwasKay’snighttonight.Hervividbeautyglowedandshoneinthecandlelitroom.Besideher,TedLatimer’ssleekdarkheadbenttohers.Hewasplayinguptoher.Shefelttriumphantandsureofherself.
ThemeresightofsuchradiantvitalitywarmedMr.Treves’oldbones.
Youth—therewasreallynothinglikeyouth!
Nowonderthehusbandhadlosthisheadandlefthisfirstwife.Audreywassittingnexttohim.Acharmingcreatureandalady—butthenthatwasthekindofwomanwhoinvariablydidgetleft,inMr.Treves’experience.
Heglancedather.Herheadhadbeendownandshewasstaringatherplate.SomethinginthecompleteimmobilityofherattitudestruckMr.Treves.Helookedathermorekeenly.Hewonderedwhatshewasthinkingabout.Charmingthewaythehairsprangupfromthatsmallshell-likeear….
Withalittlestart,Mr.Trevescametohimselfasherealizedthatamovewasbeingmade.Hegothurriedlytohisfeet.
Inthedrawingroom,KayStrangewentstraighttothegramophoneandputonarecordofdancemusic.
MaryAldinsaidapologeticallytoMr.Treves:
“I’msureyouhatejazz.”
“Notatall,”saidMr.Treves,untrulybutpolitely.
“Later,perhaps,wemighthavesomebridge?”shesuggested.“Butitisnogoodstartingarubbernow,asIknowLadyTressilianislookingforwardtohavingachatwithyou.”
“Thatwillbedelightful.LadyTressilianneverjoinsyoudownhere?”
“No,sheusedtocomedowninaninvalidchair.Thatiswhywehadaliftputin.Butnowadayssheprefersherownroom.Thereshecantalktowhomsoevershelikes,summoningthembyakindofRoyalCommand.”
“Veryaptlyput,MissAldin.IamalwayssensibleoftheRoyaltouchinLadyTressilian’smanner.”
InthemiddleoftheroomKaywasmovinginaslowdancestep.
Shesaid:“Justtakethattableoutoftheway,Nevile.”
Hervoicewasautocratic,assured.Hereyeswereshining,herlipsparted.
Nevileobedientlymovedthetable.Thenhetookasteptowardsher,butsheturneddeliberatelytowardsTedLatimer.
“Comeon,Ted,let’sdance.”
Ted’sarmwentroundherimmediately.Theydanced,swaying,bending,theirstepsperfectlytogether.Itwasalovelyperformancetowatch.
Mr.Trevesmurmured:
“Er—quiteprofessional.”
MaryAldinwincedslightlyattheword—yetsurelyMr.Treveshadspokeninsimpleadmiration.Shelookedathislittlewisenut-crackerface.Itbore,shethought,anabsentmindedlookasthoughhewerefollowingsometrainofthoughtofhisown.
Nevilestoodhesitatingamoment,thenhewalkedtowhereAudreywasstandingbythewindow.
“Dance,Audrey?”
Histonewasformal,almostcold.Merepoliteness,youmighthavesaid,inspiredhisrequest.AudreyStrangehesitatedaminutebeforenoddingherheadandtakingasteptowardshim.
MaryAldinmadesomecommonplaceremarkstowhichMr.Trevesdidnotreply.Hehadsofarshownnosignsofdeafnessandhiscourtesywaspunctilious—sherealizedthatitwasabsorptionthatheldhimaloof.Shecouldnotquitemakeoutifhewaswatchingthedancers,orwasstaringacrosstheroomatThomasRoyde,standingaloneattheotherend.
WithalittlestartMr.Trevessaid:
“Excuseme,mydearlady,youweresaying?”
“Nothing.OnlythatitwasanunusuallyfineSeptember.”
“Yes,indeed—rainisbadlyneededlocally,sotheytellmeatmyhotel.”
“Youarecomfortablethere,Ihope?”
“Ohyes,thoughImustsayIwasvexedwhenIarrivedtofind—”
Mr.Trevesbrokeoff.
AudreyhaddisengagedherselffromNevile.Shesaidwithanapologeticlittlelaugh:
“It’sreallytoohottodance.”
Shewenttowardstheopenwindowandoutontotheterrace.
“Oh!goafterher,youfool,”murmuredMary.Shemeanttheremarktobeunderherbreath,butitwasloudenoughforMr.Trevestoturnandstareatherinastonishment.
Shereddenedandgaveanembarrassedlaugh.
“I’mspeakingmythoughtsaloud,”shesaidruefully.“Butreallyhedoesirritatemeso.He’ssoslow.”
“Mr.Strange?”
“Ohno,notNevile.ThomasRoyde.”
ThomasRoydewasjustpreparingtomoveforward,butbynowNevile,afteramoment’spause,hadfollowedAudreyoutofthewindow.
ForamomentMr.Treves’eye,interestedlyspeculative,restedonthewindow,thenhisirritationreturnedtothedancers.
“Abeautifuldancer,youngMr.—Latimer,didyousaythenamewas?”
“Yes.EdwardLatimer.”
“Ahyes,EdwardLatimer.Anoldfriend,Igather,ofMrs.Strange?”
“Yes.”
“Andwhatdoesthisvery—er—decorativeyounggentlemandoforaliving?”
“Well,really,Idon’tquiteknow.”
“Indeed,”saidMr.Treves,managingtoputagooddealofcomprehensionintooneharmlessword.
Marywenton:
“HeisstayingattheEasterheadBayHotel.”
“Averypleasantsituation,”saidMr.Treves.
Headdeddreamilyafteramomentortwo:“Ratheraninterestingshapedhead—acuriousanglefromthecrowntotheneck—renderedlessnoticeablebythewayhehashishaircut,butdistinctlyunusual.”Afteranotherpause,hewentonstillmoredreamily:“ThelastmanIsawwithaheadlikethatgottenyears’penalservitudeforabrutalassaultonanelderlyjeweller.”
“Surely,”exclaimedMary,“youdon’tmean—?”
“Notatall,notatall,”saidMr.Treves.“Youmistakemeentirely.Iamsuggestingnodisparagementofaguestofyours.Iwasmerelypointingoutthatahardenedandbrutalcriminalcanbeinappearanceamostcharmingandpersonableyoungman.Odd,butsoitis.”
Hesmiledgentlyather.Marysaid:“Youknow,Mr.Treves,IthinkIamalittlefrightenedofyou.”
“Nonsense,dearlady.”
“ButIam.Youare—suchaveryshrewdobserver.”
“Myeyes,”saidMr.Trevescomplacently,“areasgoodasevertheywere.”Hepausedandadded:“Whetherthatisfortunateorunfortunate,Icannotatthemomentdecide.”
“Howcoulditbeunfortunate?”
Mr.Trevesshookhisheaddoubtfully.
“Oneissometimesplacedinapositionofresponsibility.Therightcourseofactionisnotalwayseasytodetermine.”
Hurstallenteredbearingthecoffeetray.
AftertakingittoMaryandtheoldlawyer,hewentdowntheroomtoThomasRoyde.Then,byMary’sdirections,heputthetraydownonalowtableandlefttheroom.
KaycalledoverTed’sshoulder.“We’llfinishoutthistune.”
Marysaid:“I’lltakeAudrey’souttoher.”
Shewenttothefrenchwindows,cupinhand.Mr.Trevesaccompaniedher.Asshepausedonthethresholdhelookedoutoverhershoulder.
Audreywassittingonthecornerofthebalustrade.Inthebrightmoonlightherbeautycametolife—abeautybornoflineratherthancolour.Theexquisitelinefromthejawtotheear,thetendermodellingofchinandmouth,andthereallylovelybonesoftheheadandthesmallstraightnose.ThatbeautywouldbetherewhenAudreyStrangewasanoldwoman—ithadnothingtodowiththecoveringflesh—itwasthebonesthemselvesthatwerebeautiful.Thesequinneddresssheworeaccentuatedtheeffectofthemoonlight.ShesatverystillandNevileStrangestoodandlookedather.
Neviletookasteptowardsher.
“Audrey,”hesaid,“you—”
Sheshiftedherposition,thenspranglightlytoherfeetandclappedahandtoherear:
“Oh!myearring—Imusthavedroppedit.”
“Where?Letmelook—”
Theybothbentdown,awkwardandembarrassed—andcollidedindoingso.Audreysprangaway.Nevileexclaimed:
“Waitasec—mycuffbutton—it’scaughtinyourhair.Standstill.”
Shestoodquitestillashefumbledwiththebutton.
“Oo—you’repullingitoutbytheroots—howclumsyyouare,Nevile,dobequick.”
“SorryI—Iseemtobeallthumbs.”
ThemoonlightwasbrightenoughforthetwoonlookerstoseewhatAudreycouldnotsee,thetremblingofNevile’shandsashestrovetofreethestrandoffairsilveryhair.
ButAudreyherselfwastremblingtoo—asthoughsuddenlycold.
MaryAldinjumpedasaquietvoicesaidbehindher:
“Excuseme—”
ThomasRoydepassedbetweenthemandout.
“ShallIdothat,Strange?”heasked.
NevilestraightenedupandheandAudreymovedapart.
“It’sallright.I’vedoneit.”
Nevile’sfacewasratherwhite.
“You’recold,”saidThomastoAudrey.“Comeinandhavecoffee.”
ShecamebackwithhimandNevileturnedawaystaringouttosea.
“Iwasbringingitouttoyou,”saidMary.“Butperhapsyou’dbettercomein.”
“Yes,”saidAudrey,“IthinkI’dbettercomein.”
Theyallwentbackintothedrawingroom.TedandKayhadstoppeddancing.
Thedooropenedandatallgauntwomandressedinblackcamein.Shesaidrespectfully:
“Herladyship’scomplimentsandshewouldbegladtoseeMr.Trevesupinherroom.”
VI
LadyTressilianreceivedMr.Treveswithevidentpleasure.
Heandsheweresoondeepinanagreeablefloodofreminiscencesandarecallingofmutualacquaintances.
AttheendofhalfanhourLadyTressiliangaveadeepsighofsatisfaction.
“Ah,”shesaid,“I’veenjoyedmyself!There’snothinglikeexchanginggossipandrememberingoldscandals.”
“Alittlemalice,”agreedMr.Treves,“addsacertainsavourtolife.”
“Bytheway,”saidLadyTressilian,“whatdoyouthinkofourexampleoftheeternaltriangle?”
Mr.Treveslookeddiscreetlyblank.“Er—whattriangle?”
“Don’ttellmeyouhaven’tnoticedit!Nevileandhiswives.”
“Ohthat!ThepresentMrs.Strangeisasingularlyattractiveyoungwoman.”
“SoisAudrey,”saidLadyTressilian.
Mr.Trevesadmitted:“Shehascharm—yes.”
LadyTressilianexclaimed:
“DoyoumeantotellmeyoucanunderstandamanleavingAudrey,whoisa—apersonofrarequality—for—foraKay?”
Mr.Trevesrepliedcalmly:
“Perfectly.Ithappensfrequently.”
“Disgusting.IshouldsoongrowtiredofKayifIwereamanandwishIhadnevermadesuchafoolofmyself!”
“Thatalsohappensfrequently.Thesesuddenpassionateinfatuations,”saidMr.Treves,lookingverypassionlessandprecisehimself,“areseldomoflongduration.”
“Andthenwhathappens?”demandedLadyTressilian.
“Usually,”saidMr.Treves,“the—er—partiesadjustthemselves.Quiteoftenthereisaseconddivorce.Themanthenmarriesathirdparty—someoneofasympatheticnature.”
“Nonsense!Nevileisn’taMormon—whateversomeofyourclientsmaybe!”
“Theremarriageoftheoriginalpartiesoccasionallytakesplace.”
LadyTressilianshookherhead.
“Thatno!Audreyhastoomuchpride.”
“Youthinkso?”
“Iamsureofit.Donotshakeyourheadinthataggravatingfashion!”
“Ithasbeenmyexperience,”saidMr.Treves,“thatwomenpossesslittleornopridewhereloveaffairsareconcerned.Prideisaqualityoftenontheirlips,butnotapparentintheiractions.”
“Youdon’tunderstandAudrey.ShewasviolentlyinlovewithNevile.Toomuchso,perhaps.Afterheleftherforthisgirl(thoughIdon’tblamehimentirely—thegirlpursuedhimeverywhere,andyouknowwhatmenare!)sheneverwantedtoseehimagain.”
Mr.Trevescoughedgently:
“Andyet,”hesaid,“sheishere!”
“Ohwell,”saidLadyTressilian,annoyed.“Idon’tprofesstounderstandthesemodernideas.IimaginethatAudreyisherejusttoshowthatshedoesn’tcare,andthatitdoesn’tmatter!”
“Verylikely,”Mr.Trevesstrokedhisjaw.“Shecanputittoherselfthatway,certainly.”
“Youmean,”saidLadyTressilian,“thatyouthinksheisstillhankeringafterNevileandthat—ohno!Iwon’tbelievesuchathing!”
“Itcouldbe,”saidMr.Treves.
“Iwon’thaveit,”saidLadyTressilian.“Iwon’thaveitinmyhouse.”
“Youarealreadydisturbed,areyounot?”askedMr.Trevesshrewdly.“Thereistension.Ihavefeltitintheatmosphere.”
“Soyoufeelittoo?”saidLadyTressiliansharply.
“Yes,Iampuzzled,Imustconfess.Thetruefeelingsofthepartiesremainobscure,butinmyopinion,thereisgunpowderabout.Theexplosionmaycomeanyminute.”
“StoptalkinglikeGuyFawkesandtellmewhattodo,”saidLadyTressilian.
Mr.Treveshelduphishands.
“Really,Iamatalosstoknowwhattosuggest.Thereis,Ifeelsure,afocalpoint.Ifwecouldisolatethat—butthereissomuchthatremainsobscure.”
“IhavenointentionofaskingAudreytoleave,”saidLadyTressilian.“Asfarasmyobservationgoes,shehasbehavedperfectlyinaverydifficultsituation.Shehasbeencourteous,butaloof.Iconsiderherconductirreproachable.”
“Ohquite,”saidMr.Treves.“Quite.Butit’shavingamostmarkedeffectonyoungNevileStrangeallthesame.”
“Nevile,”saidLadyTressilian,“isnotbehavingwell.Ishallspeaktohimaboutit.ButIcouldn’tturnhimoutofthehouseforamoment.Matthewregardedhimaspracticallyhisadoptedson.”
“Iknow.”
LadyTressiliansighed.Shesaidinaloweredvoice:
“YouknowthatMatthewwasdrownedhere?”
“Yes.”
“Somanypeoplehavebeensurprisedatmyremaininghere.Stupidofthem.IhavealwaysfeltMatthewneartomehere.Thewholehouseisfullofhim.Ishouldfeellonelyandstrangeanywhereelse.”Shepaused,andwenton.“IhopedatfirstthatitmightnotbeverylongbeforeIjoinedhim.Especiallywhenmyhealthbegantofail.ButitseemsIamoneofthesecreakinggates—theseperpetualinvalidswhoneverdie.”Shethumpedherpillowangrily.
“Itdoesn’tpleaseme,Icantellyou!Ialwayshopedthatwhenmytimecame,itwouldcomequickly—thatIshouldmeetDeathfacetoface—notfeelhimcreepingalongbehindme,alwaysatmyshoulder—graduallyforcingmetosinktooneindignityafteranotherofillness.Increasedhelplessness—increasingdependenceonotherpeople!”
“Butverydevotedpeople,Iamsure.Youhaveafaithfulmaid?”
“Barrett?Theonewhobroughtyouup.Thecomfortofmylife!Agrimoldbattleaxe,absolutelydevoted.She’sbeenwithmeforyears.”
“Andyouarelucky,Ishouldsay,inhavingMissAldin.”
“Youareright.IamluckyinhavingMary.”
“Sheisarelation?”
“Adistantcousin.Oneofthoseselflesscreatureswhoselivesarecontinuallybeingsacrificedtothoseofotherpeople.Shelookedafterherfather—acleverman—butterriblyexacting.WhenhediedIbeggedhertomakeherhomewithme,andIhaveblessedthedayshecametome.You’venoideawhathorrorsmostcompanionsare.Futileboringcreatures.Drivingonemadwiththeirinanity.Theyarecompanionsbecausetheyarefitfornothingbetter.TohaveMary,whoisawell-readintelligentwoman,ismarvellous.Shehasreallyafirst-classbrain—aman’sbrain.Shehasreadwidelyanddeeplyandthereisnothingshecannotdiscuss.Andsheisascleverdomesticallyassheisintellectually.Sherunsthehouseperfectlyandkeepstheservantshappy—sheeliminatesallquarrelsandjealousies—Idon’tknowhowshedoesit—justtact,Isuppose.”
“Shehasbeenwithyoulong?”
“Twelveyears—no,morethanthat.Thirteen—fourteen—somethinglikethat.Shehasbeenagreatcomfort.”
Mr.Trevesnodded.
LadyTressilian,watchinghimthroughhalf-closedlids,saidsuddenly:
“What’sthematter?You’reworriedaboutsomething?”
“Atrifle,”saidMr.Treves.“Ameretrifle.Youreyesaresharp.”
“Ilikestudyingpeople,”saidLadyTressilian.“IalwaysknewatonceiftherewasanythingonMatthew’smind.”Shesighedandleanedbackonherpillows.“Imustsaygoodnighttoyounow”—itwasaQueen’sdismissal,nothingdiscourteousaboutit—“Iamverytired.Butithasbeenagreat,greatpleasure.Comeandseemeagainsoon.”
“Youmaydependuponmytakingadvantageofthosekindwords.IonlyhopeIhavenottalkedtoolong.”
“Ohno.Ialwaystireverysuddenly.Ringmybellforme,willyou,beforeyougo.”
Mr.Trevespulledgingerlyatalargeold-fashionedbellpullthatendedinahugetassel.
“Quiteasurvival,”heremarked.
“Mybell?Yes.Nonewfangledelectricbellsforme.Halfthetimethey’reoutoforderandyougoonpressingaway!Thisthingneverfails.ItringsinBarrett’sroomupstairs—thebellhangsoverherbed.Sothere’sneveranydelayinansweringit.IfthereisIpullitagainprettyquickly.”
AsMr.Treveswentoutoftheroomheheardthebellpulledasecondtimeandheardthetinkleofitsomewhereabovehishead.Helookedupandnoticedthewiresthatranalongtheceiling.Barrettcamehurriedlydownaflightofstairsandpassedhim,goingtohermistress.
Mr.Treveswentslowlydownstairs,nottroublingwiththelittleliftonthedownwardjourney.Hisfacewasdrawnintoafrownofuncertainty.
Hefoundthewholepartyassembledinthedrawingroom,andMaryAldinatoncesuggestedbridge,butMr.Trevesrefusedpolitelyonthepleathathemustveryshortlybestartinghome.
“Myhotel,”hesaid,“isold-fashioned.Theydonotexpectanyonetobeoutaftermidnight.”
“It’salongtimefromthat—onlyhalfpastten,”saidNevile.“Theydon’tlockyouout,Ihope?”
“Ohno.InfactIdoubtifthedoorislockedatallatnight.Itisshutatnineo’clockbutonehasonlytoturnthehandleandwalkin.Peopleseemveryhaphazarddownhere,butIsupposetheyarejustifiedintrustingtothehonestyofthelocalpeople.”
“Certainlynoonelockstheirdoorinthedaytimehere,”saidMary.“Oursstandswideopenalldaylong—butwedolockitupatnight.”
“What’stheBalmoralCourtlike?”askedTedLatimer.ItlooksaqueerhighVictorianatrocityofabuilding.”
“Itlivesuptoitsname,”saidMr.Treves.“AndhasgoodsolidVictoriancomfort.Goodbeds,goodcooking—roomy,Victorianwardrobes.Immensebathswithmahoganysurrounds.”
“Weren’tyousayingyouwereannoyedaboutsomethingatfirst?”askedMary.
“Ahyes.Ihadcarefullyreservedbylettertworoomsonthegroundfloor.Ihaveaweakheart,youknow,andstairsareforbiddenme.WhenIarrivedIwasvexedtofindtheroomswerenotavailable.InsteadIwasallottedtworooms(verypleasantrooms,Imustadmit)onthetopfloor.Iprotested,butitseemsthatanoldresidentwhohadbeengoingtoScotlandthismonthwasillandhadbeenunabletovacatetherooms.”
“Mr.Lucan,Iexpect?”saidMary.
“Ibelievethatisthename.Underthecircumstances,Ihadtomakethebestofthings.Fortunatelythereisagoodautomaticlift—sothatIhavereallysufferednoinconvenience.”
Kaysaid,“Ted,whydon’tyoucomeandstayattheBalmoralCourt?You’dbemuchmoreaccessible.”
“Oh,Idon’tthinkitlooksmykindofplace.”
“Quiteright,Mr.Latimer,”saidMr.Treves.“Itwouldnotbeatallinyourlineofcountry.”
ForsomereasonorotherTedLatimerflushed.
“Idon’tknowwhatyoumeanbythat,”hesaid.
MaryAldin,sensingconstraint,hurriedlymadearemarkaboutanewspapersensationofthemoment.
“Iseethey’vedetainedamanintheKentishTowntrunkcase—”shesaid.
“It’sthesecondmanthey’vedetained,”saidNevile.“Ihopethey’vegottherightonethistime.”
“Theymaynotbeabletoholdhimevenifheis,”saidMr.Treves.
“Insufficientevidence?”askedRoyde.
“Yes.”
“Still,”saidKay,“Isupposetheyalwaysgettheevidenceintheend.”
“Notalways,Mrs.Strange.You’dbesurprisedifyouknewhowmanyofthepeoplewhohavecommittedcrimesarewalkingaboutthecountryfreeandunmolested.”
“Becausethey’veneverbeenfoundout,youmean?”
“Notonlythat.Thereisaman”—hementionedacelebratedcaseoftwoyearsback—“thepoliceknowwhocommittedthosechildmurders—knowitwithoutashadowofdoubt—buttheyarepowerless.Thatmanhasbeengivenanalibibytwopeople,andthoughthatalibiisfalsethereisnoprovingittobeso.Thereforethemurderergoesfree.”
“Howdreadful,”saidMary.
ThomasRoydeknockedouthispipeandsaidinhisquietreflectivevoice:
“ThatconfirmswhatIhavealwaysthought—thattherearetimeswhenoneisjustifiedintakingthelawintoone’sownhands.”
“Whatdoyoumean,Mr.Royde?”
Thomasbegantorefillhispipe.Helookedthoughtfullydownathishandsashespokeinjerkydisconnectedsentences
“Supposeyouknew—ofadirtypieceofwork—knewthatthemanwhodiditisn’taccountabletoexistinglaws—thathe’simmunefrompunishment.ThenIhold—thatoneisjustifiedinexecutingsentenceoneself.”
Mr.Trevessaidwarmly:“Amostperniciousdoctrine,Mr.Royde!Suchanactionwouldbequiteunjustifiable!”
“Don’tseeit.I’massuming,youknow,thatthefactsareproved—it’sjustthelawispowerless!”
“Privateactionisstillnottobeexcused.”
Thomassmiled—averygentlesmile:
“Idon’tagree,”hesaid.“Ifamanoughttohavehisneckwrung,Iwouldn’tmindtakingtheresponsibilityofwringingitforhim!”
“Andinturnwouldrenderyourselfliabletothelaw’spenalties!”
Stillsmiling,Thomassaid:“I’dhavetobecareful,ofcourse…Infactonewouldhavetogoinforacertainamountoflowcunning….”
Audreysaidinherclearvoice:
“You’dbefoundout,Thomas.”
“Matteroffact,”saidThomas,“Idon’tthinkIshould.”
“Iknewacaseonce,”beganMr.Treves,andstopped.Hesaidapologetically:“Criminologyisratherahobbyofmine,youknow.”
“Pleasegoon,”saidKay.
“Ihavehadafairlywideexperienceofcriminalcases,”saidMr.Treves.“Onlyafewofthemhaveheldanyrealinterest.Mostmurderershavebeenlamentablyuninterestingandveryshortsighted.However!Icouldtellyouofoneinterestingexample.”
“Ohdo,”saidKay.“Ilikemurders.”
Mr.Trevesspokeslowly,apparentlychoosinghiswordswithgreatdeliberationandcare.
“Thecaseconcernedachild.Iwillnotmentionthechild’sageorsex.Thefactswereasfollows:twochildrenwereplayingwithbowsandarrows.Onechildsentanarrowthroughtheotherchildinavitalspotanddeathresulted.Therewasaninquest,thesurvivingchildwascompletelydistraughtandtheaccidentwascommiseratedandsympathyexpressedfortheunhappyauthorofthedeed.”Hepaused.
“Wasthatall?”askedTedLatimer.
“Thatwasall.Aregrettableaccident.Butthereis,yousee,anothersidetothestory.Afarmer,sometimepreviously,happenedtohavepassedupacertainpathinawoodnearby.There,inalittleclearing,hehadnoticedachildpractisingwithabowandarrow.”
Hepaused—tolethismeaningsinkin.
“Youmean,”saidMaryAldinincredulously,“thatitwasnotanaccident—thatitwasintentional?”
“Idon’tknow,”saidMr.Treves.“Ihaveneverknown.Butitwasstatedattheinquestthatthechildrenwereunusedtobowsandarrowsandinconsequenceshotwildlyandignorantly.”
“Andthatwasnotso?”
“That,inthecaseofoneofthechildren,wascertainlynotso!”
“Whatdidthefarmerdo?”saidAudreybreathlessly.
“Hedidnothing.Whetherheactedrightlyornot,Ihaveneverbeensure.Itwasthefutureofachildthatwasatstake.Achild,hefelt,oughttobegiventhebenefitofadoubt.”
Audreysaid:
“Butyouyourselfhavenodoubtaboutwhatreallyhappened?”
Mr.Trevessaidgravely:
“Personally,Iamoftheopinionthatitwasaparticularlyingeniousmurder—amurdercommittedbyachildandplanneddowntoeverydetailbeforehand.”
TedLatimerasked:
“Wasthereareason?”
“Ohyes,therewasamotive.Childishteasings,unkindwords—enoughtofomenthatred.Childrenhateeasily—”
Maryexclaimed:“Butthedeliberationofit.”
Mr.Trevesnodded.
“Yes,thedeliberationofitwasbad.Achild,keepingthatmurderousintentioninitsheart,quietlypractisingdayafterdayandthenthefinalpieceofacting—theawkwardshooting—thecatastrophe,thepretenceofgriefanddespair.Itwasallincredible—soincrediblethatprobablyitwouldnothavebeenbelievedincourt.”
“Whathappenedto—tothechild?”askedKaycuriously.
“Itsnamewaschanged,Ibelieve,”saidMr.Treves.“Afterthepublicityoftheinquestthatwasdeemedadvisable.Thatchildisagrown-uppersontoday—somewhereintheworld.Thequestionis,hasitstillgotamurderer’sheart?”
Headdedthoughtfully:
“Itwasalongtimeago,butIwouldrecognizemylittlemurdereranywhere.”
“Surelynot,”objectedRoyde.
“Oh,yes,therewasacertainphysicalpeculiarity—well,Iwillnotdwellonthesubject.Itisnotaverypleasantone.Imustreallybeonmywayhome.”
Herose.
Marysaid,“Youwillhaveadrinkfirst?”
Thedrinkswereonatableattheotherendoftheroom.ThomasRoyde,whowasnearthem,steppedforwardandtookthestopperoutofthewhiskydecanter.
“Awhiskyandsoda,Mr.Treves?Latimer,whataboutyou?”
NevilesaidtoAudreyinalowvoice:
“It’salovelyevening.Comeoutforalittle.”
Shehadbeenstandingbythewindowlookingoutatthemoonlitterrace.Hesteppedpastherandstoodoutside,waiting.Sheturnedbackintotheroom,shakingherheadquickly.
“No,I’mtired.I—IthinkI’llgotobed.”
Shecrossedtheroomandwentout.Kaygaveawideyawn.
“I’msleepytoo.Whataboutyou,Mary?”
“Yes,Ithinkso.Goodnight,Mr.Treves.LookafterMr.Treves,Thomas.”
“Goodnight,MissAldin.Goodnight,Mrs.Strange.”
“We’llbeoverforlunchtomorrow,Ted,”saidKay.“Wecouldbatheifit’sstilllikethis.”
“Right.I’llbelookingforyou.Goodnight,MissAldin.”
Thetwowomenlefttheroom.
TedLatimersaidagreeablytoMr.Treves:
“I’mcomingyourway,sir.Downtotheferry,soIpasstheHotel.”
“Thankyou,Mr.Latimer.Ishallbegladofyourescort.”
Mr.Treves,althoughhehaddeclaredhisintentionofdeparting,seemedinnohurry.HesippedhisdrinkwithpleasantdeliberationanddevotedhimselftothetaskofextractinginformationfromThomasRoydeastotheconditionoflifeinMalaya.
Roydewasmonosyllabicinhisanswers.TheeverydaydetailsofexistencemighthavebeensecretsofNationalimportancefromthedifficultywithwhichtheyweredraggedfromhim.Heseemedtobelostinsomeabstractionofhisown,outofwhichherousedhimselfwithdifficultytoreplytohisquestioner.
TedLatimerfidgeted.Helookedbored,impatient,anxioustobegone.
Suddenlyinterrupting,heexclaimed:
“Inearlyforgot!IbroughtKayoversomegramophonerecordsshewanted.They’reinthehall.I’llgetthem.Willyoutellheraboutthemtomorrow,Royde?”
Theothermannodded.Tedlefttheroom
“Thatyoungmanhasarestlessnature,”murmuredMr.Treves.
Roydegruntedwithoutreplying.
“Afriend,Ithink,ofMrs.Strange’s?”pursuedtheoldlawyer.
“OfKayStrange’s,”saidThomas.
Mr.Trevessmiled.
“Yes,”hesaid.“Imeantthat.HewouldhardlybeafriendofthefirstMrs.Strange.”
Roydesaidemphatically:
“No,hewouldn’t.”
Then,catchingtheother’squizzicaleye,hesaid,flushingalittle:
“WhatImeanis—”
“Oh,Iquiteunderstoodwhatyoumeant,Mr.Royde.YouyourselfareafriendofMrs.AudreyStrange,areyounot?”
ThomasRoydeslowlyfilledhispipefromhistobaccopouch.Hiseyesbenttohistask,hesaidorrathermumbled:
“M—yes.Moreorlessbroughtuptogether.”
“Shemusthavebeenaverycharmingyounggirl?”
ThomasRoydesaidsomethingthatsoundedlike“Um—yum.”
“AlittleawkwardhavingtwoMrs.Strangesinthehouse?”
“Ohyes—yes,rather.”
“AdifficultpositionfortheoriginalMrs.Strange.”
ThomasRoyde’sfaceflushed.
“Extremelydifficult.”
Mr.Trevesleanedforward.Hisquestionpoppedoutsharply:
“Whydidshecome,Mr.Royde?”
“Well—Isuppose—”Theother’svoicewasindistinct.“She—didn’tliketorefuse.”
“Torefusewhom?”
Roydeshiftedawkwardly.
“Well,asamatteroffact,Ibelieveshealwayscomesthistimeofyear—beginningofSeptember.”
“AndLadyTressilianaskedNevileStrangeandhisnewwifeatthesametime?”Theoldgentleman’svoiceheldanicenoteofpoliteincredulity.
“Astothat,IbelieveNevileaskedhimself.”
“Hewasanxious,then,forthis—reunion?”
Roydeshifteduneasily.Hereplied,avoidingtheother’seye:
“Isupposeso.”
“Curious,”saidMr.Treves.
“Stupidsortofthingtodo,”saidThomasRoyde,goadedintolongerspeech.
“Somewhatembarrassingonewouldhavethought,”saidMr.Treves.
“Ohwell—peopledothatsortofthingnowadays,”saidThomasRoydevaguely.
“Iwondered,”saidMr.Treves,“ifithadbeenanybodyelse’sidea?”
Roydestared.
“Whoseelse’scouldithavebeen?”
Mr.Trevessighed.
“Therearesomanykindfriendsaboutintheworld—alwaysanxioustoarrangeotherpeople’slivesforthem—tosuggestcoursesofactionthatarenotinharmony—”HebrokeoffasNevileStrangestrolledbackthroughthefrenchwindows.AtthesamemomentTedLatimerenteredbythedoorfromthehall.
“Hullo,Ted,whathaveyougotthere?”askedNevile.
“GramophonerecordsforKay.Sheaskedmetobringthemover.”
“Ohdidshe?Shedidn’ttellme.”Therewasjustamomentofconstraintbetweenthetwo,thenNevilestrolledovertothedrinktrayandhelpedhimselftoawhiskyandsoda.Hisfacelookedexcitedandunhappyandhewasbreathingdeeply.
SomeoneinMr.Treves’hearinghadreferredtoNevileas“thatluckybeggarStrange—goteverythingintheworldanyonecouldwishfor.”Yethedidnotlook,atthismoment,atallahappyman
ThomasRoyde,withNevile’sre-entry,seemedtofeelthathisdutiesashostwereover.Helefttheroomwithoutattemptingtosaygoodnight,andhiswalkwasslightlymorehurriedthanusual.Itwasalmostanescape.
“Adelightfulevening,”saidMr.Trevespolitelyashesetdownhisglass.“Most—er—instructive.”
“Instructive?”Nevileraisedhiseyebrowsslightly.
“InformationretheMalayStates,”suggestedTed,smilingbroadly.“HardworkdragginganswersoutofTaciturnThomas.”
“Extraordinaryfellow,Royde,”saidNevile.“Ibelievehe’salwaysbeenthesame.JustsmokesthatawfuloldpipeofhisandlistensandsaysUmandAhoccasionallyandlookswiselikeanowl.”
“Perhapshethinksthemore,”saidMr.Treves.“AndnowIreallymusttakemyleave.”
“ComeandseeLadyTressilianagainsoon,”saidNevileasheaccompaniedthetwomentothehall.“Youcheerherupenormously.Shehassofewcontactsnowwiththeoutsideworld.She’swonderful,isn’tshe?”
“Yes,indeed.Amoststimulatingconversationalist.”
Mr.Trevesdressedhimselfcarefullywithovercoatandmuffler,andafterrenewedgoodnightsheandTedLatimersetouttogether.
TheBalmoralCourtwasactuallyonlyaboutahundredyardsaway,aroundonecurveoftheroad.Itloomedupprimandforbidding,thefirstoutpostofthestragglingcountrystreet.
Theferry,whereTedLatimerwasbound,wastwoorthreehundredyardsfartherdown,atapointwheretheriverwasatitsnarrowest.
Mr.TrevesstoppedatthedooroftheBalmoralCourtandheldouthishand.
“Goodnight,Mr.Latimer.Youarestayingdownheremuchlonger?”
Tedsmiledwithaflashofwhiteteeth.“Thatdepends,Mr.Treves.Ihaven’thadtimetobebored—yet.”
“No—no,soIshouldimagine.Isupposelikemostyoungpeoplenowadays,boredomiswhatyoudreadmostintheworld,andyet,Icanassureyou,thereareworsethings.”
“Suchas?”
TedLatimer’svoicewassoftandpleasant,butitheldanundercurrentofsomethingelse—somethingnotquitesoeasytodefine.
“Oh,Ileaveittoyourimagination,Mr.Latimer.Iwouldnotpresumetogiveyouadvice,youknow.Theadviceofsuchelderlyfogeysasmyselfisinvariablytreatedwithscorn.Rightlyso,perhaps,whoknows?Butweoldbuffersliketothinkthatexperiencehastaughtussomething.Wehavenoticedagooddeal,youknow,inthecourseofalifetime.”
Acloudhadcomeoverthefaceofthemoon.Thestreetwasverydark.Outofthedarknessaman’sfigurecametowardsthemwalkingupthehill.
ItwasThomasRoyde.
“Justbeendowntotheferryforabitofawalk,”hesaidindistinctlybecauseofthepipeclenchedbetweenhisteeth.
“Thisyourpub?”heaskedMr.Treves.“Looksasthoughyouwerelockedout.”
“Oh,Idon’tthinkso,”saidMr.Treves.
Heturnedthebigbrassdoorknobandthedoorswungback.
“We’llseeyousafelyin,”saidRoyde.
Thethreeofthementeredthehall.Itwasdimlylitwithonlyoneelectriclight.Therewasnoonetobeseen,andanodourofbygonedinner,ratherdustyvelvet,andgoodfurniturepolishmettheirnostrils.
SuddenlyMr.Trevesgaveanexclamationofannoyance.
Ontheliftinfrontofthemhunganotice:
LIFTOUTOFORDER
“Dearme,”saidMr.Treves.“Howextremelyvexing.Ishallhavetowalkupallthosestairs.”
“Toobad,”saidRoyde.“Isn’tthereaservicelift—luggage—allthat?”
“I’mafraidnot.Thisoneisusedforallpurposes.WellImusttakeitslowly,thatisall.Goodnighttoyouboth.”
Hestartedslowlyupthewidestaircase.RoydeandLatimerwishedhimgoodnight,thenletthemselvesoutintothedarkstreet.
Therewasamoment’spause,thenRoydesaidabruptly:
“Well,goodnight.”
“Goodnight.Seeyoutomorrow.”
“Yes.”
TedLatimerstrodelightlydownthehilltowardstheferry.ThomasRoydestoodlookingafterhimforamoment,thenhewalkedslowlyintheoppositedirectiontowardsGull’sPoint.
ThemooncameoutfrombehindthecloudandSaltcreekwasoncemorebathedinsilveryradiance.
VII
“Justlikesummer,”murmuredMaryAldin.
SheandAudreyweresittingonthebeachjustbelowtheimposingedificeoftheEasterheadBayHotel.Audreyworeawhiteswimsuitandlookedlikeadelicateivoryfigure.Maryhadnotbathed.AlittlewayalongfromthemKaylayonherfaceexposingherbronzedlimbsandbacktothesun.
“Ugh,”shesatup.“Thewater’shorriblycold,”shesaidaccusingly.
“Ohwell,itisSeptember,”saidMary.
“It’salwayscoldinEngland,”saidKaydiscontentedly.“HowIwishwewereintheSouthofFrance.Thatreallyishot.”
TedLatimerfrombeyondhermurmured:
“Thesunhereisn’tarealsun.”
“Aren’tyougoinginatall,Mr.Latimer?”askedMary.
Kaylaughed.
“Tednevergoesinthewater.Justsunshimselflikealizard.”
Shestretchedoutatoeandproddedhim.Hesprangup.
“Comeandwalk,Kay.I’mcold.”
Theywentofftogetheralongthebeach.
“Likealizard?Ratheranunfortunatecomparison,”murmuredMaryAldinlookingafterthem.
“Isthatwhatyouthinkofhim?”askedAudrey.
MaryAldinfrowned.
“Notquite.Alizardsuggestssomethingquitetame.Idon’tthinkheistame.”
“No,”saidAudreythoughtfully.“Idon’tthinksoeither.”
“Howwelltheylooktogether,”saidMary,watchingtheretreatingpair.“Theymatchsomehow,don’tthey?”
“Isupposetheydo.”
“Theylikethesamethings,”wentonMary.“Andhavethesameopinionsand—andusethesamelanguage.Whatathousandpitiesitisthat—”
Shestopped.
Audreysaidsharply:
“Thatwhat?”
Marysaidslowly:
“IsupposeIwasgoingtosaywhatapityitwasthatNevileandsheevermet.”
Audreysatupstiffly.WhatMarycalledtoherself“Audrey’sfrozenlook”hadcomeoverherface.Marysaidquickly:
“I’msorry,Audrey.Ishouldn’thavesaidthat.”
“I’dsomuchrather—nottalkaboutitifyoudon’tmind.”
“Ofcourse,ofcourse.Itwasverystupidofme.I—Ihopedyou’dgotoverit,Isuppose.”
Audreyturnedherheadslowly.Withacalmexpressionlessfaceshesaid:
“Iassureyouthereisnothingtogetover.I—Ihavenofeelingofanykindinthematter.Ihope—IhopewithallmyheartthatKayandNevilewillalwaysbeveryhappytogether.”
“Well,that’sveryniceofyou,Audrey.”
“Itisn’tnice.Itis—justtrue.ButIdothinkitis—well—unprofitabletokeepongoingbackoverthepast.‘It’sapitythishappened—that!’It’sallovernow.Whytakeitup?We’vegottogoonlivingourlivesinthepresent.”
“Isuppose,”saidMarysimply,“thatpeoplelikeKayandTedareexcitingtomebecause—well,theyaresodifferentfromanythingoranyonethatIhaveevercomeacross.”
“Yes,Isupposetheyare.”
“Evenyou,”saidMarywithsuddenbitterness,“havelivedandhadexperiencesthatIshallprobablyneverhave.Iknowyou’vebeenunhappy—veryunhappy—butIcan’thelpfeelingthateventhatisbetterthan—well—nothing.Emptiness!”
Shesaidthelastwordwithafierceemphasis.
Audrey’swideeyeslookedalittlestartled.
“Ineverdreamtyoueverfeltlikethat.”
“Didn’tyou?”MaryAldinlaughedapologetically.“Ohjustamomentaryfitofdiscontent,mydear.Ididn’treallymeanit.”
“Itcan’tbeverygayforyou,”saidAudreyslowly.“JustlivingherewithCamilla—dearthingthoughsheis.Readingtoher,managingtheservants,nevergoingaway.”
“I’mwell-fedand-housed,”saidMary.“Thousandsofwomenaren’teventhat.Andreally,Audrey,Iamquitecontented.Ihave,”asmileplayedforamomentroundherlips,“myprivatedistractions.”
“Secretvices?”askedAudrey,smilingalso.
“Oh,Iplanthings,”saidMaryvaguely.“Inmymind,youknow.AndIlikeexperimentingsometimes—uponpeople.Justseeing,youknow,ifIcanmakethemreacttowhatIsayinthewayImean.”
“Yousoundalmostsadistic,Mary.HowlittleIreallyknowyou!”
“Ohit’sallquiteharmless.Justachildishlittleamusement.”
Audreyaskedcuriously:
“Haveyouexperimentedonme?”
“No.You’retheonlypersonIhavealwaysfoundquiteincalculable.Ineverknow,yousee,whatyouarethinking.”
“Perhaps,”saidAudreygravely,“thatisjustaswell.”
SheshiveredandMaryexclaimed:
“You’recold.”
“Yes.IthinkIwillgoanddress.Afterall,itisSeptember.”
MaryAldinremainedalone,staringatthereflectiononthewater.Thetidewasgoingout.Shestretchedherselfoutonthesand,closinghereyes.
TheyhadhadagoodlunchattheHotel.Itwasstillquitefullalthoughitwaspasttheheightoftheseason.Aqueer,mixed-lookinglotofpeople.Ohwell,ithadbeenadayout.Somethingtobreakthemonotonyofdayfollowingday.Ithadbeenarelief,too,togetawayfromthatsenseoftension,thatstrung-upatmospherethattherehadbeenlatelyatGull’sPoint.Ithadn’tbeenAudrey’sfault,butNevile—
HerthoughtsbrokeupabruptlyasTedLatimerplumpedhimselfdownonthebeachbesideher.
“WhathaveyoudonewithKay?”Maryasked.
Tedrepliedbriefly:
“She’sbeenclaimedbyherlegalowner.”
SomethinginhistonemadeMaryAldinsitup.SheglancedacrossthestretchofshininggoldensandstowhereNevileandKaywerewalkingbythewater’sedge.Thensheglancedquicklyatthemanbesideher.
Shehadthoughtofhimasnerveless,asqueer,asdangerous,even.Nowforthefirsttimeshegotaglimpseofsomeoneyoungandhurt.Shethought:
“HewasinlovewithKay—reallyinlovewithher—andthenNevilecameandtookheraway….”
Shesaidgently:
“Ihopeyouareenjoyingyourselfdownhere.”
Theywereconventionalwords.MaryAldinseldomusedanywordsbutconventionalones—thatwasherlanguage.Buthertonewasanoffer—forthefirsttime—offriendliness.TedLatimerrespondedtoit.
“Asmuch,probably,asIshouldenjoymyselfanywhere.”
Marysaid:
“I’msorry.”
“Butyoudon’tcareadamn,really!I’manoutsider—andwhatdoesitmatterwhatoutsidersfeelandthink.”
Sheturnedherheadtolookatthisbitterandhandsomeyoungman.
Hereturnedherlookwithoneofdefiance.
Shesaidslowlyasonewhomakesadiscovery:
“Isee.Youdon’tlikeus.”
Helaughedshortly.
“Didyouexpectmeto?”
Shesaidthoughtfully:
“Isuppose,youknow,thatIdidexpectjustthat.Onetakes,ofcourse,toomuchforgranted.Oneshouldbemorehumble.Yes,itwouldnothaveoccurredtomethatyouwouldnotlikeus.Wehavetriedtomakeyouwelcome—asKay’sfriend.”
“Yes—asKay’sfriend!”
Theinterruptioncamewithaquickvenom.
Marysaidwithdisarmingsincerity:
“Iwishyouwouldtellme—reallyIwishit—justwhyyoudislikeus?Whathavewedone?Whatiswrongwithus?”
TedLatimersaid,withablisteringemphasisontheoneword:“Smug!”
“Smug?”Maryquerieditwithoutrancour,examiningthechargewithjudicialappraisement.
“Yes,”sheadmitted.“Iseethatwecouldseemlikethat.”
“Youarelikethat.Youtakeallthegoodthingsoflifeforgranted.You’rehappyandsuperiorinyourlittleroped-offenclosureshutofffromthecommonherd.YoulookatpeoplelikemeasthoughIwereoneoftheanimalsoutside!”
“I’msorry,”saidMary.
“It’strue,isn’tit?”
“No,notquite.Wearestupid,perhaps,andunimaginative—butnotmalicious.Imyselfamconventionaland,superficially,Idaresay,whatyoucallsmug.Butreally,youknow,I’mquitehumaninside.I’mverysorry,thisminute,becauseyouareunhappy,andIwishIcoulddosomethingaboutit.”
“Well—ifthat’sso—it’sniceofyou.”
Therewasapause,thenMarysaidgently:
“HaveyoualwaysbeeninlovewithKay?”
“Prettywell.”
“Andshe?”
“Ithoughtso—untilStrangecamealong.”
Marysaidgently:
“Andyou’restillinlovewithher?”
“Ishouldthinkthatwasobvious.”
Afteramomentortwo,Marysaidquietly:
“Hadn’tyoubettergoawayfromhere?”
“WhyshouldI?”
“Becauseyouareonlylettingyourselfinformoreunhappiness.”
Helookedatherandlaughed.
“You’reanicecreature,”hesaid.“Butyoudon’tknowmuchabouttheanimalsprowlingaboutoutsideyourlittleenclosure.Quitealotofthingsmayhappeninthenearfuture.”
“Whatsortofthings?”saidMarysharply.
“Waitandsee.”
VIII
WhenAudreyhaddressedshewentalongthebeachandoutalongajuttingpointofrocks,joiningThomasRoyde,whowassittingtheresmokingapipeexactlyoppositetoGull’sPoint,whichstoodwhiteandsereneontheoppositesideoftheriver.
ThomasturnedhisheadatAudrey’sapproach,buthedidnotmove.Shesatdownbesidehimwithoutspeaking.Theyweresilentwiththecomfortablesilenceoftwopeoplewhoknoweachotherverywellindeed.
“Hownearitlooks,”saidAudreyatlast,breakingthesilence.
ThomaslookedacrossatGull’sPoint.
“Yes,wecouldswimhome.”
“Notatthistide.TherewasahousemaidCamillahadonce.Shewasanenthusiasticbather,usedtoswimacrossandbackwheneverthetidewasright.Ithastobeloworhigh—butwhenit’srunningoutitsweepsyourightdowntothemouthoftheriver.Itdidthattoheroneday—onlyluckilyshekeptherheadandcameashoreallrightonEasterPoint—onlyveryexhausted.”
“Itdoesn’tsayanythingaboutitsbeingdangeroushere.”
“Itisn’tthisside.Thecurrentistheotherside.It’sdeepthereunderthecliffs.Therewasawould-besuicidelastyear—threwhimselfoffStarkHead—buthewascaughtbyatreehalfwaydownthecliffandthecoastguardsgottohimallright.”
“Poordevil,”saidThomas.“Ibethedidn’tthankthem.Mustbesickeningtohavemadeupyourmindtogetoutofitallandthenbesaved.Makesafellowfeelafool.”
“Perhapshe’sgladnow,”suggestedAudreydreamily.
Shewonderedvaguelywherethemanwasnowandwhathewasdoing.
Thomaspuffedawayathispipe.ByturninghisheadveryslightlyhecouldlookatAudrey.Henotedhergraveabsorbedfaceasshestaredacrossthewater.Thelongbrownlashesthatrestedonthepurelineofthecheek,thesmallshell-likeear.
Thatremindedhimofsomething.
“Ohbytheway,I’vegotyourearring—theoneyoulostlastnight.”
Hisfingersdelvedintohispocket.Audreystretchedoutahand.
“Ohgood,wheredidyoufindit?Ontheterrace?”
“No.Itwasnearthestairs.Youmusthavelostitasyoucamedowntodinner.Inoticedyouhadn’tgotitatdinner.”
“I’mgladtohaveitback.”
Shetookit.Thomasreflectedthatitwasratheralargebarbaricearringforsosmallanear.Theonesshehadontodaywerelarge,too.
Heremarked:
“Youwearyourearringsevenwhenyoubathe.Aren’tyouafraidoflosingthem?”
“Oh,theseareverycheapthings.Ihatebeingwithoutearringsbecauseofthis.”
Shetouchedherleftear.Thomasremembered.
“Ohyes,thattimeoldBouncerbityou.”
Audreynodded.
Theyweresilent,relivingachildishmemory.AudreyStandish(asshethenwas),alongspindle-leggedchild,puttingherfacedownonoldBouncerwhohadhadasorepaw.Anastybite,hehadgivenher.Shehadhadtohaveastitchputinit.Notthattherewasmuchtoshownow—justthetiniestlittlescar.
“Mydeargirl,”hesaid,“youcanhardlyseethemark.Whydoyoumind?”
Audreypausedbeforeansweringwithevidentsincerity:
“It’sbecause—becauseIjustcan’tbearablemish.”
Thomasnodded.ItfittedinwithhisknowledgeofAudrey—ofherinstinctforperfection.Shewasinherselfsoperfectlyfinishedanarticle.
Hesaidsuddenly:
“You’refarmorebeautifulthanKay.”
Sheturnedquickly.
“Ohno,Thomas.Kay—Kayisreallylovely.”
“Ontheoutside.Notunderneath.”
“Areyoureferring,”saidAudreywithfaintamusement,“tomybeautifulsoul?”
Thomasknockedouttheashesofhispipe.
“No,”hesaid.“IthinkImeanyourbones.”
Audreylaughed.
Thomaspackedanewpipefuloftobacco.Theyweresilentforquitefiveminutes,butThomasglancedatAudreymorethanoncethoughhediditsounobtrusivelythatshewasunawareofit.
Hesaidatlastquietly:
“What’swrong,Audrey?”
“Wrong?Whatdoyoumeanbywrong?”
“Wrongwithyou.There’ssomething.”
“No,there’snothing.Nothingatall.”
“Butthereis.”
Sheshookherhead.
“Won’tyoutellme?”
“There’snothingtotell.”
“IsupposeI’mbeingachump—butI’vegottosayit—”Hepaused.“Audrey—can’tyouforgetaboutit?Can’tyouletitallgo?”
Shedughersmallhandsconvulsivelyintotherock.
“Youdon’tunderstand—youcan’tbegintounderstand.”
“ButAudrey,mydear,Ido.That’sjustit.Iknow.”
Sheturnedasmalldoubtfulfacetohim
“Iknowexactlywhatyou’vebeenthrough.And—andwhatitmusthavemeanttoyou.”
Shewasverywhitenow,whitetothelips.
“Isee,”shesaid.“Ididn’tthink—anyoneknew.”
“Well,Ido.I—I’mnotgoingtotalkaboutit.ButwhatIwanttoimpressuponyouisthatit’sallover—it’spastanddonewith.”
Shesaidinalowvoice:
“Somethingsdon’tpass.”
“Lookhere,Audrey,it’snogoodbroodingandremembering.Grantedyou’vebeenthroughHell.Itdoesnogoodtogooverandoverathinginyourmind.Lookforward—notback.You’requiteyoung.You’vegotyourlifetoliveandmostofthatisinfrontofyounow.Thinkoftomorrow,notofyesterday.”
Shelookedathimwithasteadywide-eyedgazethatwassingularlyunrevealingofherrealthoughts.
“Andsupposing,”shesaid,“thatIcan’tdothat.”
“Butyoumust.”
Audreysaidgently:
“Ithoughtyoudidn’tunderstand.I’m—I’mnotquitenormalabout—somethings,Isuppose.”
Hebrokeinroughly,
“Rubbish.You—”Hestopped.
“I—what?”
“Iwasthinkingofyouasyouwerewhenyouwereagirl—beforeyoumarriedNevile.WhydidyoumarryNevile?”
Audreysmiled.
“BecauseIfellinlovewithhim.”
“Yes,yes,Iknowthat.Butwhydidyoufallinlovewithhim?Whatattractedyoutohimsomuch?”
Shecrinkledhereyesasthoughtryingtoseethroughtheeyesofagirlnowdead.
“Ithink,”shesaid,“itwasbecausehewasso‘positive.’HewasalwayssomuchtheoppositeofwhatIwas,myself.Ialwaysfeltshadowy—notquitereal.Nevilewasveryreal.Andsohappyandsureofhimselfandso—everythingthatIwasnot.”Sheaddedwithasmile:“Andverygood-looking.”
ThomasRoydesaidbitterly:
“Yes,theidealEnglishman—goodatsport,modest,good-looking,alwaysthelittlepukkasahib—gettingeverythinghewantedallalongtheline.”
Audreysatveryuprightandstaredathim.
“Youhatehim,”shesaidslowly.“Youhatehimverymuch,don’tyou?”
Heavoidedhereyes,turningawaytocupamatchinhishandsasherelitthepipe,thathadgoneout.
“Wouldn’tbesurprisingifIdid,wouldit?”hesaidindistinctly.“He’sgoteverythingthatIhaven’t.Hecanplaygames,andswimanddance,andtalk.AndI’matongue-tiedoafwithacrippledarm.He’salwaysbeenbrilliantandsuccessfulandI’vealwaysbeenadulldog.AndhemarriedtheonlygirlIevercaredfor.”
Shemadeafaintsound.Hesaidsavagely:
“You’vealwaysknownthat,haven’tyou?YouknewIcaredaboutyoueversinceyouwerefifteen.YouknowthatIstillcare—”
Shestoppedhim.
“No.Notnow.”
“Whatdoyoumean—notnow?”
Audreygotup.Shesaidinaquietreflectivevoice:
“Because—now—Iamdifferent.”
“Differentinwhatway?”
Hegotuptooandstoodfacingher.
Audreysaidinaquickratherbreathlessvoice:
“Ifyoudon’tknow,Ican’ttellyou…I’mnotalwayssuremyself.Ionlyknow—”
Shebrokeoff,andturningabruptlyawayshewalkedquicklybackovertherockstowardstheHotel.
TurningacornerofthecliffshecameacrossNevile.Hewaslyingfulllengthpeeringintoarockpool.Helookedupandgrinned.
“Hullo,Audrey.”
“Hullo,Nevile.”
“I’mwatchingacrab.Awfullyactivelittlebeggar.Look,thereheis.”
Shekneltdownandstaredwherehepointed.
“Seehim?”
“Yes.”
“Haveacigarette?”
Sheacceptedoneandhelighteditforher.Afteramomentortwo,duringwhichshedidnotlookathim,hesaid,nervously:
“Isay,Audrey?”
“Yes.”
“It’sallright,isn’tit?Imean—betweenus.”
“Yes.Yes,ofcourse.”
“Imean—we’refriendsandallthat.”
“Ohyes—yes,ofcourse.”
“Idowantustobefriends.”
Helookedatheranxiously.Shegavehimanervoussmile.
Hesaidconversationally:
“It’sbeenajollyday,hasn’tit?Weathergoodandallthat?”
“Ohyes—yes.”
“QuitehotreallyforSeptember.”
Therewasapause.
“Audrey—”
Shegotup.
“Yourwifewantsyou.She’swavingtoyou.”
“Who—oh,Kay.”
“Isaidyourwife.”
Hescrambledtohisfeetandstoodlookingather.
Hesaidinaverylowvoice:
“You’remywife,Audrey….”
Sheturnedaway.NevilerandownontothebeachandacrossthesandtojoinKay.
IX
OntheirarrivalbackatGull’sPoint,HurstallcameoutintothehallandspoketoMary.
“Wouldyougoupatoncetoherladyship,Miss?Sheisfeelingveryupsetandwantedtoseeyouassoonasyougotin.”
Maryhurriedupthestairs.ShefoundLadyTressilianlookingwhiteandshaken
“DearMary,I’msogladyouhavecome.Iamfeelingmostdistressed.PoorMr.Trevesisdead.”
“Dead?”
“Yes,isn’titterrible?Sosudden.Apparentlyhedidn’tevengetundressedlastnight.Hemusthavecollapsedassoonashegothome.”
“Ohdear,Iamsorry.”
“Oneknows,ofcourse,thathewasdelicate.Aweakheart.Ihopenothinghappenedwhilehewasheretooverstrainit?Therewasnothingindigestiblefordinner?”
“Idon’tthinkso—no,Iamsuretherewasn’t.Heseemedquitewellandingoodspirits.”
“Iamreallyverydistressed.Iwish,Mary,thatyouwouldgototheBalmoralCourtandmakeafewinquiriesofMrs.Rogers.Askherifthereisanythingwecando.Andthenthefuneral.ForMatthew’ssakeIwouldliketodoanythingwecould.ThesethingsaresoawkwardataHotel.”
Maryspokefirmly.
“DearCamilla,youreallymustnotworry.Thishasbeenashocktoyou.”
“Indeedithas.”
“IwillgototheBalmoralCourtatonceandthencomebackandtellyouallaboutthings.”
“Thankyou,Marydear,youarealwayssopracticalandunderstanding.”
“Pleasetryandrestnow.Ashockofthiskindissobadforyou.”
MaryAldinlefttheroomandcamedownstairs.Enteringthedrawingroomsheexclaimed:“OldMr.Trevesisdead.Hediedlastnightafterreturninghome.”
“Pooroldboy,”exclaimedNevile.“Whatwasit?”
“Heartapparently.Hecollapsedassoonashegotin.”
ThomasRoydesaidthoughtfully:
“Iwonderifthestairsdidhimin.”
“Stairs?”Marylookedathiminquiringly.
“Yes.WhenLatimerandIlefthimhewasjuststartingup.Wetoldhimtotakeitslow.”
Maryexclaimed:
“Buthowveryfoolishofhimnottotakethelift.”
“Theliftwasoutoforder.”
“Oh,Isee.Howveryunfortunate.Pooroldman.”
Sheadded:“I’mgoingroundtherenow.Camillawantstoknowifthereisanythingwecando.”
Thomassaid:“I’llcomewithyou.”
TheywalkedtogetherdowntheroadandroundthecornertotheBalmoralCourt.Maryremarked:
“Iwonderifhehasanyrelativeswhooughttobenotified?”
“Hedidn’tmentionanyone.”
“No,andpeopleusuallydo.Theysay‘myniece,’or‘mycousin.’”
“Washemarried?”
“Ibelievenot.”
TheyenteredtheopendooroftheBalmoralCourt.
Mrs.Rogers,theproprietress,wastalkingtoatallmiddle-agedman,whoraisedafriendlyhandingreetingtoMary.
“Goodafternoon,MissAldin.”
“Goodafternoon,Dr.Lazenby.ThisisMr.Royde.WecameroundwithamessagefromLadyTressiliantoknowifthereisanythingwecando.”
“That’sverykindofyou,MissAldin,”saidtheHotelproprietress.“Comeintomyroom,won’tyou?”
TheyallwentintothesmallcomfortablesittingroomandDr.Lazenbysaid:
“Mr.Treveswasdiningatyourplacelastnight,wasn’the?”
“Yes.”
“Howdidheseem?Didheshowanysignsofdistress?”
“No,heseemedverywellandcheerful.”
Thedoctornodded.
“Yes,that’stheworstoftheseheartcases.Theendisnearlyalwayssudden.Ihadalookathisprescriptionsupstairsanditseemsquiteclearthathewasinaveryprecariousstateofhealth.IshallcommunicatewithhisLondondoctor,ofcourse.”
“Hewasverycarefulofhimselfalways,”saidMrs.Rogers.“AndI’msurehehadeverycareherewecouldgivehim.”
“I’msureofthat,Mrs.Rogers,”saidthedoctortactfully.“Itwasjustsometinyadditionalstrain,nodoubt.”
“Suchaswalkingupstairs,”suggestedMary.
“Yes,thatmightdoit.Infactalmostcertainlywould—thatis,ifheeverwalkedupthosethreeflights—butsurelyheneverdidanythingofthatkind?”
“Ohno,”saidMrs.Rogers.“Healwaysusedthelift.Always.Hewasmostparticular.”
“Imean,”saidMary,“thatwiththeliftbeingoutoforderlastnight—”
Mrs.Rogerswasstaringatherinsurprise.
“Buttheliftwasn’toutoforderatallyesterday,MissAldin.”
ThomasRoydecoughed.
“Excuseme,”hesaid.“IcamehomewithMr.Treveslastnight.Therewasaplacardontheliftsaying‘Outoforder.’”
Mrs.Rogersstared.
“Well,that’sanoddthing.I’dhavedeclaredtherewasnothingwrongwiththelift—infactI’msuretherewasn’t.I’dhaveheardaboutitiftherewas.Wehaven’thadanythinggowrongwiththelift(touchingwood)since—oh,notforagoodeighteenmonths.Veryreliableitis.”
“Perhaps,”suggestedthedoctor,“someporterorhallboyputthatnoticeupwhenhewasoffduty?”
“It’sanautomaticlift,doctor,itdoesn’tneedanyonetoworkit.”
“Ahyes,soitis.Iwasforgetting.”
“I’llhaveawordwithJoe,”saidMrs.Rogers.Shebustledoutoftheroomcalling,“Joe—Joe.”
Dr.LazenbylookedcuriouslyatThomas.
“Excuseme,you’requitesure,Mr.—er—”
“Royde,”putinMary.
“Quitesure,”saidThomas.
Mrs.Rogerscamebackwiththeporter.Joewasemphaticthatnothingwhateverhadbeenwrongwiththeliftontheprecedingnight.TherewassuchaplacardasThomashaddescribed—butitwastuckedawayunderthedeskandhadn’tbeenusedforoverayear.
Theyalllookedateachotherandagreeditwasamostmysteriousthing.ThedoctorsuggestedsomepracticaljokeonthepartofoneoftheHotelvisitors,andperforcetheyleftitatthat.
InreplytoMary’sinquiries,DoctorLazenbyexplainedthatMr.Treves’chauffeurhadgivenhimtheaddressofMr.Treves’solicitors,andhewascommunicatingwiththemandthathewouldcomeroundandseeLadyTressilianandtellherwhatwasgoingtobedoneaboutthefuneral.
ThenthebusycheerfuldoctorhurriedoffandMaryandThomaswalkedslowlybacktoGull’sPoint.
Marysaid:
“You’requitesureyousawthatnotice,Thomas?”
“BothLatimerandIsawit.”
“Whatanextraordinarything!”saidMary.
X
Itwasthe12thofSeptember.“Onlytwomoredays,”saidMaryAldin.Thenshebitherlipandflushed.
ThomasRoydelookedatherthoughtfully
“Isthathowyoufeelaboutit?”
“Idon’tknowwhat’sthematterwithme,”saidMary.“NeverinallmylifehaveIbeensoanxiousforavisittocometoanend.AndusuallyweenjoyhavingNevilesomuch.AndAudreytoo.”
Thomasnodded.
“Butthistime,”wentonMary,“onefeelsasthoughoneweresittingondynamite.Atanyminutethewholethingmayexplode.That’swhyIsaidtomyselffirstthingthismorning:‘Onlytwodaysmore.’AudreygoesonWednesdayandNevileandKayonThursday.”
“AndIgoonFriday,”saidThomas.
“OhI’mnotcountingyou.You’vebeenatowerofstrength.Idon’tknowwhatIshouldhavedonewithoutyou.”
“Thehumanbuffer?”
“Morethanthat.You’vebeensokindandso—socalm.ThatsoundsratherridiculousbutitreallydoesexpresswhatImean.”
Thomaslookedpleasedthoughslightlyembarrassed.
“Idon’tknowwhywe’veallbeensohetup,”saidMaryreflectively.“Afterall,iftherewerean—anoutburst—itwouldbeawkwardandembarrassing,butnothingmore.”
“Butthere’sbeenmoretoyourfeelingthanthat.”
“Ohyes,therehas.Adefinitefeelingofapprehension.Eventheservantsfeelit.Thekitchenmaidburstintotearsandgavenoticethismorning—fornoreasonatall.Thecook’sjumpy—Hurstallisallonedge—evenBarrett,whoisusuallyascalmasa—abattleship—hasshownsignsofnerves.AndallbecauseNevilehasthisridiculousideaofwantinghisformerandpresentwifetomakefriendsandsosoothehisownconscience.”
“Inwhichingeniousideahehassingularlyfailed,”remarkedThomas.
“Yes.Kayis—isgettingquitebesideherself.Andreally,Thomas,Ican’thelpsympathizingwithher.”Shepaused.“DidyounoticethewayNevilelookedafterAudreyasshewentupthestairslastnight?Hestillcaresabouther,Thomas.Thewholethinghasbeenthemosttragicmistake.”
Thomasstartedfillinghispipe.
“Heshouldhavethoughtofthatbefore,”hesaidinahardvoice.
“OhIknow.That’swhatonesays.Butitdoesn’talterthefactthatthewholethingisatragedy.Ican’thelpfeelingsorryforNevile.”
“PeoplelikeNevile—”beganThomasandthenstopped.
“Yes.”
“PeoplelikeNevilethinktheycanalwayshaveeverythingtheirownway—andhaveeverythingtheywant,too.Idon’tsupposeNevilehaseverhadasetbackoveranythinginhislifetillhecameupagainstthisbusinessofAudrey.Well,he’sgotitnow.Hecan’thaveAudrey.She’soutofhisreach.Nogoodhismakingasonganddanceaboutit.He’sjustgottolumpit.”
“Isupposeyou’requiteright.Butyoudosoundhard.AudreywassomuchinlovewithNevilewhenshemarriedhim—andtheyalwaysgotontogethersowell.”
“Well,she’soutoflovewithhimnow.”
“Iwonder,”murmuredMaryunderherbreath.
Thomaswasgoingon:
“AndI’lltellyousomethingelse.NevilehadbetterlookoutforKay.She’sadangerouskindofyoungwoman—reallydangerous.Ifshegothertemperupshe’dstopatnothing.”
“Ohdear,”Marysighedand,returningtoheroriginalremarks,saidhopefully:“Well,it’sonlytwodaysmore.”
Thingshadbeenverydifficultforthelastfourorfivedays.ThedeathofMr.TreveshadgivenLadyTressilianashockwhichhadtoldadverselyonherhealth.ThefuneralhadtakenplaceinLondon,forwhichMarywasthankful,sinceitenabledtheoldladytotakehermindoffthesadeventmorequicklythanshemighthavebeenabletodootherwise.ThedomesticsideofthehouseholdhadbeenverynervyanddifficultandMaryreallyfelttiredanddispiritedthismorning.
“It’spartlytheweather,”shesaidaloud.“It’sunnatural.”
IthadindeedbeenanunusuallyhotandfinespellforSeptember.Onseveraldaysthethermometerhadregistered70intheshade.
Nevilestrolledoutofthehouseandjoinedthemasshespoke.
“Blamingtheweather?”heasked,withaglanceupatthesky.“Itisratherincredible.Hotterthanevertoday.Andnowind.Makesonefeeljumpysomehow.However,Ithinkwe’llgetrainbeforeverylong.Todayisjustabittootropicaltolast.”
ThomasRoydehadmovedverygentlyandaimlesslyawayandnowdisappearedroundthecornerofthehouse.
“DepartureofgloomyThomas,”saidNevile.“Nobodycouldsayheshowsanyenjoymentofmycompany.”
“He’sratheradear,”saidMary.
“Idisagree.Narrow-mindedprejudicedsortofchap.”
“HealwayshopedtomarryAudrey,Ithink.Andthenyoucamealongandcuthimout.”
“Itwouldhavetakenhimaboutsevenyearstomakeuphismindtoaskhertomarryhim.Didheexpectthepoorgirltowaitwhilehemadeuphismind?”
“Perhaps,”saidMarydeliberately,“itwillallcomerightnow.”
Nevilelookedatherandraisedaneyebrow.
“Trueloverewarded?Audreymarrythatwetfish?She’salottoogoodforthat.No,Idon’tseeAudreymarryinggloomyThomas.”
“Ibelievesheisreallyveryfondofhim,Nevile.”
“Whatmatchmakersyouwomenalwaysare!Can’tyouletAudreyenjoyherfreedomforabit?”
“Ifshedoesenjoyit,certainly.”
Nevilesaidquickly:
“Youthinkshe’snothappy?”
“Ireallyhaven’ttheleastidea.”
“NomorehaveI,”saidNevileslowly.“OneneverdoesknowwhatAudreyisfeeling.”Hepausedandthenadded,“ButAudreyisonehundredpercentthoroughbred.She’swhiteallthrough.”
Thenhesaid,moretohimselfthantoMary:
“God,whatadamnedfoolI’vebeen!”
Marywentintothehousealittleworried.Forthethirdtimesherepeatedtoherselfthecomfortingwords,“Onlytwodaysmore.”
Nevilewanderedrestlesslyaboutthegardenandterraces.
RightattheendofthegardenhefoundAudreysittingonthelowwalllookingdownatthewaterbelow.Itwashightideandtheriverwasfull.
Shegotupatonceandcametowardshim
“Iwasjustcomingbacktothehouse.Itmustbenearlytea-time.”
Shespokequicklyandnervouslywithoutlookingathim.
Hewalkedbesideherwithoutspeaking.
Onlywhentheyreachedtheterraceagaindidhesay:
“CanItalktoyou,Audrey?”
Shesaidatonce,herfingersgrippingtheedgeofthebalustrade:“Ithinkyou’dbetternot.”
“ThatmeansyouknowwhatIwanttosay.”
Shedidnotanswer.
“Whataboutit,Audrey?Can’twegobacktowherewewere?Forgeteverythingthathashappened?”
“IncludingKay?”
“Kay,”saidNevile,“willbesensible.”
“Whatdoyoumeanbysensible?”
“Simplythis.Ishallgotoherandtellherthetruth.Flingmyselfonhergenerosity.Tellher,whatistrue,thatyouaretheonlywomanIeverloved.”
“YoulovedKaywhenyoumarriedher.”
“MymarriagetoKaywasthebiggestmistakeIevermade.I—”
Hestopped.Kayhadcomeoutofthedrawingroomwindow.Shewalkedtowardsthem,andbeforethefuryinhereyesevenNevileshrankalittle.
“Sorrytointerruptthistouchingscene,”saidKay.“ButIthinkit’sabouttimeIdid.”
Audreymovedaway.“I’llleaveyoualone,”shesaid.
Herfaceandvoicewerecolourless.
“That’sright,”saidKay.“You’vedoneallthemischiefyouwantedtodo,haven’tyou?I’lldealwithyoulater.JustnowI’dratherhaveitoutwithNevile.”
“Lookhere,Kay,Audreyhasabsolutelynothingtodowiththis.It’snotherfault.Blamemeifyoulike—”
“AndIdolike,”saidKay.HereyesblazedatNevile.“Whatsortofmandoyouthinkyouare?”
“Aprettypoorsortofman,”saidNevilebitterly.
“Youleaveyourwife,comebullheadedafterme,getyourwifetogiveyouadivorce.Crazyaboutmeoneminute,tiredofmethenext!NowIsupposeyouwanttogobacktothatwhey-faced,mewling,double-crossinglittlecat—”
“Stopthat,Kay!”
“Well,whatdoyouwant?”
Nevilewasverywhite.Hesaid:
“I’meverykindofawormyouliketocallme.Butit’snogood,Kay.Ican’tgoon.Ithink—really—ImusthavelovedAudreyallthetime.Myloveforyouwas—wasakindofmadness.Butit’snogood,mydear—youandIdon’tbelong.Ishouldn’tbeabletomakeyouhappyinthelongrun.Believeme,Kay,it’sbettertocutourlosses.Let’stryandpartfriends.Begenerous.”
Kaysaidinadeceptivelyquietvoice:
“Whatexactlyareyousuggesting?”
Neviledidnotlookather.Hischintookonadoggedangle.
“Wecangetadivorce.Youcandivorcemefordesertion.”
“Notforsometime.You’llhavetowaitforit.”
“I’llwait,”saidNevile.
“Andthen,afterthreeyearsorwhateveritis,you’llaskdearsweetAudreytomarryyoualloveragain?”
“Ifshe’llhaveme.”
“She’llhaveyouallright!”saidKayviciously.“AndwheredoIcomein?”
“You’llbefreetofindabettermanthanIam.NaturallyIshallseeyou’rewellprovidedfor—”
“Cutoutthebribes!”Hervoicerose,asshelostcontrolofherself.“Listentome,Nevile.Youcan’tdothisthingtome!I’llnotdivorceyou.ImarriedyoubecauseIlovedyou.Iknowwhenyoustartedturningagainstme.ItwasafterIletyouknowIfollowedyoutoEstoril.YouwantedtothinkitwasallFate.It’supsetyourvanitytothinkitwasme.Well,I’mnotashamedofwhatIdid.YoufellinlovewithmeandmarriedmeandI’mnotgoingtoletyougobacktothatslylittlecatwho’sgotherhooksintoyouagain.Shemeantthistohappen—butshe’snotgoingtobringitoff!I’llkillyoufirst.Doyouhear?I’llkillyou.I’llkillhertoo.I’llseeyoubothdead.I’ll—”
Neviletookastepforwardandcaughtherbythearm.
“Shutup,Kay.Forgoodness’sake.Youcan’tmakethiskindofscenehere.”
“Can’tI?You’llsee.I’ll—”
Hurstallsteppedoutontheterrace.Hisfacewasquiteimpassive.
“Teaisservedinthedrawingroom,”heannounced.
KayandNevilewalkedslowlytowardsthedrawingroomwindow.
Hurstallstoodasidetoletthempassin.
Upintheskythecloudsweregathering
XI
Therainstartedfallingataquartertoseven.Nevilewatcheditfromthewindowofhisbedroom.HehadnofurtherconversationwithKay.Theyhadavoidedeachotheraftertea.
Dinnerthateveningwasastilteddifficultmeal.Nevilewassunkinabstraction;Kay’sfacehadanunusualamountofmakeupforher;Audreysatlikeafrozenghost.MaryAldindidherbesttokeepsomekindofaconversationgoingandwasslightlyannoyedwithThomasRoydefornotplayinguptoherbetter.
Hurstallwasnervousandhishandstrembledashehandedthevegetables.
Asthemealdrewtoaclose,Nevilesaidwithelaboratecasualness:“ThinkIshallgoovertoEasterheadafterdinnerandlookupLatimer.Wemighthaveagameofbilliards.”
“Takethelatchkey,”saidMary.“Incaseyou’rebacklate.”
“Thanks,Iwill.”
Theywentintothedrawingroom,wherecoffeewasserved.
Theturningonofthewirelessandthenewswasawelcomediversion.
Kay,whohadbeenyawningostentatiouslyeversincedinner,saidshewouldgouptobed.Shehadaheadache,shesaid
“Haveyougotanyaspirin?”askedMary.
“Yes,thankyou.”
Kaylefttheroom.
Nevileturnedthewirelessontoaprogrammewithmusic.Hesatsilentonthesofaforsometime.HedidnotlookonceatAudrey,butsathuddleduplookinglikeanunhappylittleboy.Againstherwill,Maryfeltquitesorryforhim.
“Well,”hesaid,atlastrousinghimself,“betterbeoffifI’mgoing.”
“Areyoutakingyourcarorgoingbyferry?”
“Oh,ferry.Nosenseingoingaroundoffifteenmiles.Ishallenjoyabitofawalk.”
“It’sraining,youknow.”
“Iknow.I’vegotaBurberry.”Hewenttowardsthedoor.
“Goodnight.”
Inthehall,Hurstallcametohim.
“Ifyouplease,sir,willyougouptoLadyTressilian?Shewantstoseeyouspecially.”
Nevileglancedattheclock.Itwasalreadyteno’clock.
HeshruggedhisshouldersandwentupstairsandalongthecorridortoLadyTressilian’sroomandtappedonthedoor.WhilehewaitedforhertosayComein,heheardthevoicesoftheothersinthehalldownbelow.Everybodywasgoingtobedearlytonight,itseemed.
“Comein,”saidLadyTressilian’sclearvoice.
Nevilewentin,shuttingthedoorbehindhim.
LadyTressilianwasallreadyforthenight.Allthelightswereextinguishedexceptonereadinglampbyherbed.Shehadbeenreading,butshenowlaiddownthebook.ShelookedatNevileoverthetopofherspectacles.Itwas,somehow,aformidableglance.
“Iwanttospeaktoyou,Nevile,”shesaid.
Inspiteofhimself,Nevilesmiledfaintly.
“Yes,Headmaster,”hesaid.
LadyTressiliandidnotsmile.
“Therearecertainthings,Nevile,thatIwillnotpermitinmyhouse.Ihavenowishtolistentoanybody’sprivateconversations,butifyouandyourwifeinsistonshoutingateachotherexactlyundermybedroomwindows,Icanhardlyfailtohearwhatyousay.IgatherthatyouwereoutliningaplanwherebyKaywastodivorceyouandinduecourseyouwouldremarryAudrey.That,Nevile,isathingyousimplycannotdoandIwillnothearofitforamoment.”
Nevileseemedtobemakinganefforttocontrolhistemper.
“Iapologizeforthescene,”hesaid,shortly.“Asfortherestofwhatyousay,surelythatismybusiness!”
“No,itisnot.YouhaveusedmyhouseinordertogetintotouchwithAudrey—orelseAudreyhasusedit—”
“Shehasdonenothingofthesort.She—”
LadyTressilianstoppedhimwithupraisedhand.
“Anyway,youcan’tdothisthing,Nevile.Kayisyourwife.Shehascertainrightsofwhichyoucannotdepriveher.InthismatterIamentirelyonKay’sside.Youhavemadeyourbedandmustlieuponit.YourdutynowistoKayandI’mtellingyousoplainly—”
Neviletookastepforward.Hisvoicerose:
“Thisisnothingwhatevertodowithyou—”
“Whatismore,”LadyTressilianswepton,regardlessofhisprotest.“Audreyleavesthishousetomorrow—”
“Youcan’tdothat!Iwon’tstandforit—”
“Don’tshoutatme,Nevile.”
“ItellyouIwon’thaveit—”
Somewherealongthepassageadoorshut….
XII
AliceBentham,thegooseberry-eyedhousemaid,cametoMrs.Spicer,thecook,insomeperturbation.
“Oh,Mrs.Spicer,Idon’trightlyknowwhatIoughttodo.”
“What’sthematter,Alice?”
“It’sMissBarrett.Itookherinhercupofteaoveranhourago.Fastasleepshewasandneverwokeup,butIdidn’tliketodomuch.Andthen,fiveminutesago,Iwentinagainbecauseshehadn’tcomedownandherladyship’steaallreadyandwaitingforhertotakein.SoIwentinagainandshe’ssleepingeverso—Ican’tstirher.”
“Haveyoushakenher?”
“Yes,Mrs.Spicer.Ishookherhead—butshejustgoesonlyingthereandshe’seversuchahorridcolour.”
“Goodness,she’snotdead,isshe?”
“Ohno,Mrs.Spicer,becauseIcanhearherbreathing,butit’sfunnybreathing.Ithinkshe’sillorsomething.”
“Well,I’llgoupandseemyself.Youtakeinherladyship’stea.Bettermakeafreshpot.She’llbewonderingwhat’shappened.”
AliceobedientlydidasshewastoldwhilstMrs.Spicerwentuptothesecondfloor.
Takingthetrayalongthecorridor,AliceknockedatLadyTressilian’sdoor.Afterknockingtwiceandgettingnoanswershewentin.Amomentlater,therewasacrashofbrokencrockeryandaseriesofwildscreams,andAlicecamerushingoutoftheroomanddownthestairstowhereHurstallwascrossingthehalltothediningroom.
“Oh,Mr.Hurstall—there’vebeenburglarsandherladyship’sdead—killed—withagreatholeinherheadandbloodeverywhere….”
AFINEITALIANHAND…
I
SuperintendentBattlehadenjoyedhisholiday.Therewerestillthreedaysofittorunandhewasalittledisappointedwhentheweatherchangedandtherainfell.Still,whatelsecouldyouexpectinEngland?Andhe’dbeenextremelyluckyuptonow.
HewasbreakfastingwithInspectorJamesLeach,hisnephew,whenthetelephonerang.
“I’llcomerightalong,sir.”Jimputthereceiverback.
“Serious?”askedSuperintendentBattle.Henotedtheexpressiononhisnephew’sface.
“We’vegotamurder.LadyTressilian.Anoldlady,verywellknowndownhere,aninvalid.HasthathouseatSaltcreekthathangsrightoverthecliff.”
Battlenodded.
“I’mgoingalongtoseetheoldman”(thusdisrespectfullydidLeachspeakofhisChiefConstable).“He’safriendofhers.We’regoingalongtogether.”
Ashewenttothedoorhesaidpleadingly:
“You’llgivemeahand,won’tyou,Uncle,overthis?FirstcaseofthiskindI’vehad.”
“AslongasI’mhere,Iwill.Caseofrobberyandhousebreaking,isit?”
“Idon’tknowyet.”
II
Halfanhourlater,MajorRobertMitchell,theChiefConstable,wasspeakinggravelytouncleandnephew.
“It’searlytosayasyet,”hesaid,“butonethingseemsclear.Thiswasn’tanoutsidejob.Nothingtaken,nosignsofbreakingin.Allthewindowsanddoorsfoundshutthismorning.”
HelookeddirectlyatBattle.
“IfIweretoaskScotlandYard,doyouthinkthey’dputyouonthejob?You’reonthespot,yousee.Andthenthere’syourrelationshipwithLeachhere.Thatis,ifyou’rewilling.Itmeanscuttingtheendofyourholiday.”
“That’sallright,”saidBattle.“Asfortheother,sir,you’llhavetoputituptoSirEdgar”(SirEdgarCottonwasAssistantCommissioner)“butIbelievehe’safriendofyours?”
Mitchellnodded.
“Yes,IthinkIcanmanageEdgarallright.That’ssettled,then!I’llgetthroughrightaway.”
Hespokeintothetelephone:“GetmetheYard.”
“Youthinkit’sgoingtobeanimportantcase,sir?”askedBattle.
Mitchellsaidgravely:
“It’sgoingtobeacasewherewedon’twantthepossibilityofmakingamistake.Wewanttobeabsolutelysureofourman—orwoman,ofcourse.”
Battlenodded.Heunderstoodquitewellthattherewassomethingbehindthewords.
“Thinksheknowswhodidit,”hesaidtohimself.“Anddoesn’trelishtheprospect.Somebodywell-knownandpopularorI’lleatmyboots!”
III
BattleandLeachstoodinthedoorwayofthewell-furnishedhandsomebedroom.Onthefloorinfrontofthemapoliceofficerwascarefullytestingforfingerprintsthehandleofagolfclub—aheavyniblick.Theheadoftheclubwasbloodstainedandhadoneortwowhitehairsstickingtoit.
Bythebed,Dr.Lazenby,whowaspolicesurgeonforthedistrict,wasbendingoverthebodyofLadyTressilian.
Hestraightenedupwithasigh.
“Perfectlystraightforward.Shewashitfrominfrontwithterrificforce.Firstblowsmashedintheboneandkilledher,butthemurdererstruckagaintomakesure.Iwon’tgiveyoufancyterms—justtheplainhorsesenseofit.”
“Howlonghasshebeendead?”askedLeach.
“I’dputitbetweenteno’clockandmidnight.”
“Youcan’tgonearerthanthat?”
“I’drathernot.Allsortsoffactorstotakeintoaccount.Wedon’thangpeopleonrigormortisnowadays.Notearlierthanten,notlaterthanmidnight.”
“Andshewashitwiththisniblick?”
Thedoctorglancedoveratit.
“Presumably.Luck,though,thatthemurdererleftitbehind.Icouldn’thavededucedaniblickfromthewound.Asithappensthesharpedgeoftheclubdidn’ttouchthehead—itwastheangledbackoftheclubthatmusthavehither.”
“Wouldn’tthathavebeenratherdifficulttodo?”askedLeach.
“Ifithadbeendoneonpurpose,yes,”agreedthedoctor.“Icanonlysuppose,thatbyaratheroddchance,itjusthappenedthatway.”
Leachwasraisinghishands,instinctivelytryingtoreconstructtheblow.
“Awkward,”hecommented.
“Yes,”saidthedoctorthoughtfully.“Thewholethingwasawkward.Shewasstruck,yousee,ontherighttemple—butwhoeverdiditmusthavestoodontheright-handsideofthebed—facingtheheadofthebed—there’snoroomontheleft,theanglefromthewallistoosmall.”
Leachprickeduphisears.
“Left-handed?”hequeried.
“Youwon’tgetmetocommitmyselfonthatpoint,”saidLazenby.“Fartoomanysnags.I’llsay,ifyoulike,thattheeasiestexplanationisthatthemurdererwasleft-handed—butthereareotherwaysofaccountingforit.Suppose,forinstance,theoldladyhadturnedherheadslightlytotheleftjustasthemanhit.Orhemayhavepreviouslymovedthebedout,stoodontheleftofitandafterwardsmovedthebedback.”
“Notverylikely—thatlast.”
“Perhapsnot,butitmighthavehappened.I’vehadsomeexperienceinthesethings,andIcantellyou,myboy,deducingthatamurderousblowwasstruckleft-handedisfullofpitfalls.”
DetectiveSergeantJones,fromthefloor,remarked,“Thisgolfclubistheordinaryright-handedkind.”
Leachnodded.“Still,itmayn’thavebelongedtothemanwhousedit.Itwasaman,Isuppose,doctor?”
“Notnecessarily.Iftheweaponwasthatheavyniblickawomancouldhavelandedaterribleswipewithit.”
SuperintendentBattlesaidinhisquietvoice:
“Butyoucouldn’tswearthatthatwastheweapon,couldyou,doctor?”
Lazenbygavehimaquickinterestedglance.
“No.Icanonlyswearthatitmighthavebeentheweapon,andthatpresumablyitwastheweapon.I’llanalysethebloodonit,makesurethatit’sthesamebloodgroup—alsothehairs.”
“Yes,”saidBattleapprovingly.“It’salwaysaswelltobethorough.”
Lazenbyaskedcuriously:
“Gotanydoubtsaboutthatgolfclubyourself,Superintendent?”
Battleshookhishead.
“Ohno,no.I’masimpleman.LiketobelievethethingsIseewithmyeyes.Shewashitwithsomethingheavy—that’sheavy.Ithasbloodandhaironit,thereforepresumablyherbloodandhair.Ergo—thatwastheweaponused.”
Leachasked:“Wassheawakeorasleepwhenshewashit?”
“Inmyopinion,awake.There’sastonishmentonherface.I’dsay—thisisjustaprivatepersonalopinion—thatshedidn’texpectwhatwasgoingtohappen.There’snosignofanyattempttofight—andnohorrororfear.I’dsayoffhandthateithershehadjustwokenupfromsleepandwashazyanddidn’ttakethingsin—orelsesherecognizedherassailantassomeonewhocouldnotpossiblywishtoharmher.”
“Thebedsidelampwasonandnothingelse,”saidLeachthoughtfully.
“Yes,thatcutseitherway.Shemayhaveturneditonwhenshewassuddenlywokenupbysomeoneenteringherroom.Oritmayhavebeenonalready.”
DetectiveSergeantJonesrosetohisfeet.Hewassmilingappreciatively.
“Lovelysetofprintsonthatclub,”hesaid.“Clearasanything!”
Leachgaveadeepsigh.
“Thatoughttosimplifythings.”
“Obligingchap,”saidDr.Lazenby.“Lefttheweapon—lefthisfingerprintsonit—wonderhedidn’tleavehisvisitingcard!”
“Itmightbe,”saidSuperintendentBattle,“thathejustlosthishead.Somedo.”
Thedoctornodded.
“Trueenough.Well,Imustgoandlookaftermyotherpatient.”
“Whatpatient?”Battlesoundedsuddenlyinterested.
“Iwassentforbythebutlerbeforethiswasdiscovered.LadyTressilian’smaidwasfoundinacomathismorning.”
“What’swrongwithher?”
“Heavilydopedwithoneofthebarbiturates.She’sprettybad,butshe’llpullround.”
“Themaid?”saidBattle.Hisratheroxlikeeyeswentheavilytothebigbellpull,thetasselofwhichrestedonthepillownearthedeadwoman’shand.
Lazenbynodded.
“Exactly.That’sthefirstthingLadyTressilianwouldhavedoneifshe’dcausetofeelalarm—pullthatbellandsummonthemaid.Well,shecouldhavepulledittillallwasblue.Themaidwouldn’thaveheard.”
“Thatwastakencareof,wasit?”saidBattle.“You’resureofthat?Shewasn’tinthehabitoftakingsleepingdraughts?”
“I’mpositiveshewasn’t.There’snosignofsuchathinginherroom.AndI’vefoundouthowitwasgiventoher.Sennapods.Shedrankabrewofsennapodseverynight.Thestuffwasinthat.”
SuperintendentBattlescratchedhischin.
“H’m,”hesaid.“Somebodyknewallaboutthishouse.Youknow,doctor,thisisaveryoddsortofmurder.”
“Well,”saidLazenby,“that’syourbusiness.”
“He’sagoodman,ourdoctor,”saidLeachwhenLazenbyhadlefttheroom.
Thetwomenwerealonenow.Thephotographshadbeentaken,andmeasurementsrecorded.Thetwopoliceofficerskneweveryfactthatwastobeknownabouttheroomwherethecrimehadbeencommitted.
Battlenoddedinanswertohisnephew’sremark.Heseemedtobepuzzlingoversomething.
“Doyouthinkanyonecouldhavehandledthatclub—withgloveson,say—afterthosefingerprintsweremade?”
Leachshookhishead.
“Idon’tandnomoredoyou.Youcouldn’tgraspthatclub—notuseit,Imean,withoutsmearingthoseprints.Theyweren’tsmeared.Theywereasclearasclear.Yousawforyourself.”
Battleagreed.
“Andnowweaskverynicelyandpolitelyifeverybodywillallowustotaketheirfingerprints—nocompulsion,ofcourse.Andeveryonewillsayyes—andthenoneoftwothingswillhappen.Eithernoneofthesefingerprintswillagree,orelse—”
“Orelsewe’llhavegotourman?”
“Isupposeso.Orourwoman,perhaps.”
Leachshookhishead.
“No,notawoman.Thoseprintsontheclubwereaman’s.Toobigforawoman’s.Besides,thisisn’tawoman’scrime.”
“No.”agreedBattle.“Quiteaman’scrime.Brutal,masculine,ratherathleticandslightlystupid.Knowanybodyinthehouselikethat?”
“Idon’tknowanyoneinthehouseyet.They’realltogetherinthediningroom.”
Battlemovedtowardsthedoor.
“We’llgoandhavealookatthem.”Heglancedoverhisshoulderatthebed,shookhisheadandremarked:
“Idon’tlikethatbellpull.”
“Whataboutit?”
“Itdoesn’tfit.”
Headdedasheopenedthedoor:
“Whowantedtokillher,Iwonder?Alotofcantankerousoldladiesaboutjustaskingforatapontheskull.Shedoesn’tlookthatsort.Ishouldthinkshewasliked.”Hepausedaminuteandthenasked:
“Welloff,wasn’tshe?Whogetshermoney?”
Leachansweredtheimplicationofthewords.
“You’vehitit!Thatwillbetheanswer.It’soneofthefirstthingstofindout.”
Astheywentdownstairstogether,Battleglancedatthelistinhishand.Hereadout:
“MissAldin,Mr.Royde,Mr.Strange,Mrs.Strange,Mrs.AudreyStrange.H’m,seemalotoftheStrangefamily.”
“Thosearehistwowives,Iunderstand.”
Battle’seyebrowsroseandhemurmured:
“Bluebeard,ishe?”
Thefamilywereassembledroundthediningroomtable,wheretheyhadmadeapretenceofeating.
SuperintendentBattleglancedkeenlyatthefacesturnedtohim.Hewassizingthemupafterhisownpeculiarmethods.Hisviewofthemmighthavesurprisedthemhadtheyknownit.Itwasasternlybiasedview.Nomatterwhatthelawpretendsastoregardingpeopleasinnocentuntiltheyareprovedguilty,SuperintendentBattlealwaysregardedeveryoneconnectedwithamurdercaseasapotentialmurderer.
HeglancedfromMaryAldin,sittinguprightandpaleattheheadofthetable,toThomasRoyde,fillingapipebesideher,toAudreysittingwithherchairpushedback,acoffeecupandsaucerinherrighthand,acigaretteinherleft,toNevilelookingdazedandbewildered,tryingwithashakinghandtolightacigarette,toKaywithherelbowsonthetableandthepallorofherfaceshowingthroughhermakeup.
ThesewereSuperintendentBattle’sthoughts:
Supposethat’sMissAldin.Coolcustomer—competentwoman,Ishouldsay.Won’tcatchheroffguardeasily.Mannexttoherisadarkhorse—gotagroggyarm—pokerface—gotaninferioritycomplexaslikelyasnot.That’soneofthesewives,Isuppose—she’sscaredtodeath—yes,she’sscaredallright.Funnyaboutthatcoffeecup.That’sStrange,I’veseenhimbeforesomewhere.He’sgotthejittersallright—nervesshottopieces.Redheadedgirl’satartar—devilofatemper.Brainsaswellastemper,though.
WhilsthewasthussizingthemupInspectorLeachwasmakingastifflittlespeech.MaryAldinmentionedeveryonepresentbyname.
Sheendedup:
“Ithasbeenaterribleshocktous,ofcourse,butweareanxioustohelpyouinanywaywecan.”
“Tobeginwith,”saidLeach,holdingitup,“doesanybodyknowanythingaboutthisgolfclub?”
Withalittlecry,Kaysaid,“Howhorrible.Isthatwhat—?”andstopped.
NevileStrangegotupandcameroundthetable.
“Lookslikeoneofmine.CanIjustsee?”
“It’squiteallrightnow,”saidInspectorLeach.“Youcanhandleit.”
Thatsignificant“now”didnotseemtoproduceanyreactionintheonlookers.Nevileexaminedtheclub.
“Ithinkit’soneoftheniblicksoutofmybag,”hesaid.“Icantellyouforsureinaminuteortwo.Ifyouwilljustcomewithme.”Theyfollowedhimtoabigcupboardunderthestairs.HeflungopenthedoorofitandtoBattle’sconfusedeyesitseemedliterallycrowdedwithtennisracquets.Atthesametime,herememberedwherehehadseenNevileStrangebefore.Hesaidquickly:
“I’veseenyouplayatWimbledon,sir.”
Nevilehalfturnedhishead.“Ohyes,haveyou?”
Hewasthrowingasidesomeoftheracquets.Thereweretwogolfbagsinthecupboardleaningupagainstfishingtackle.
“OnlymywifeandIplaygolf,”explainedNevile.“Andthat’saman’sclub.Yes,that’sright—it’smine.”
Hehadtakenouthisbag,whichcontainedatleastfourteenclubs.
InspectorLeachthoughttohimself:
“Theseathleticchapscertainlytakethemselvesseriously.Wouldn’tliketobehiscaddy.”
Nevilewassaying:
“It’soneofWalterHudson’sniblicksfromSt.Esbert’s.”
“Thankyou,Mr.Strange.Thatsettlesonequestion.”
Nevilesaid:“Whatbeatsmeisthatnothingwastaken.Andthehousedoesn’tseemtohavebeenbrokeninto?”Hisvoicewasbewildered—butitwasalsofrightened.
Battlesaidtohimself:
“They’vebeenthinkingitout,allofthem….”
“Theservants,”saidNevile,“aresoabsolutelyharmless.”
“IshalltalktoMissAldinabouttheservants,”saidInspectorLeachsmoothly.“InthemeantimeIwonderifyoucouldgivemeanyideawhoLadyTressilian’ssolicitorsare?”
“Askwith&Trelawny,”repliedNevilepromptly.“St.Loo.”
“Thankyou,Mr.Strange.WeshallhavetofindoutfromthemallaboutLadyTressilian’sproperty.”
“Doyoumean,”askedNevile,“whoinheritshermoney?”
“That’sright,sir.Herwill,andallthat.”
“Idon’tknowaboutherwill,”saidNevile.“ShehadnotverymuchofherowntoleavesofarasIknow.Icantellyouaboutthebulkofherproperty.”
“Yes,Mr.Strange?”
“ItcomestomeandmywifeunderthewillofthelateSirMatthewTressilian.LadyTressilianonlyhadalifeinterestinit.”
“Indeed,isthatso?”InspectorLeachlookedatNevilewiththeinterestedattentionofsomeonewhospotsapossiblyvaluableadditiontohispetcollection.ThelookmadeNevilewincenervously.InspectorLeachwentonandhisvoicewasimpossiblygenial.
“You’venoideaoftheamount,Mr.Strange?”
“Icouldn’ttellyouoffhand.Intheneighbourhoodofahundredthousandpounds,Ibelieve.”
“Indeed.Toeachofyou?”
“No,dividedbetweenus.”
“Isee.Averyconsiderablesum.”
Nevilesmiled.Hesaidquietly:“I’vegotplentytoliveonofmyown,youknow,withouthankeringtostepintodeadpeople’sshoes.”
InspectorLeachlookedshockedathavingsuchideasattributedtohim.
TheywentbackintothediningroomandLeachsaidhisnextlittlepiece.Thiswasonthesubjectoffingerprints—amatterofroutine—eliminationofthoseofthehouseholdinthedeadwoman’sbedroom.
Everyoneexpressedwillingness—almosteagerness—tohavetheirfingerprintstaken.Theywereshepherdedintothelibraryforthatpurpose,whereDetectiveSergeantJoneswaswaitingforthemwithhislittleroller.
BattleandLeachbeganontheservants.
Nothingverymuchwastobegotfromthem.Hurstallexplainedhissystemoflockingupthehouseandsworethathehadfoundituntouchedinthemorning.Therewerenosignsofanyentrybyanintruder.Thefrontdoor,heexplained,hadbeenleftonthelatch.Thatistosay,itwasnotbolted,butcouldbeopenedfromoutsidewithakey.ItwasleftlikethatbecauseMr.NevilehadgoneovertoEasterheadBayandwouldbebacklate.
“Doyouknowwhattimehecamein?”
“Yes,sir,Ithinkitwasabouthalfpasttwo.Someonecamebackwithhim,Ithink.IheardvoicesandthenacardriveawayandthenIheardthedoorcloseandMr.Nevilecomeupstairs.”
“WhattimedidheleaveherelastnightforEasterheadBay?”
“Abouttwentypastten.Iheardthedoorclose.”
Leachnodded.TheredidnotseemtobemuchmoretobegotfromHurstallatthemoment.Heinterviewedtheothers.Theywerealldisposedtobenervousandfrightened,butnomoresothanwasnaturalunderthecircumstances.
Leachlookedquestioninglyathisuncleasthedoorclosedbehindtheslightlyhystericalkitchenmaid,whohadtailedtheprocession.
Battlesaid:“Havethehousemaidback—notthepop-eyedone—thetallthinbitofvinegar.Sheknowssomething.”
EmmaWaleswasclearlyuneasy.Italarmedherthatthistimeitwasthebigsquareelderlymanwhotookuponhimselfthetaskofquestioningher.
“I’mjustgoingtogiveyouabitofadvice,MissWales,”hesaidpleasantly.“Itdoesn’tdo,youknow,toholdanythingbackfromthepolice.Makesthemlookatyouunfavourably,ifyouunderstandwhatImean—”
EmmaWalesprotestedindignantlybutuneasily:
“I’msureInever—”
“Now,now.”Battleheldupalargesquarehand.“Yousawsomethingorelseyouheardsomething—whatwasit?”
“Ididn’texactlyhearit—ImeanIcouldn’thelphearingit—Mr.Hurstall,heheardittoo.AndIdon’tthink,notforamomentIdon’t,thatithadanythingtodowiththemurder.”
“Probablynot,probablynot.Justtelluswhatitwas.”
“Well,Iwasgoinguptobed.Justaftertenitwas—andI’dslippedalongfirsttoputMissAldin’shotwaterbottleinherbed.Summerorwintershealwayshasone,andsoofcourseIhadtopassrightbyherladyship’sdoor.”
“Goon,”saidBattle.
“AndIheardherandMr.Nevilegoingatithammerandtongs.Voicesrightup.Shouting,hewas.Oh,itwasaproperquarrel!”
“Rememberexactlywhatwassaid?”
“Well,Iwasn’treallylisteningasyoumightsay.”
“No.Butstillyoumusthaveheardsomeofthewords.”
“Herladyshipwassayingasshewouldn’thavesomethingorothergoingoninherhouseandMr.Nevilewassaying,‘Don’tyoudaresayanythingagainsther.’Allworkeduphewas.”
Battle,withanexpressionlessface,triedoncemore,buthecouldgetnomoreoutofher.Intheendhedismissedthewoman.
HeandJimlookedateachother.Leachsaid,afteraminuteortwo:
“Jonesoughttobeabletotellussomethingaboutthoseprintsbynow.”
Battleasked:
“Who’sdoingtherooms?”
“Williams.He’sagoodman.Hewon’tmissanything.”
“You’rekeepingtheoccupantsoutofthem?”
“Yes,untilWilliamshasfinished.”
ThedooropenedatthatminuteandyoungWilliamsputhisheadin.
“There’ssomethingI’dlikeyoutosee.InMr.NevileStrange’sroom.”
Theygotupandfollowedhimtothesuiteonthewestsideofthehouse.
Williamspointedtoaheaponthefloor.Adarkbluecoat,trousersandwaistcoat.
Leachsaidsharply:
“Wheredidyoufindthis?”
“Bundleddownintothebottomofthewardrobe.Justlookatthis,sir.”
Hepickedupthecoatandshowedtheedgesofthedarkbluecuffs.
“Seethosedarkstains?That’sblood,sir,orI’maDutchman.Andseehere,it’sspatteredallupthesleeve.”
“H’m.”Battleavoidedtheother’seagereyes.“LooksbadforyoungNevile,Imustsay.Anyothersuitintheroom?”
“Darkgreypinstripehangingoverachair.Lotofwateronthefloorherebythewashbasin.”
“Lookingasthoughhewashedthebloodoffhimselfinthedevilofahurry?Yes.It’sneartheopenwindow,though,andtherainhascomeinagooddeal.”
“Notenoughtomakethosepoolsonthefloor,sir.They’renotdriedupyet.”
Battlewassilent.Apicturewasformingitselfbeforehiseyes.Amanwithbloodonhishandsandsleeves,flingingoffhisclothes,bundlingthebloodstainedgarmentsintothecupboard,sluicingwaterfuriouslyoverhishandsandbarearms.
Helookedacrossatadoorintheotherwall.
Williamsansweredthelook.
“Mrs.Strange’sroom,sir.Thedoorislocked.”
“Locked?Onthisside?”
“No.Ontheother.”
“Onherside,eh?”
Battlewasreflectiveforaminuteortwo.Hesaidatlast:
“Let’sseethatoldbutleragain.”
Hurstallwasnervous.Leachsaidcrisply:
“Whydidn’tyoutellus,Hurstall,thatyouoverheardaquarrelbetweenMr.StrangeandLadyTressilianlastnight?”
Theoldmanblinked.
“Ireallydidn’tthinktwiceaboutit,sir.Idon’timagineitwaswhatyou’dcallaquarrel—justanamicabledifferenceofopinion.”
Resistingthetemptationtosay,“Amicabledifferenceofopinionmyfoot!”Leachwenton:
“WhatsuitwasMr.Strangewearinglastnightatdinner?”
Hurstallhesitated.Battlesaidquietly:
“Darkbluesuitorgreypinstripe?Idaresaysomeoneelsecantellusifyoudon’tremember.”
Hurstallbrokehissilence.
“Iremembernow,sir.Itwashisdarkblue.Thefamily,”headded,anxiousnottoloseprestige,“havenotbeeninthehabitofchangingintoeveningdressduringthesummermonths.Theyfrequentlygooutafterdinner—sometimesinthegarden,sometimesdowntothequay.”
Battlenodded.Hurstalllefttheroom.HepassedJonesinthedoorway.Joneslookedexcited.
Hesaid:
“It’sacinch,sir.I’vegotalltheirprints.There’sonlyonelotfillsthebill.OfcourseI’veonlybeenabletomakearoughcomparisonasyet,butI’llbetthey’retherightones.”
“Well?”saidBattle.
“Theprintsonthatniblick,sir,weremadebyMr.NevileStrange.”
Battleleanedbackinhischair.
“Well,”hesaid,“thatseemstosettleit,doesn’tit?”
IV
TheywereintheChiefConstable’soffice—threemenwithgraveworriedfaces
MajorMitchellsaidwithasigh:
“Well,Isupposethere’snothingtobedonebutarresthim?”
Leachsaidquietly:
“Lookslikeit,sir.”
MitchelllookedacrossatSuperintendentBattle.
“Cheerup,Battle,”hesaidkindly.“Yourbestfriendisn’tdead.”
SuperintendentBattlesighed.
“Idon’tlikeit,”hesaid.
“Idon’tthinkanyofuslikeit,”saidMitchell.“Butwe’veampleevidence,Ithink,toapplyforawarrant.”
“Morethanample,”saidBattle.
“Infactifwedon’tapplyforone,anybodymightaskwhythedickensnot?”
Battlenoddedanunhappyhead.
“Let’sgooverit,”saidtheChiefConstable.“You’vegotmotive—Strangeandhiswifecomeintoaconsiderablesumofmoneyattheoldlady’sdeath.He’sthelastpersonknowntohaveseenheralive—hewasheardquarrellingwithher.Thesuitheworethatnighthadbloodstainsonit,ofcourse,mostdamningofall,hisfingerprintswerefoundontheactualweapon—andnooneelse’s.”
“Andyetsir,”saidBattle,“youdon’tlikeiteither.”
“I’mdamnedifIdo.”
“Whatisitexactlyyoudon’tlikeaboutit,sir?”
MajorMitchellrubbedhisnose.“Makesthefellowoutabittoomuchofafool,perhaps?”hesuggested.
“Andyet,sir,theydobehavelikefoolssometimes.”
“OhIknow—Iknow.Wherewouldwebeiftheydidn’t?”
BattlesaidtoLeach:
“Whatdon’tyoulikeaboutit,Jim?”
Leachstirredunhappily.
“I’vealwayslikedMr.Strange.Seenhimonandoffdownhereforyears.He’sanicegentleman—andhe’sasportsman.”
“Idon’tsee,”saidBattleslowly,“whyagoodtennisplayershouldn’tbeamurdereraswell.There’snothingagainstit.”Hepaused.“WhatIdon’tlikeistheniblick.”
“Theniblick?”askedMitchell,slightlypuzzled.
“Yes,sir,oralternatively,thebell.Thebellortheniblick—notboth.”
Hewentoninhisslowcarefulvoice.
“Whatdowethinkactuallyhappened?DidMr.Strangegotoherroom,haveaquarrel,losehistemper,andhitherovertheheadwithaniblick?Ifso,anditwasunpremeditated,howdidhehappentohaveaniblickwithhim?It’snotthesortofthingyoucarryaboutwithyouintheevenings.”
“Hemighthavebeenpractisingswings—somethinglikethat.”
“Hemight—butnobodysaysso.Nobodysawhimdoingit.Thelasttimeanybodysawhimwithaniblickinhishandwasaboutaweekpreviouslywhenhewaspractisingsandshotsdownonthesands.AsIlookatit,yousee,youcan’thaveitbothways.Eithertherewasaquarrelandhelosthistemper—and,mindyou,I’veseenhimonthecourts,andinoneofthesetournamentmatchesthesetennisstarsareallhetupandamassofnerves,andiftheirtempersfrayeasilyit’sgoingtoshow.I’veneverseenMr.Strangeruffled.Ishouldsayhe’dgotanexcellentcontroloverhistemper—betterthanmost—andyetwe’resuggestingthathegoesberserkandhitsafrailoldladyoverthehead.”
“There’sanotheralternative,Battle,”saidtheChiefConstable.
“Iknow,sir.Thetheorythatitwaspremeditated.Hewantedtheoldlady’smoney.Thatfitsinwiththebell—whichentailedthedopingofthemaid—butitdoesn’tfitinwiththeniblickandthequarrel!Ifhe’dmadeuphismindtodoherin,he’dbeverycarefulnottoquarrelwithher.Hecoulddopethemaid,creepintoherroominthenight—crackherovertheheadandstageanicelittlerobbery,wipingtheniblickandputtingitcarefullybackwhereitbelonged!It’sallwrong,sir—it’samixtureofcoldpremeditationandunpremeditatedviolence—andthetwodon’tmix!”
“There’ssomethinginwhatyousay,Battle—but—what’sthealternative?”
“It’stheniblickthattakesmyfancy,sir.”
“NobodycouldhavehitherovertheheadwiththatniblickwithoutdisturbingNevile’sprints—that’squitecertain.”
“Inthatcase,”saidSuperintendentBattle,“shewashitovertheheadwithsomethingelse.”
MajorMitchelldrewadeepbreath.
“That’sratherawildassumption,isn’tit?”
“Ithinkit’scommonsense,sir.EitherStrangehitherwiththatniblickornobodydid.Iplumpfornobody.Inthatcasethatniblickwasputtheredeliberatelyandbloodandhairsmearedonit.Dr.Lazenbydoesn’tliketheniblickmuch—hadtoacceptitbecauseitwastheobviousthingandbecausehecouldn’tsaydefinitelythatithadn’tbeenused.”
MajorMitchellleanedbackinhischair
“Goon,Battle,”hesaid.“I’mgivingyouafreehand.What’sthenextstep?”
“Takeawaytheniblick,”saidBattle,“andwhatisleft?First,motive.HadNevileStrangereallygotamotivefordoingawaywithLadyTressilian?Heinheritedmoney—alotdependstomymindonwhetherheneededthatmoney.Hesaysnot.Isuggestweverifythat.Findoutthestateofhisfinances.Ifhe’sinaholefinancially,andneedsmoney,thenthecaseagainsthimisverymuchstrengthened.If,ontheotherhand,hewasspeakingthetruthandhisfinancesareinagoodstate,whythen—”
“Well,whatthen?”
“Whythen,wemighthavealookatthemotivesoftheotherpeopleinthehouse.”
“Youthink,then,thatNevileStrangewasframed?”
SuperintendentBattlescreweduphiseyes.
“There’saphraseIreadsomewherethattickledmyfancy.SomethingaboutafineItalianhand.That’swhatIseemtoseeinthisbusiness.Ostensiblyit’sabluntbrutalstraightforwardcrime,butitseemstomeIcatchglimpsesofsomethingelse—ofafineItalianhandatworkbehindthescenes….”
TherewasalongpausewhiletheChiefConstablelookedatBattle.“Youmayberight,”hesaidatlast.“Dashitall,there’ssomethingfunnyaboutthisbusiness.What’syouridea,now,ofourplanofcampaign?”
Battlestrokedhissquarejaw.
“Well,sir,”hesaid.“I’malwaysinfavourofgoingaboutthingstheobviousway.Everything’sbeensettomakeussuspiciousofMr.NevileStrange.Let’sgoonbeingsuspiciousofhim.Needn’tgosofarasactuallytoarresthim,buthintatit,questionhim,putthewinduphim—andobserveeverybody’sreactiongenerally.Verifyhisstatements,gooverhismovementsthatnightwithatoothcomb.Infact,showourhandasplainlyasmaybe.”
“QuiteMachiavellian,”saidMajorMitchellwithatwinkle.“Imitationofaheavy-handedpolicemanbystaractorBattle.”
TheSuperintendentsmiled.
“Ialwayslikedoingwhat’sexpectedofme,sir.ThistimeImeantobeabitslowaboutit—takemytime.Iwanttodosomenosingabout.BeingsuspiciousofMr.NevileStrangeisaverygoodexcusefornosingabout.I’veanidea,youknow,thatsomethingratheroddhasbeengoingoninthathouse.”
“Lookingforthesexangle?”
“Ifyouliketoputitthatway,sir.”
“Handleityourownway,Battle.YouandLeachcarryonbetweenyou.”
“Thankyou,sir.”Battlestoodup.“Nothingsuggestivefromthesolicitors?”
“No,Irangthemup.IknowTrelawnyfairlywell.He’ssendingmeacopyofSirMatthew’swillandalsoofLadyTressilian’s.Shehadaboutfivehundredayearofherown—investedingilt-edgedsecurities.SheleftalegacytoBarrettandasmallonetoHurstall,theresttoMaryAldin.”
“That’sthreewemightkeepaneyeon,”saidBattle.
Mitchelllookedamused.
“Suspiciousfellow,aren’tyou?”
“Nouselettingoneselfbehypnotizedbyfiftythousandpounds,”saidBattlestolidly.“Manyamurderhasbeendoneforlessthanfiftypounds.Itdependsonhowmuchyouwantthemoney.Barrettgotalegacy—andmaybeshetooktheprecautiontodopeherselfsoastoavertsuspicion.”
“Sheverynearlypassedout.Lazenbyhasn’tletusquestionheryet.”
“Overdiditoutofignorance,perhaps.ThenHurstallmayhavebeeninbadneedofcashforallweknow.AndMissAldin,ifshe’snomoneyofherown,mighthavefanciedabitoflifeonanicelittleincomebeforeshe’stoooldtoenjoyit.”
TheChiefConstablelookeddoubtful.
“Well,”hesaid,“it’suptoyoutwo.Getonwiththejob.”
V
BackatGull’sPoint,thetwopoliceofficersreceivedWilliams’andJones’reports.
Nothingofasuspiciousnaturehadbeenfoundinanyofthebedrooms.Theservantswereclamouringtobeallowedtogetonwiththehousework.Shouldhegivethemtheword?
“Mightaswell,Isuppose,”saidBattle.“I’lljusthaveastrollmyselffirstthroughthetwoupperfloors.Roomsthathaven’tbeendoneveryoftentellyousomethingabouttheiroccupantsthat’susefultoknow.”
SergeantJonesputdownasmallcardboardboxonthetable.
“FromMr.NevileStrange’sdarkbluecoat,”heannounced.“Theredhairswereonthecuff,blondehairsontheinsideofthecollarandtherightshoulder.”
Battletookoutthetwolongredhairsandthehalf-dozenblondeonesandlookedatthem.Hesaid,withafainttwinkleinhiseye:
“Convenient.Oneblonde,oneredheadandonebrunetteinthishouse.Soweknowwhereweareatonce.Redhaironthecuff,blondeonthecollar?Mr.NevileStrangedoesseemtobeabitofaBluebeard.Hisarmroundonewifeandtheotherone’sheadonhisshoulder.”
“Thebloodonthesleevehasgoneforanalysis,sir.They’llringusupassoonastheygettheresult.”
Leachnodded.
“Whatabouttheservants?”
“Ifollowedyourinstructions,sir.Noneofthemisundernoticetoleave,orseemslikelytohaveborneagrudgeagainsttheoldlady.Shewasstrict,butwellliked.InanycasethemanagementoftheservantslaywithMissAldin.Sheseemstohavebeenpopularwiththem.”
“ThoughtshewasanefficientwomanthemomentIlaideyesonher,”saidBattle.“Ifshe’sourmurderess,shewon’tbeeasytohang.”
Joneslookedstartled.
“Butthoseprintsonthatniblick,sir,were—”
“Iknow—Iknow,”saidBattle.“ThesingularlyobligingMr.Strange’s.There’sageneralbeliefthatathletesaren’toverburdenedwithbrains(notatalltrue,bytheway)butIcan’tbelieveNevileStrangeisacompletemoron.Whataboutthosesennapodsofthemaid’s?”
“Theywerealwaysontheshelfintheservants’bathroomonthesecondfloor.Sheusedtoput’emintosoakmidday,andtheystoodthereuntiltheeveningwhenshewenttobed.”
“Sothatabsolutelyanybodycouldgetatthem!Anybodyinsidethehouse,thatistosay.”
Leachsaidwithconviction:
“It’saninsidejoballright!”
“Yes,Ithinkso.Notthatthisisoneofthoseclosedcirclecrimes.Itisn’t.Anyonewhohadakeycouldhaveopenedthefrontdoorandwalkedin.NevileStrangehadthatkeylastnight—butitwouldprobablybeasimplemattertohavegotonecut,oranoldhandcoulddoitwithabitofwire.ButIdon’tseeanyoutsiderknowingaboutthebellandthatBarretttooksennaatnight!That’slocalinsideknowledge!
“Comealong,Jim,myboy.Let’sgoupandseethisbathroomandalltherestofit.”
Theystartedonthetopfloor.Firstcameaboxroomfullofoldbrokenfurnitureandjunkofallkinds.
“Ihaven’tlookedthroughthis,sir,”saidJones.“Ididn’tknow—”
“Whatyouwerelookingfor?Quiteright.Onlywasteoftime.Fromthedustonthefloornobodyhasbeeninhereforatleastsixmonths.”
Theservants’roomswereallonthisfloor,alsotwounoccupiedbedroomswithabathroom,andBattlelookedintoeachroomandgaveitacursoryglance,noticingthatAlice,thepop-eyedhousemaid,sleptwithherwindowshut;thatEmma,thethinone,hadagreatmanyrelations,photographsofwhomwerecrowdedonherchestofdrawers,andthatHurstallhadoneortwopiecesofgood,thoughcracked,DresdenandCrownDerbyporcelain.
Thecook’sroomwasseverelyneatandthekitchenmaid’schaoticallyuntidy.Battlepassedonintothebathroomwhichwastheroomnearesttotheheadofthestairs.Williamspointedoutthelongshelfoverthewashbasin,onwhichstoodtoothglassesandbrushes,variousunguentsandbottlesofsaltsandhairlotion.Apacketofsennapodsstoodopenatoneend.
“Noprintsontheglassorpacket?”
“Onlythemaid’sown.Igothersfromherroom.”
“Hedidn’tneedtohandletheglass,”saidLeach.“He’donlyhavetodropthestuffin.”
BattlewentdownthestairsfollowedbyLeach.Halfwaydownthistopflightwasaratherawkwardlyplacedwindow.Apolewithahookontheendstoodinacorner.
“Youdrawdownthetopsashwiththat,”explainedLeach.“Butthere’saburglarscrew.Thewindowcanbedrawndown,onlysofar.Toonarrowforanyonetogetinthatway.”
“Iwasn’tthinkingofanyonegettingin,”saidBattle.Hiseyeswerethoughtful.
Hewentinthefirstbedroomonthenextfloor,whichwasAudreyStrange’s.Itwasneatandfresh,ivorybrushesonthedressingtable—noclotheslyingabout.Battlelookedintothewardrobe.Twoplaincoatsandskirts,acoupleofeveningdresses,oneortwosummerfrocks.Thedresseswerecheap,thetailor-madeswellcutandexpensive,butnotnew.
Battlenodded.Hestoodatthewritingtableaminuteortwo,fiddlingwiththepentrayontheleftoftheblotter.
Williamssaid:“Nothingofanyinterestontheblottingpaperorinthewastepaperbasket.”
“Yourword’sgoodenough,”saidBattle.“Nothingtobeseenhere.”
Theywentontotheotherrooms.
ThomasRoyde’swasuntidy,withclotheslyingabout.Pipesandpipeashonthetablesandbesidethebed,whereacopyofKipling’sKimlayhalfopen.
“Usedtonativeservantsclearingupafterhim,”saidBattle.“Likesreadingoldfavourites.Conservativetype.”
MaryAldin’sroomwassmallbutcomfortable.Battlelookedatthetravelbooksontheshelvesandtheold-fashioneddentedsilverbrushes.Thefurnishingsandcolouringintheroomweremoremodernthantherestofthehouse.
“She’snotsoconservative,”saidBattle.“Nophotographseither.Notonewholivesinthepast.”
Therewerethreeorfouremptyrooms,allwellkeptanddustedreadyforoccupation,andacoupleofbathrooms.ThencameLadyTressilian’sbigdoubleroom.Afterthat,reachedbygoingdownthreelittlesteps,camethetworoomsandbathroomoccupiedbytheStranges.
BattledidnotwastemuchtimeinNevile’sroom.Heglancedoutoftheopencasementwindowbelowwhichtherocksfellsheertothesea.Theviewwastothewest,towardsStarkHead,whichrosewildandforbiddingoutofthewater.
“Getstheafternoonsun,”hemurmured.“Butratheragrimmorningoutlook.Nastysmellofseaweedatlowtide,too.Andthatheadlandhasgotagrimlook.Don’twonderitattractssuicides!”
Hepassedintothelargerroom,thedoorofwhichhadbeenunlocked.
Hereeverythingwasinwildconfusion.Clotheslayaboutinheaps—filmyunderwear,stockings,jumperstriedonanddiscarded—apatternedsummerfrockthrownsprawlingoverthebackofachair.Battlelookedinsidethewardrobe.Itwasfulloffurs,eveningdresses,shorts,tennisfrocks,playsuits.
Battleshutthedoorsagainalmostreverently.
“Expensivetastes,”heremarked.“Shemustcostherhusbandalotofmoney.”
Leachsaiddarkly:
“Perhapsthat’swhy—”
Heleftthesentenceunfinished.
“Whyheneededahundred—orratherfiftythousandpounds?Maybe.We’dbettersee,Ithink,whathehastosayaboutit.”
Theywentdowntothelibrary.Williamswasdespatchedtotelltheservantstheycouldgetonwiththehousework.Thefamilywerefreetoreturntotheirroomsiftheywished.TheyweretobeinformedofthatfactandalsothatInspectorLeachwouldlikeaninterviewwitheachofthemseparately,startingwithMr.NevileStrange.
WhenWilliamshadgoneoutoftheroom,BattleandLeachestablishedthemselvesbehindamassiveVictoriantable.Ayoungpolicemanwithnotebooksatinthecorneroftheroom,hispencilpoised.
Battlesaid:
“Youcarryonforastart,Jim.Makeitimpressive.”Astheothernoddedhishead,Battlerubbedhischinandfrowned.
“IwishIknewwhatkeepsputtingHerculePoirotintomyhead.”
“Youmeanthatoldchap—theBelgian—comiclittleguy?”
“Comicmyfoot,”saidSuperintendentBattle.“Aboutasdangerousasablackmambaandashe-leopard—that’swhatheiswhenhestartsmakingamountebankofhimself!Iwishhewashere—thissortofthingwouldberightuphisstreet.”
“Inwhatway?”
“Psychology,”saidBattle.“Realpsychology—notthehalf-bakedstuffpeoplehandoutwhoknownothingaboutit.”HismemorydweltresentfullyonMissAmphreyandhisdaughterSylvia.“No—therealgenuinearticle—knowingjustwhatmakesthewheelsgoround.Keepamurderertalking—that’soneofhislines.Sayseveryoneisboundtospeakwhat’struesoonerorlater—becauseintheendit’seasierthantellinglies.Andsotheymakesomelittlesliptheydon’tthinkmatters—andthat’swhenyougetthem.”
“Soyou’regoingtogiveNevileStrangeplentyofrope?”
Battlegaveanabsentmindedassent.Thenheadded,insomeannoyanceandperplexity:
“Butwhat’sreallyworryingmeis—whatputHerculePoirotintomyhead?Upstairs—that’swhereitwas.NowwhatdidIseethatremindedmeofthatlittleguy?”
TheconversationwasputtoanendbythearrivalofNevileStrange.
Helookedpaleandworried,butmuchlessnervousthanhehaddoneatthebreakfasttable.Battleeyedhimkeenly.Incrediblethatamanwhoknew—andhemustknowifhewerecapableofanythoughtprocessesatall—thathehadlefthisfingerprintsontheinstrumentofthecrime—andwhohadsincehadhisfingerprintstakenbythepolice—shouldshowneitherintensenervousnessnorelaboratebrazeningofitout.
NevileStrangelookedquitenatural—shocked,worried,grieved—andjustslightlyandhealthilynervous.
JimLeachwasspeakinginhispleasantwestcountryvoice.
“Wewouldlikeyoutoanswercertainquestions,Mr.Strange.Bothastoyourmovementslastnight,andinreferencetoparticularfacts.AtthesametimeImustcautionyouthatyouarenotboundtoanswerthesequestionsunlessyoulikeandthatifyouprefertodosoyoumayhaveyoursolicitorpresent.”
Heleanedbacktoobservetheeffectofthis.
NevileStrangelooked,quiteplainly,bewildered.
“Hehasn’ttheleastideawhatwe’regettingat,orelsehe’sadamnedgoodactor,”Leachthoughttohimself.Aloudhesaid,asNeviledidnotanswer,“Well,Mr.Strange?”
Nevilesaid:“Ofcourse,askmeanythingyoulike.”
“Yourealize,”saidBattlepleasantly,“thatanythingyousaywillbetakendowninwritingandmaysubsequentlybeusedinacourtoflawinevidence.”
AflashoftempershowedonStrange’sface.Hesaidsharply:
“Areyouthreateningme?”
“No,no,Mr.Strange.Warningyou.”
Nevileshruggedhisshoulders.
“Isupposeallthisispartofyourroutine.Goahead.”
“Youarereadytomakeastatement?”
“Ifthat’swhatyoucallit.”
“Thenwillyoutellusexactlywhatyoudidlastnight?Fromdinneronwards,shallwesay?”
“Certainly.Afterdinnerwewentintothedrawingroom.Wehadcoffee.Welistenedtothewireless—thenewsandsoon.ThenIdecidedtogoacrosstoEasterheadBayHotelandlookupachapwhoisstayingthere—afriendofmine.”
“Thatfriend’snameis?”
“Latimer.EdwardLatimer.”
“Anintimatefriend?”
“Oh,so-so.We’veseenagooddealofhimsincehe’sbeendownhere.He’sbeenovertolunchanddinnerandwe’vebeenoverthere.”
Battlesaid:
“Ratherlate,wasn’tit,togoofftoEasterheadBay?”
“Oh,it’sagayspot—theykeepituptillallhours.”
“Butthisisratheranearly-to-bedhousehold,isn’tit?”
“Yes,onthewhole.However,Itookthelatchkeywithme.Nobodyhadtositup.”
“Yourwifedidn’tthinkofgoingwithyou?”
Therewasaslightchange,astiffeninginNevile’stoneashesaid:
“No,shehadaheadache.She’dalreadygoneuptobed.”
“Pleasegoon,Mr.Strange.”
“Iwasjustgoinguptochange—”
Leachinterrupted.
“Excuseme,Mr.Strange.Changeintowhat?Intoeveningdress,oroutofeveningdress?”
“Neither.Iwaswearingabluesuit—mybest,asithappened,andasitwasrainingabitandIproposedtotaketheferryandwalktheotherside—it’sabouthalfamile,asyouknow—Ichangedintoanoldersuit—agreypinstripe,ifyouwantmetogointoeverydetail.”
“Wedoliketogetthingsclear,”saidLeachhumbly.“Pleasegoon.”
“Iwasgoingupstairs,asIsay,whenBarrettcameandtoldmeLadyTressilianwantedtoseeme,soIwentalongandhadajawwithherforabit.”
Battlesaidgently:
“Youwerethelastpersontoseeheralive,Ithink,Mr.Strange?”
Nevileflushed.
“Yes—yes—IsupposeIwas.Shewasquiteallrightthen.”
“Howlongwereyouwithher?”
“Abouttwentyminutestohalfanhour,Ishouldthink,thenIwenttomyroom,changedmysuitandhurriedoff.Itookthelatchkeywithme.”
“Whattimewasthat?”
“Abouthalfpastten,Ishouldthink.Ihurrieddownthehill,justcaughttheferrystartingandwentacrosstotheEasterheadside.IfoundLatimerattheHotel,wehadadrinkortwoandagameofbilliards.ThetimepassedsoquicklythatIfoundI’dlostthelastferryback.Itgoesatonethirty.SoLatimerverydecentlygotouthiscaranddrovemeback.That,asyouknow,meansgoingallthewayroundbySaltington—sixteenmiles.WelefttheHotelattwoo’clockandgotbackheresomewherearoundhalfpast,Ishouldsay.IthankedTedLatimer,askedhiminforadrink,buthesaidhe’drathergetstraightback,soIletmyselfinandwentstraightuptobed.Ididn’tseeorhearanythingamiss.Thehouseseemedallasleepandpeaceful.ThenthismorningIheardthatgirlscreamingand—”
Leachstoppedhim.
“Quite,quite.Nowtogobackalittle—toyourconversationwithLadyTressilian—shewasquitenormalinhermanner?”
“Oh,absolutely.”
“Whatdidyoutalkabout?”
“Oh,onethingandanother.”
“Amicably?”
Nevileflushed.
“Certainly.”
“Youdidn’t,forinstance,”wentonLeachsmoothly,“haveaviolentquarrel?”
Neviledidnotansweratonce.Leachsaid:
“Youhadbettertellthetruth,youknow.I’lltellyoufranklysomeofyourconversationwasoverheard.”
Nevilesaidshortly:
“Wehadabitofadisagreement.Itwasnothing.”
“Whatwasthesubjectofthedisagreement?”
WithaneffortNevilerecoveredhistemper.Hesmiled.“Frankly,”hesaid,“shetickedmeoff.Thatoftenhappened.Ifshedisapprovedofanyonesheletthemhaveitstraightfromtheshoulder.Shewasold-fashioned,yousee,andshewasinclinedtobedownonmodernwaysandmodernlinesofthought—divorce—allthat.WehadanargumentandImayhavegotabitheated,butwepartedonperfectlyfriendlyterms—agreeingtodiffer.”Headded,withsomeheat,“Icertainlydidn’tbashherovertheheadbecauseIlostmytemperoveranargument—ifthat’swhatyouthink!”
LeachglancedatBattle.Battleleanedforwardponderouslyacrossthetable.Hesaid:
“Yourecognizedthatniblickasyourpropertythismorning.Haveyouanyexplanationforthefactthatyourfingerprintswerefounduponit?”
Nevilestared.Hesaidsharply:
“I—butofcoursetheywouldbe—it’smyclub—I’veoftenhandledit.”
“Anyexplanation,Imean,forthefactthatyourfingerprintsshowthatyouwerethelastpersontohavehandledit?”
Nevilesatquitestill.Thecolourhadgoneoutofhisface.
“That’snottrue,”hesaidatlast.“Itcan’tbe.Somebodycouldhavehandleditafterme—someonewearinggloves.”
“No,Mr.Strange—nobodycouldhavehandleditinthesenseyoumean—byraisingittostrike—withoutblurringyourownmarks.”
Therewasapause—averylongpause.
“Oh,God,”saidNevileconvulsively,andgavealongshudder.Heputhishandsoverhiseyes.Thetwopolicemenwatchedhim.
Thenhetookawayhishands.Hesatupstraight.
“Itisn’ttrue,”hesaidquietly.“Itsimplyisn’ttrue.YouthinkIkilledher,butIdidn’t.IswearIdidn’t.There’ssomehorriblemistake.”
“You’venoexplanationtoofferaboutthesefingerprints?”
“HowcanIhave?I’mdumbfounded.”
“Haveyouanyexplanationforthefactthatthesleevesandcuffsofyourdarkbluesuitarestainedwithblood?”
“Blood?”Itwasahorror-struckwhisper.“Itcouldn’tbe!”
“Youdidn’t,forinstance,cutyourself—”
“No.No,ofcourseIdidn’t!”
Theywaitedalittlewhile.
NevileStrange,hisforeheadcreased,seemedtobethinking.Helookedupatthematlastwithfrightenedhorror-strickeneyes.
“It’sfantastic!”hesaid.“Simplyfantastic.It’snoneofittrue.”
“Factsaretrueenough,”saidSuperintendentBattle.
“ButwhyshouldIdosuchathing?It’sunthinkable—unbelievable!I’veknownCamillaallmylife.”
Leachcoughed.
“Ibelieveyoutoldusyourself,Mr.Strange,thatyoucomeintoagooddealofmoneyuponLadyTressilian’sdeath?”
“Youthinkthat’swhy—ButIdon’twantmoney!Idon’tneedit!”
“That,”saidLeach,withhislittlecough,“iswhatyousay,Mr.Strange.”
Nevilesprangup.
“Lookhere,that’ssomethingIcanprove.ThatIdidn’tneedmoney.Letmeringupmybankmanager—youcantalktohimyourself.”
Thecallwasputthrough.ThelinewasclearandinaveryfewminutestheywerethroughtoLondon.Nevilespoke:
“Thatyou,Ronaldson?NevileStrangespeaking.Youknowmyvoice.Lookhere,willyougivethepolice—they’reherenow—alltheinformationtheywantaboutmyaffairs—yes—yes,please.”
Leachtookthephone.Hespokequietly.Itwenton,questionandanswer.
Hereplacedthephoneatlast.
“Well?”saidNevileeagerly.
Leachsaidimpassively:
“Youhaveasubstantialcreditbalance,andtheBankhavechargeofallyourinvestmentsandreportthemtobeinafavourablecondition.”
“Soyouseeit’struewhatIsaid!”
“Itseemsso—butagain,Mr.Strange,youmayhavecommitments,debts—paymentofblackmail—reasonsforrequiringmoneyofwhichwedonotknow.”
“ButIhaven’t!IassureyouIhaven’t.Youwon’tfindanythingofthatkind.”
SuperintendentBattleshiftedhisheavyshoulders.Hespokeinakind,fatherlyvoice.
“We’vesufficientevidence,asI’msureyou’llagree,Mr.Strange,toaskforawarrantforyourarrest.Wehaven’tdoneso—asyet.We’regivingyouthebenefitofthedoubt,yousee.”
Nevilesaidbitterly:“Youmean,don’tyou,thatyou’vemadeupyourmindsIdidit,butyouwanttogetatthemotivesoastoclinchthecaseagainstme?”
Battlewassilent.Leachlookedattheceiling.
Nevilesaiddesperately:
“It’slikesomeawfuldream.There’snothingIcansayordo.It’slike—likebeinginatrapandyoucan’tgetout.”
SuperintendentBattlestirred.Anintelligentgleamshowedbetweenhishalf-closedlids.
“That’sverynicelyput,”hesaid.“Verynicelyputindeed.Itgivesmeanidea….”
VI
SergeantJonesadroitlygotridofNevilethroughthehallandthenbroughtKayinbythefrenchwindowsothathusbandandwifedidnotmeet.
“He’llseealltheothers,though,”Leachremarked.
“Allthebetter,”saidBattle.“It’sonlythisoneIwanttodealwithwhilstshe’sstillinthedark.”
Thedaywasovercastwithasharpwind.Kaywasdressedinatweedskirtandapurplesweater,abovewhichherhairlookedlikeaburnishedcopperbowl.Shelookedhalffrightened,halfexcited.HerbeautyandvitalitybloomedagainstthedarkVictorianbackgroundofbooksandsaddlebackchairs.
Leachledhereasilyenoughoverheraccountofthepreviousevening.
Shehadhadaheadacheandgonetobedearly—aboutquarterpastnine,shethought.Shehadsleptheavilyandheardnothinguntilthenextmorning,whenshewaswakenedbyhearingsomeonescreaming.
Battletookupthequestioning.
“Yourhusbanddidn’tcomeintoseehowyouwerebeforehewentofffortheevening?”
“No.”
“Youdidn’tseehimfromthetimeyouleftthedrawingroomuntilthefollowingmorning.Isthatright?”
Kaynodded.
Battlestrokedhisjaw.
“Mrs.Strange,thedoorbetweenyourroomandthatofyourhusbandwaslocked.Wholockedit?”
Kaysaidshortly:“Idid.”
Battlesaidnothing—buthewaited—waitedlikeanelderlyfatherlycat—foramousetocomeoutoftheholehewaswatching.
Hissilencedidwhatquestionsmightnothaveaccomplished.Kayburstoutimpetuously:
“Oh,Isupposeyou’vegottohaveitall!ThatolddodderingHurstallmusthaveheardusbeforeteaandhe’lltellyouifIdon’t.He’sprobablytoldyoualready.NevileandIhadhadarow—aflamingrow!Iwasfuriouswithhim!Iwentuptobedandlockedthedoor,becauseIwasstillinaflamingragewithhim!”
“Isee—Isee,”saidBattle,athismostsympathetic.“Andwhatwasthetroubleallabout?”
“Doesitmatter?Oh,Idon’tmindtellingyou.Nevilehasbeenbehavinglikeaperfectidiot.It’sallthatwoman’sfault,though.”
“Whatwoman?”
“Hisfirstwife.Shegothimtocomehereinthefirstplace.”
“Youmean—tomeetyou?”
“Yes.Nevilethinksitwasallhisownidea—poorinnocent!Butitwasn’t.HeneverthoughtofsuchathinguntilhemetherintheParkonedayandshegottheideaintohisheadandmadehimbelievehe’dthoughtofithimself.Hequitehonestlythinksitwashisidea,butI’veseenAudrey’sfineItalianhandbehinditfromthefirst.”
“Whyshouldshedosuchathing?”askedBattle.
“Becauseshewantedtogetholdofhimagain,”saidKay.Shespokequicklyandherbreathcamefast.“She’sneverforgivenhimforgoingoffwithme.Thisisherrevenge.Shegothimtofixupthatwe’dallbeheretogetherandthenshegottoworkonhim.She’sbeendoingiteversincewearrived.She’sclever,youknow.Knowsjusthowtolookpatheticandelusive—yes,andhowtoplayupanotherman,too.ShegotThomasRoyde,afaithfulolddogwho’salwaysadoredher,tobehereatthesametime,andshedroveNevilemadbypretendingshewasgoingtomarryhim.”
Shestopped,breathingangrily.
Battlesaidmildly:
“Ishouldhavethoughthe’dbegladforherto—er—findhappinesswithanoldfriend.”
“Glad?He’sasjealousasHell!”
“Thenhemustbeveryfondofher.”
“Oh,heis,”saidKaybitterly.“She’sseentothat!”
Battle’sfingerstillrandubiouslyoverhisjaw.
“Youmighthaveobjectedtothisarrangementofcominghere,”hesuggested.
“HowcouldI?ItwouldhavelookedasthoughIwerejealous!”
“Well,”saidBattle,“afterall,youwere,weren’tyou?”
Kayflushed.
“Always!I’vealwaysbeenjealousofAudrey.Rightfromthebeginning—ornearlythebeginning.Iusedtofeelherthereinthehouse.Itwasasthoughitwereherhouse,notmine.Ichangedthecolourschemeanddiditallupbutitwasnogood!I’dfeelhertherelikeagreyghostcreepingabout.IknewNevileworriedbecausehethoughthe’dtreatedherbadly.Hecouldn’tquiteforgetabouther—shewasalwaysthere—areproachfulfeelingatthebackofhismind.Therearepeople,youknow,whoarelikethat.Theyseemrathercolourlessandnotveryinteresting—buttheymakethemselvesfelt.”
Battlenoddedthoughtfully.Hesaid:
“Well,thankyou,Mrs.Strange.That’sallatpresent.Wehavetoask—er—agoodmanyquestions—especiallywithyourhusbandinheritingsomuchmoneyfromLadyTressilian—fiftythousandpounds—”
“Isitasmuchasthat?WegetitfromoldSirMatthew’swill,don’twe?”
“Youknowallaboutit?”
“Ohyes.HeleftittobedividedbetweenNevileandNevile’swifeafterLadyTressilian’sdeath.NotthatI’mgladtheoldthingisdead.I’mnot.Ididn’tlikeherverymuch—probablybecauseshedidn’tlikeme—butit’stoohorribletothinkofsomeburglarcomingalongandcrackingherheadopen.”
Shewentoutonthat.BattlelookedatLeach.
“Whatdoyouthinkofher?Good-lookingbitofgoods,Iwillsay.Amancouldlosehisheadoverhereasyenough.”
Leachagreed.
“Doesn’tseemtomequitealady,though,”hesaiddubiously.
“Theyaren’tnowadays,”saidBattle.“ShallweseeNo.1?No,Ithinkwe’llhaveMissAldinnext,andgetanoutsideangleonthismatrimonialbusiness.”
MaryAldincameincomposedlyandsatdown.Beneathheroutwardcalmnesshereyeslookedworried.
SheansweredLeach’squestionsclearlyenough,confirmingNevile’saccountoftheevening.Shehadcomeuptobedaboutteno’clock.
“Mr.StrangewasthenwithLadyTressilian?”
“Yes,Icouldhearthemtalking.”
“Talking,MissAldin,orquarrelling?”
Sheflushedbutansweredquietly:
“LadyTressilian,youknow,wasfondofdiscussion.Sheoftensoundedacrimoniouswhenshewasreallynothingofthekind.Also,shewasinclinedtobeautocraticandtodomineeroverpeople—andamandoesn’ttakethatkindofthingaseasilyasawomandoes.”
“Asyoudo,perhaps,”thoughtBattle.
Helookedatherintelligentface.Itwasshewhobrokethesilence.
“Idon’twanttobestupid—butitreallyseemstomeincredible—quiteincredible,thatyoushouldsuspectoneofthepeopleinthishouse.Whyshouldn’titbeanoutsider?”
“Forseveralreasons,MissAldin.Foronething,nothingwastakenandnoentrywasforced.Ineedn’tremindyouofthegeographyofyourownhouseandgrounds,butjustbearthisinmind.Onthewestisasheercliffdowntothesea,tothesouthareacoupleofterraceswithawallandadroptothesea,ontheeastthegardenslopesdownalmostItwasn’tanoutsider,MissAldin.”
“Itwasn’tNevile!I’msureitwasn’tNevile!”
“Whyareyousosure?”
Sheraisedherhandshopelessly.
“Itjustisn’tlikehim—that’swhy!Hewouldn’tkilladefence-lessoldwomaninbed—Nevile!”
“Itdoesn’tseemverylikely,”saidBattlereasonably,“butyou’dbesurprisedatthethingspeopledowhenthey’vegotagoodenoughreason.Mr.Strangemayhavewantedmoneyverybadly.”
“I’msurehedidn’t.He’snotanextravagantperson—heneverhasbeen.”
“No,buthiswifeis.”
“Kay?Yes,perhaps—butoh,it’stooridiculous.I’msurethelastthingNevilehasbeenthinkingoflatelyismoney.”
SuperintendentBattlecoughed.
“He’shadotherworries,Iunderstand?”
“Kaytoldyou,Isuppose?Yes,itreallyhasbeenratherdifficult.Still,it’snothingtodowiththisdreadfulbusiness.”
“Probablynot,butallthesameI’dliketohearyourversionoftheaffair,MissAldin.”
Marysaidslowly:“Well,asIsay,ithascreatedadifficult—situation.Whosoever’sideaitwastobeginwith—”
Heinterruptedherdeftly.
“IunderstooditwasMr.NevileStrange’sidea?”
“Hesaiditwas.”
“Butyouyourselfdidn’tthinkso?”
“I—no—itisn’tlikeNevilesomehow.I’vehadafeelingallalongthatsomebodyelseputtheideaintohishead.”
“Mrs.AudreyStrange,perhaps?”
“ItseemsincrediblethatAudreyshoulddosuchathing.”
“Thenwhoelsecouldithavebeen?”
Maryraisedhershouldershelplessly.
“Idon’tknow.It’sjust—queer.”
“Queer,”saidBattlethoughtfully.“That’swhatIfeelaboutthiscase.It’squeer.”
“Everything’sbeenqueer.There’sbeenafeeling—Ican’tdescribeit.Somethingintheair.Amenace.”
“Everybodystrungupandonedge?”
“Yes,justthat…We’veallsufferedfromit.EvenMr.Latimer—”Shestopped.
“IwasjustcomingtoMr.Latimer.Whatcanyoutellme,MissAldin,aboutMr.Latimer?WhoisMr.Latimer?”
“Well,really,Idon’tknowmuchabouthim.He’safriendofKay’s.”
“He’sMrs.Strange’sfriend.Knowneachotheralongtime?”
“Yes,sheknewhimbeforehermarriage.”
“Mr.Strangelikehim?”
“Quitewell,Ibelieve.”
“No—troublethere?”
Battleputitdelicately.Maryrepliedatonceandemphatically:“Certainlynot!”
“DidLadyTressilianlikeMr.Latimer?”
“Notverymuch.”
Battletookwarningfromthealooftoneofhervoiceandchangedthesubject.
“Thismaid,now,JaneBarrett,shehasbeenwithLadyTressilianalongtime?Youconsiderhertrustworthy?”
“Ohabsolutely.ShewasdevotedtoLadyTressilian.”
Battleleanedbackinhischair.
“Infactyouwouldn’tconsiderforamomentthepossibilitythatBarretthitLadyTressilianovertheheadandthendopedherselftoavoidbeingsuspected?”
“Ofcoursenot.Whyonearthshouldshe?”
“Shegetsalegacy,youknow.”
“SodoI,”saidMaryAldin.
Shelookedathimsteadily.
“Yes,”saidBattle.“Sodoyou.Doyouknowhowmuch?”
“Mr.Trelawnyhasjustarrived.Hetoldme.”
“Youdidn’tknowaboutitbeforehand?”
“No.Icertainlyassumed,fromwhatLadyTressilianoccasionallyletfall,thatshehadleftmesomething.Ihaveverylittleofmyown,youknow.Notenoughtoliveonwithoutgettingworkofsomekind.IthoughtthatLadyTressilianwouldleavemeatleastahundredayear—butshehassomecousins,andIdidnotatallknowhowsheproposedtoleavethatmoneywhichwasherstodisposeof.Iknew,ofcourse,thatSirMatthew’sestatewenttoNevileandAudrey.”
“Soshedidn’tknowwhatLadyTressilianwasleavingher,”LeachsaidwhenMaryAldinhadbeendismissed.“Atleastthat’swhatshesays.”
“That’swhatshesays,”agreedBattle.“AndnowforBluebeard’sfirstwife.”
VII
Audreywaswearingapalegreyflannelcoatandskirt.InitshelookedsopaleandghostlikethatBattlewasremindedofKay’swords,“agreyghostcreepingaboutthehouse.”
Sheansweredhisquestionssimplyandwithoutanysignsofemotion.
Yes,shehadgonetobedatteno’clock,thesametimeasMissAldin.Shehadheardnothingduringthenight.
“You’llexcusemebuttingintoyourprivateaffairs,”saidBattle,“butwillyouexplainjusthowitcomesaboutthatyouarehereinthehouse?”
“Ialwayscometostayatthistime.Thisyear,my—mylatehusbandwantedtocomeatthesametimeandaskedmeifIwouldmind.”
“Itwashissuggestion?”
“Ohyes.”
“Notyours?”
“Ohno.”
“Butyouagreed?”
“Yes,Iagreed…Ididn’tfeel—thatIcouldverywellrefuse.”
“Whynot,Mrs.Strange?”
Butshewasvague.
“Onedoesn’tliketobedisobliging.”
“Youweretheinjuredparty?”
“Ibegyourpardon?”
“Itwasyouwhodivorcedyourhusband?”
“Yes.”
“Doyou—excuseme—feelanyrancouragainsthim?”
“No—notatall.”
“Youhaveaveryforgivingnature,Mrs.Strange.”
Shedidnotanswer.Hetriedsilence—butAudreywasnotKay,tobethusgoadedintospeech.Shecouldremainsilentwithoutanyhintofuneasiness.Battleacknowledgedhimselfbeaten.
“Youaresureitwasnotyouridea—thismeeting?”
“Quitesure.”
“YouareonfriendlytermswiththepresentMrs.Strange?”
“Idon’tthinkshelikesmeverymuch.”
“Doyoulikeher?”
“Yes.Ithinksheisverybeautiful.”
“Well—thankyou—Ithinkthatisall.”
Shegotupandwalkedtowardsthedoor.Thenshehesitatedandcameback.
“Iwouldjustliketosay—”shespokenervouslyandquickly.“YouthinkNeviledidthis—thathekilledherbecauseofthemoney.I’mquitesurethatisn’tso.Nevilehasnevercaredmuchaboutmoney.Idoknowthat.Iwasmarriedtohimforeightyears,youknow.Ijustcan’tseehimkillinganyonelikethatformoney—it—it—isn’tNevile.Iknowmysayingsoisn’tofanyvalueasevidence—butIdowishyoucouldbelieveit.”
Sheturnedandhurriedoutoftheroom.
“Andwhatdoyoumakeofher?”askedLeach.“I’veneverseenanyoneso—sodevoidofemotion.”
“Shedidn’tshowany,”saidBattle.“Butit’sthere.Someverystrongemotion.AndIdon’tknowwhatitis….”
VIII
ThomasRoydecamelast.Hesat,solemnandstiff,blinkingalittlelikeanowl.
HewashomefromMalaya—firsttimeforeightyears.HadbeeninthehabitofstayingatGull’sPointeversincehewasaboy.Mrs.AudreyStrangewasadistantcousin—andhadbeenbroughtupbyhisfamilyfromtheageofnine.Ontheprecedingnighthehadgonetobedjustbeforeeleven.Yes,hehadheardMr.NevileStrangeleavethehousebuthadnotseenhim.Nevilehadleftatabouttwentypasttenorperhapsalittlelater.Hehimselfhadheardnothingduringthenight.HewasupandinthegardenwhenthediscoveryofLadyTressilian’sbodyhadbeenmade.Hewasanearlyriser.
Therewasapause.
“MissAldinhastoldusthattherewasastateoftensioninthehouse.Didyounoticethistoo?”
“Idon’tthinkso.Don’tnoticethingsmuch.”
“That’salie,”thoughtBattletohimself.“Younoticeagooddeal,Ishouldsay—morethanmost.”
No,hedidn’tthinkNevileStrangehadbeenshortofmoneyinanyway.Hecertainlyhadnotseemedso.ButheknewverylittleaboutMr.Strange’saffairs
“HowwelldidyouknowthesecondMrs.Strange?”
“Imetherhereforthefirsttime.”
Battleplayedhislastcard.
“Youmayknow,Mr.Royde,thatwe’vefoundMr.NevileStrange’sfingerprintsontheweapon.Andwe’vefoundbloodonthesleeveofthecoatheworelastnight.”
Hepaused.Roydenodded.
“Hewastellingus,”hemuttered.
“I’maskingyoufrankly:Doyouthinkhedidit?”
ThomasRoydeneverlikedtobehurried.Hewaitedforaminute—whichisaverylongtime—beforeheanswered:
“Don’tseewhyyouaskme!Notmybusiness.It’syours.Shouldsaymyself—veryunlikely.”
“Canyouthinkofanyonewhoseemstoyoumorelikely?”
Thomasshookhishead.
“OnlypersonIthinklikely,can’tpossiblyhavedoneit.Sothat’sthat.”
“Andwhoisthat?”
ButRoydeshookhisheadmoredecidedly
“Couldn’tpossiblysay.Onlymyprivateopinion.”
“It’syourdutytoassistthepolice.”
“Tellyouanyfacts.Thisisn’tfacts.Justanidea.Andit’simpossible,anyway.”
“Wedidn’tgetmuchoutofhim,”saidLeachwhenRoydehadgone.
Battleagreed.
“No,wedidn’t.He’sgotsomethinginhismind—somethingquitedefinite.I’dliketoknowwhatitis.Thisisaverypeculiarsortofcrime,Jim,myboy—”
ThetelephonerangbeforeLeachcouldanswer.Hetookupthereceiverandspoke.Afteraminuteortwooflisteninghesaid“Good,”andslammeditdown.
“Bloodonthecoatsleeveishuman,”heannounced.“SamebloodgroupasLadyT’s.LooksasthoughNevileStrangeisforit—”
Battlehadwalkedovertothewindowandwaslookingoutwithconsiderableinterest.
“Abeautifulyoungmanoutthere,”heremarked.“Quitebeautifulandadefinitewrong’un,Ishouldsay.It’sapityMr.Latimer—forIfeelthatthat’sMr.Latimer—wasoveratEasterheadBaylastnight.He’sthetypethatwouldsmashinhisowngrandmother’sheadifhethoughthecouldgetawaywithitandifheknewhe’dmakesomethingoutofit.”
“Well,therewasn’tanythinginitforhim,”saidLeach.“LadyT’sdeathdoesn’tbenefithiminanywaywhatever.”Thetelephonebellrangagain.“Damnthisphone,what’sthematternow?”
Hewenttoit.
“Hullo.Oh,it’syou,doctor.What?Comeround,hasshe?What?What?”
Heturnedhishead.“Uncle,justcomeandlistentothis.”
Battlecameoverandtookthephone.Helistened,hisfaceasusualshowingnoexpression.HesaidtoLeach:
“GetNevileStrange,Jim.”
WhenNevilecamein,Battlewasjustreplacingthephoneonitshook.
Nevile,lookingwhiteandspent,staredcuriouslyattheScotlandYardsuperintendent,tryingtoreadtheemotionbehindthewoodenmask.
“Mr.Strange,”saidBattle.“Doyouknowanyonewhodislikesyouverymuch?”
Nevilestaredandshookhishead.
“Sure?”Battlewasimpressive.“Imean,sir,someonewhodoesmorethandislikeyou—someonewho—frankly—hatesyourguts?”
Nevilesatboltupright.
“No.No,certainlynot.Nothingofthekind.”
“Think,Mr.Strange.Istherenooneyou’veinjuredinanyway—?”
Nevileflushed.
“There’sonlyonepersonIcanbesaidtohaveinjuredandshe’snotthekindwhobearsrancour.That’smyfirstwife,whenIleftherforanotherwoman.ButIcanassureyouthatshedoesn’thateme.She’s—she’sbeenanangel.”
TheSuperintendentleanedforwardacrossthetable.
“Letmetellyou,Mr.Strange;you’reaveryluckyman.Idon’tsayIlikedthecaseagainstyou—Ididn’t.Butitwasacase!Itwouldhavestoodupallright,andunlessthejuryhappenedtohavelikedyourpersonality,itwouldhavehangedyou.”
“Youspeak,”saidNevile,“asthoughallthatwerepast?”
“Itispast,”saidBattle.“You’vebeensaved,Mr.Strange,bypurechance.”
Nevilestilllookedinquiringlyathim.
“Afteryouleftherlastnight,”saidBattle,“LadyTressilianrangthebellforhermaid.”
HewatchedwhilstNeviletookitin.
“After.ThenBarrettsawher—?”
“Yes.Aliveandwell.Barrettalsosawyouleavethehousebeforeshewentintohermistress.”
Nevilesaid:
“Buttheniblick—myfingerprints—”
“Shewasn’thitwiththatniblick.Dr.Lazenbydidn’tlikeitatthetime.Isawthat.Shewaskilledwithsomethingelse.Thatniblickwasputtheredeliberatelytothrowsuspiciononyou.Itmaybebysomeonewhooverheardthequarrelandsoselectedyouasasuitablevictim,oritmaybebecause—”
Hepaused,andthenrepeatedhisquestion:
“Whoisthereinthishousethathatesyou,Mr.Strange?”
IX
“I’vegotaquestionforyou,doctor,”saidBattle.
Theywereinthedoctor’shouseafterreturningfromthenursinghome,wheretheyhadhadashortinterviewwithJaneBarrett.
Barrettwasweakandexhaustedbutquiteclearinherstatement.
ShehadjustbeengettingintobedafterdrinkinghersennawhenLadyTressilian’sbellhadrung.Shehadglancedattheclockandseenthetime—twenty-fiveminutespastten.
Shehadputonherdressinggownandcomedown.Shehadheardanoiseinthehallbelowandhadlookedoverthebanisters.
“ItwasMr.Nevilejustgoingout.Hewastakinghisraincoatdownfromthehook.”
“Whatsuitwashewearing?”
“Hisgreypinstripe.Hisfacewasveryworriedandunhappy-looking.Heshovedhisarmsintohiscoatasthoughhedidn’tcarehowheputiton.Thenhewentoutandbangedthefrontdoorbehindhim.Iwentonintoherladyship.Shewasverydrowsy,poordear,andcouldn’trememberwhyshehadrungforme—shecouldn’talways,poorlady.ButIbeatupherpillowsandbroughtherafreshglassofwaterandsettledhercomfortably.”
“Shedidn’tseemupsetorafraidofanything?”
“Justtired,that’sall.Iwastiredmyself.Yawning.Iwentupandwentrightofftosleep.”
ThatwasBarrett’sstory,anditseemedimpossibletodoubthergenuinegriefandhorroratthenewsofhermistress’sdeath.
TheywentbacktoLazenby’shouseanditwasthenthatBattleannouncedthathehadaquestiontoask.
“Askaway,”saidLazenby.
“WhattimedoyouthinkLadyTressiliandied?”
“I’vetoldyou.Betweenteno’clockandmidnight.”
“Iknowthat’swhatyousaid.Butitwasn’tmyquestion.Iaskedyouwhatyou,personally,thought.”
“Offtherecord,eh?”
“Yes.”
“Allright.Myguesswouldbeintheneighbourhoodofeleveno’clock.”
“That’swhatIwantedyoutosay,”saidBattle.
“Gladtooblige.Why?”
“Neverdidliketheideaofherbeingkilledbeforetentwenty.TakeBarrett’ssleepingdraught—itwouldn’thavegottoworkbythen.Thatsleepingdraughtshowsthatthemurderwasmeanttobecommittedagooddeallater—duringthenight.Iprefermidnight,myself.”
“Couldbe.Elevenisonlyaguess.”
“Butitdefinitelycouldn’tbelaterthanmidnight?”
“No.”
“Itcouldn’tbeaftertwothirty?”
“Goodheavens,no.”
“Well,thatseemstoletStrangeoutallright.I’lljusthavetocheckuponhismovementsafterheleftthehouse.Ifhe’stellingthetruthhe’swashedoutandwecangoontoourothersuspects.”
“Theotherpeoplewhoinheritmoney?”suggestedLeach.
“Maybe,”saidBattle.“Butsomehow,Idon’tthinkso.Someonewithakink,I’mlookingfor.”
“Akink?”
“Anastykink.”
Whentheyleftthedoctor’shousetheywentontotheferry.Theferryconsistedofarowingboatoperatedbytwobrothers,WillandGeorgeBarnes.TheBarnesbrotherskneweverybodyinSaltcreekbysightandmostofthepeoplewhocameoverfromEasterheadBay.GeorgesaidatoncethatMr.StrangefromGull’sPointhadgoneacrossattenthirtyontheprecedingnight.No,hehadnotbroughtMr.Strangebackagain.LastferryhadgoneatonethirtyfromtheEasterheadsideandMr.Strangewasn’tonit.
BattleaskedhimifheknewMr.Latimer
“Latimer?Latimer?Tallhandsomeyounggentleman?ComesoverfromtheHoteluptoGull’sPoint?Yes,Iknowhim.Didn’tseehimatalllastnight,though.He’sbeenoverthismorning.Wentbacklasttrip.”
TheycrossedontheferryandwentuptotheEasterheadBayHotel.
HeretheyfoundMr.Latimernewlyreturnedfromtheotherside.Hehadcrossedontheferrybeforetheirs.
Mr.Latimerwasveryanxioustodoallhecouldtohelp.
“Yes,oldNevilecameoverlastnight.Lookedveryblueoversomething.Toldmehe’dhadarowwiththeoldlady.Ihearhe’dfallenoutwithKaytoo,buthedidn’ttellmethat,ofcourse.Anyway,hewasabitdowninthemouth.Seemedquitegladofmycompanyforonceinaway.”
“Hewasn’tabletofindyouatonce,Iunderstand?”
Latimersaidsharply:
“Don’tknowwhy.Iwassittinginthelounge.Strangesaidhelookedinanddidn’tseeme,buthewasn’tinastatetoconcentrate.OrImayhavestrolledoutintothegardensforfiveminutesorso.AlwaysgetoutwhenIcan.BeastlysmellinthisHotel.NoticeditlastnightintheBar.Drains,Ithink!Strangementionedittoo!Webothsmeltit.Nastydecayedsmell.Mightbeadeadratunderthebilliardroomfloor.”
“Youplayedbilliards,andafteryourgame?”
“Ohwetalkedabit,hadanotherdrinkortwo.ThenNevilesaid‘Hullo,I’vemissedtheferry,’soIsaidI’dgetoutmycaranddrivehimback,whichIdid.Wegotthereabouttwothirty.”
“AndMr.Strangewaswithyoualltheevening?”
“Ohyes.Askanybody.They’lltellyou.”
“Thankyou,Mr.Latimer.Wehavetobesocareful.”
Leachsaidastheyleftthesmiling,self-possessedyoungman:“What’stheideaofcheckingupsocarefullyonNevileStrange?”
Battlesmiled.Leachgotitsuddenly.
“Goodlord,it’stheotheroneyou’recheckingupon.Sothat’syouridea.”
“It’stoosoontohaveideas,”saidBattle.“I’vejustgottoknowexactlywhereMr.TedLatimerwaslastnight.Weknowthatfromquarterpasteleven,say—toaftermidnight—hewaswithNevileStrange.Butwherewashebeforethat—whenStrangearrivedandcouldn’tfindhim?”
Theypursuedtheirinquiriesdoggedly—withbarattendants,waiters,liftboys.Latimerhadbeenseenintheloungebetweennineandten.Hehadbeeninthebarataquarterpastten.Butbetweenthattimeandeleventwentyheseemedtohavebeensingularlyelusive.ThenoneofthemaidswasfoundwhodeclaredthatMr.Latimerhadbeen“inoneofthesmallwritingroomswithMrs.Beddoes—that’sthefatNorthCountrylady.”
Pressedastotime,shesaidshethoughtitwasabouteleveno’clock.
“Thattearsit,”saidBattlegloomily.“Hewashereallright.Justdidn’twantattentiondrawntohisfat(andnodoubtrich)ladyfriend.Thatthrowsusbackonthoseothers—theservants,KayStrange,AudreyStrange,MaryAldinandThomasRoyde.Oneofthemkilledtheoldlady,butwhich?Ifwecouldfindtherealweapon—”
Hestopped,thenslappedhisthigh.
“Gotit,Jim,myboy!IknownowwhatmademethinkofHerculePoirot.We’llhaveaspotoflunchandgobacktoGull’sPointandI’llshowyousomething.”
X
MaryAldinwasrestless.Shewentinandoutofthehouse,pickedoffadeaddahliaheadhereandthere,wentbackintothedrawingroomandshiftedflowervasesinanunmeaningfashion.
Fromthelibrarycameavaguemurmurofvoices.Mr.TrelawnywasintherewithNevile.KayandAudreywerenowheretobeseen.
Marywentoutinthegardenagain.DownbythewallshespiedThomasRoydeplacidlysmoking.Shewentandjoinedhim.
“Ohdear.”Shesatdownbesidehimwithadeepperplexedsigh.
“Anythingthematter?”Thomasasked.
Marylaughedwithaslightnoteofhysteriainthelaugh.
“Nobodybutyouwouldsayathinglikethat.Amurderinthehouseandyoujustsay‘Isanythingthematter?’”
Lookingalittlesurprised,Thomassaid:
“Imeantanythingfresh?”
“Oh,Iknowwhatyoumeant.It’sreallyawonderfulrelieftofindanyonesogloriouslyjust-the-same-as-usualasyouare!”
“Notmuchgood,isit,gettingallhetupoverthings?”
“No,no.You’reeminentlysensible.It’showyoumanagetodoitbeatsme.”
“Well,IsupposeI’manoutsider.”
“That’strue,ofcourse.Youcan’tfeelthereliefalltherestofusdothatNevileiscleared.”
“I’mverypleasedheis,ofcourse,”saidRoyde.
Maryshuddered.
“Itwasaverynearthing.IfCamillahadn’ttakenitintoherheadtoringthebellforBarrettafterNevilehadlefther—”
Sheleftthesentenceunfinished.Thomasfinisheditforher.
“ThenoldNevilewouldhavebeenforitallright.”
Hespokewithacertaingrimsatisfaction,thenshookhisheadwithaslightsmile,ashemetMary’sreproachfulgaze.
“I’mnotreallyheartless,butnowthatNevile’sallrightIcan’thelpbeingpleasedhehadabitofashakingup.He’salwayssodamnedcomplacent.”
“Heisn’treally,Thomas.”
“Perhapsnot.It’sjusthismanner.AnywayhewaslookingscaredasHellthismorning!”
“Whatacruelstreakyouhave!”
“Anywayit’sallrightnow.Youknow,Mary,evenhereNevilehashadthedevil’sownluck.Someotherpoorbeggarwithallthatevidencepiledupagainsthimmightn’thavehadsuchabreak.”
Maryshiveredagain.“Don’tsaythat.Iliketothinktheinnocentare—protected.”
“Doyou,mydear?”Hisvoicewasgentle.
Maryburstoutsuddenly:
“Thomas,I’mworried.I’mfrightfullyworried.”
“Yes?”
“It’saboutMr.Treves.”
Thomasdroppedhispipeonthestones.Hisvoicechangedashebenttopickitup.
“WhataboutMr.Treves?”
“Thatnighthewashere—thatstoryhetold—aboutalittlemurderer!I’vebeenwondering,Thomas…Wasitjustastory?Ordidhetellitwithapurpose?”
“Youmean,”saidRoydedeliberately,“wasitaimedatsomeonewhowasintheroom?”
Marywhispered,“Yes.”
Thomassaidquietly:
“I’vebeenwondering,too.AsamatteroffactthatwaswhatIwasthinkingaboutwhenyoucamealongjustnow.”
Maryhalfclosedhereyes.
“I’vebeentryingtoremember…Hetoldit,youknow,soverydeliberately.Healmostdraggeditintotheconversation.Andhesaidhewouldrecognizethepersonanywhere.Heemphasizedthat.Asthoughhehadrecognizedhim.”
“Mm,”saidThomas.“I’vebeenthroughallthat.”
“Butwhyshouldhedoit?Whatwasthepoint?”
“Isuppose,”saidRoyde,“itwasakindofwarning.Nottotryanythingon.”
“YoumeanthatMr.TrevesknewthenthatCamillawasgoingtobemurdered?”
“No-o.Ithinkthat’stoofantastic.Itmayhavebeenjustageneralwarning.”
“WhatI’vebeenwonderingis,doyouthinkweoughttotellthepolice?”
TothatThomasagaingavehisthoughtfulconsideration.
“Ithinknot,”hesaidatlast.“Idon’tseethatit’srelevantinanyway.It’snotasthoughTreveswerealiveandcouldtellthemanything.”
“No,”saidMary.“He’sdead!”Shegaveaquickshiver.“It’ssoodd,Thomas,thewayhedied.”
“Heartattack.Hehadabadheart.”
“Imeanthatcuriousbusinessabouttheliftbeingoutoforder.Idon’tlikeit.”
“Idon’tlikeitverymuchmyself,”saidThomasRoyde.
XI
SuperintendentBattlelookedroundthebedroom.Thebedhadbeenmade.Otherwisetheroomwasunchanged.Ithadbeenneatwhentheyfirstlookedroundit.Itwasneatnow.
“That’sit,”saidSuperintendentBattle,pointingtotheold-fashionedsteelfender.“Doyouseeanythingoddaboutthatfender?”
“Musttakesomecleaning,”saidJimLeach.“It’swellkept.NothingoddaboutitthatIcansee,except—yes,theleft-handknobisbrighterthantheright-handone.”
“That’swhatputHerculePoirotintomyhead,”saidBattle.“Youknowhisfadaboutthingsnotbeingquitesymmetrical—getshimallworkedup.IsupposeIthoughtunconsciously‘ThatwouldworryoldPoirot,’andthenIbegantalkingabouthim.Getyourfingerprintkit,Jones,we’llhavealookatthosetwoknobs.”
Jonesreportedpresently.
“Thereareprintsontheright-handknob,sir,noneontheleft.”
“It’stheleftonewewant,then.Thoseotherprintsarethehousemaid’swhenshelastcleanedit.Thatleft-handonehasbeencleanedtwice.”
“Therewasabitofscrewed-upemerypaperinthiswastepaperbasket,”volunteeredJones.“Ididn’tthinkitmeantanything.”
“Becauseyoudidn’tknowwhatyouwerelookingfor,then.Gentlynow,I’llbetanythingyoulikethatknobunscrews—yes,Ithoughtso.”
PresentlyJonesheldtheknobup.
“It’sagoodweight,”hesaid,weighingitinhishands.
Leach,bendingoverit,said:
“There’ssomethingdark—onthescrew.”
“Blood,aslikelyasnot,”saidBattle.“Cleanedtheknobitselfandwipeditandthatlittlestainonthescrewwasn’tnoticed.I’llbetanythingyoulikethat’stheweaponthatcavedtheoldlady’sskullin.Butthere’smoretofind.It’suptoyou,Jones,tosearchthehouseagain.Thistime,you’llknowexactlywhatyou’relookingfor.”
Hegaveafewswiftdetailedinstructions.Goingtothewindowheputhisheadout.
“There’ssomethingyellowtuckedintotheivy.Thatmaybeanotherpieceofthepuzzle.Iratherthinkitis.”
XII
Crossingthehall,SuperintendentBattlewaswaylaidbyMaryAldin.
“CanIspeaktoyouaminute,Superintendent?”
“Certainly,MissAldin.Shallwecomeinhere?”
Hethrewopenthediningroomdoor.LunchhadbeenclearedawaybyHurstall.
“Iwanttoaskyousomething,Superintendent.Surelyyoudon’t,youcan’tstillthinkthatthis—thisawfulcrimewasdonebyoneofus?Itmusthavebeensomeonefromoutside!Somemaniac!”
“Youmaynotbefarwrongthere,MissAldin.ManiacisawordthatdescribesthiscriminalverywellifI’mnotmistaken.Butnotanoutsider.”
Hereyesopenedverywide.
“Doyoumeanthatsomeoneinthishouseis—ismad?”
“You’rethinking,”saidtheSuperintendent,“ofsomeonefoamingatthemouthandrollingtheireyes.Maniaisn’tlikethat.SomeofthemostdangerouscriminallunaticshavelookedassaneasyouorI.It’saquestion,usually,ofhavinganobsession.Oneidea,preyingonthemind,graduallydistortingit.Pathetic,reasonablepeoplewhocomeuptoyouandexplainhowthey’rebeingpersecutedandhoweveryoneisspyingonthem—andyousometimesfeelitmustallbetrue.”
“I’msurenobodyherehasanyideasofbeingpersecuted.”
“Ionlygavethatasaninstance.Thereareotherformsofinsanity.ButIbelievewhoevercommittedthiscrimewasunderthedominationofonefixedidea—anideaonwhichtheyhadbroodeduntilliterallynothingelsematteredorhadanyimportance.”
Maryshivered.Shesaid:
“There’ssomethingIthinkyououghttoknow.”
ConciselyandclearlyshetoldhimofMr.Treves’visittodinnerandofthestoryhehadtold.SuperintendentBattlewasdeeplyinterested.
“Hesaidhecouldrecognizethisperson?Manorwoman—bytheway?”
“Itookitthatitwasaboythestorywasabout—butit’strueMr.Trevesdidn’tactuallysayso—infactIremembernow—hedistinctlystatedhewouldnotgiveanyparticularsastosexorage.”
“Didhe?Rathersignificant,perhaps.Andhesaidtherewasadefinitephysicalpeculiaritybywhichhecouldbesureofknowingthischildanywhere?”
“Yes.”
“Ascar,perhaps—hasanybodyheregotascar?”
HenoticedthefainthesitationbeforeMaryAldinreplied:
“NotthatIhavenoticed.”
“Comenow,MissAldin,”hesmiled.“Youhavenoticedsomething.Ifso,don’tyouthinkthatIshallbeabletonoticeit,too?”
Sheshookherhead.
“I—Ihaven’tnoticedanythingofthekind.”
Buthesawthatshewasstartledandupset.Hiswordshadobviouslysuggestedaveryunpleasanttrainofthoughttoher.Hewishedheknewjustwhatitwas,buthisexperiencemadehimawarethattopressheratthisminutewouldnotyieldanyresult.
HebroughttheconversationbacktooldMr.Treves.
Marytoldhimofthetragicsequeltotheevening.
Battlequestionedheratsomelength.Thenhesaidquietly:
“That’sanewoneonme.Nevercameacrossthatbefore.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”
“I’venevercomeacrossamurdercommittedbythesimpleexpedientofhangingaplacardonalift.”
Shelookedhorrified.
“Youdon’treallythink—?”
“Thatitwasmurder?Ofcourseitwas!Quick,resourcefulmurder.Itmightnothavecomeoff,ofcourse—butitdidcomeoff.”
“JustbecauseMr.Trevesknew—?”
“Yes.Becausehewouldhavebeenabletodirectourattentiontooneparticularpersoninthishouse.Asitis,we’vestartedinthedark.Butwe’vegotaglimmeroflightnow,andeveryminutethecaseisgettingclearer.I’lltellyouthis,MissAldin—thismurderwasverycarefullyplannedbeforehanddowntothesmallestdetail.AndIwanttoimpressonethingonyourmind—don’tletanybodyknowthatyou’vetoldmewhatyouhave.Thatisimportant.Don’ttellanyone,mind.”
Marynodded.Shewasstilllookingdazed.
SuperintendentBattlewentoutoftheroomandproceededtodowhathehadbeenabouttodowhenMaryAldininterceptedhim.Hewasamethodicalman.Hewantedcertaininformation,andanewandpromisingharedidnotdistracthimfromtheorderlyperformanceofhisduties,howevertemptingthisnewharemightbe.
Hetappedonthelibrarydoor,andNevileStrange’svoicecalled“Comein.”
BattlewasintroducedtoMr.Trelawny,atalldistinguished-lookingmanwithakeendarkeye.
“SorryifIambuttingin,”saidSuperintendentBattleapologetically.“Butthere’ssomethingIhaven’tgotclear.You,Mr.Strange,inherithalfthelateSirMatthew’sestate,butwhoinheritstheotherhalf?”
Nevilelookedsurprised.
“Itoldyou.Mywife.”
“Yes.But—”Battlecoughedinadeprecatingmanner,“whichwife,Mr.Strange?”
“Oh,Isee.Yes,Iexpressedmyselfbadly.ThemoneygoestoAudrey,whowasmywifeatthetimethewillwasmade.That’sright,Mr.Trelawny?”
Thelawyerassented.
“Thebequestisquiteclearlyworded.TheestateistobedividedbetweenSirMatthew’sward,NevileHenryStrange,andhiswife,AudreyElizabethStrange,néeStandish.Thesubsequentdivorcemakesnodifferencewhatever.”
“That’sclear,then,”saidBattle.“ItakeitMrs.AudreyStrangeisfullyawareofthesefacts?”
“Certainly,”saidMr.Trelawny.
“AndthepresentMrs.Strange?”
“Kay?”Nevilelookedslightlysurprised.“Oh,Isupposeso.Atleast—I’venevertalkedmuchaboutitwithher—”
“Ithinkyou’llfind,”saidBattle,“thatshe’sunderamisapprehension.ShethinksthatthemoneyonLadyTressilian’sdeathcomestoyouandyourpresentwife.Atleast,that’swhatshegavemetounderstandthismorning.That’swhyIcamealongtofindouthowthepositionreallylay.”
“Howextraordinary,”saidNevile.“Still,Isupposeitmighthavehappenedquiteeasily.Shehassaidonceortwice,nowthatIthinkaboutit,‘WecomeintothatmoneywhenCamilladies,’butIsupposeIassumedthatshewasjustassociatingherselfwithmeinmyshareofit.”
“It’sextraordinary,”saidBattle,“theamountofmisunderstandingsthereareevenbetweentwopeoplewhodiscussathingquiteoften—bothofthemassumingdifferentthingsandneitherofthemdiscoveringthediscrepancy.”
“Isupposeso,”saidNevile,notsoundingveryinterested.“Itdoesn’tmattermuchinthiscase,anyway.It’snotasthoughwe’reshortofmoneyatall.I’mverygladforAudrey.Shehasbeenveryhardupandthiswillmakeabigdifferencetoher.”
Battlesaidbluntly:“Butsurely,sir,atthetimeofthedivorce,shewasentitledtoanallowancefromyou?”
Nevileflushed.Hesaidinaconstrainedvoice:
“Thereissuchathingas—aspride,Superintendent.AudreyhasalwayspersistentlyrefusedtotouchapennyoftheallowanceIwishedtomakeher.”
“Averygenerousallowance,”putinMr.Trelawny.“ButMrs.AudreyStrangehasalwaysreturneditandrefusedtoacceptit.”
“Veryinteresting,”saidBattle,andwentoutbeforeanyonecouldaskhimtoelaboratethatcomment.
Hewentoutandfoundhisnephew.
“Onitsfacevalue,”hesaid,“there’sanicemonetarymotivefornearlyeverybodyinthiscase.NevileStrangeandAudreyStrangegetacoolfiftythousandeach.KayStrangethinksshe’sentitledtofiftythousand.MaryAldingetsanincomethatfreesherfromhavingtoearnherliving.ThomasRoyde,I’mboundtosay,doesn’tgain.ButwecanincludeHurstallandevenBarrettifweadmitthatshe’dtaketheriskoffinishingherselfofftoavoidsuspicion.Yes,asIsay,therearenolackofmoneymotives.Andyet,ifI’mright,moneydoesn’tenterintothisatall.Ifthere’ssuchathingasmurderforpurehate,thisisit.Andifnoonecomesalongandthrowsaspannerintotheworks,I’mgoingtogetthepersonwhodidit!”
XIII
AngusMacWhirtersatontheterraceoftheEasterheadBayHotelandstaredacrosstherivertothefrowningheightofStarkHeadopposite.
Hewasengagedatthemomentinacarefulstocktakingofhisthoughtsandemotions.
Hehardlyknewwhatitwasthathadmadehimchoosetospendhislastfewdaysofleisurewherehenowwas.Yetsomethinghaddrawnhimthere.Perhapsthewishtotesthimself—toseeifthereremainedinhisheartanyoftheolddespair.
Mona?Howlittlehecarednow.Shewasmarriedtotheotherman.Hehadpassedherinthestreetonedaywithoutfeelinganyemotion.Hecouldrememberhisgriefandbitternesswhenshelefthim,buttheywerepastnowandgone.
Hewasrecalledfromthesethoughtsbyanimpactofwetdogandthefrenziedappealofanewlymadefriend,MissDianaBrinton,agedthirteen.
“Ohcomeaway,Don.Comeaway.Isn’titawful?He’srolledonsomefishorsomethingdownonthebeach.Youcansmellhimyardsaway.Thefishwasawfullydead,youknow!”
MacWhirter’snoseconfirmedthisassumption.
“Inasortofcreviceontherocks,”saidMissBrinton.“Itookhimintotheseaandtriedtowashitoff,butitdoesn’tseemtohavedonemuchgood.”
MacWhirteragreed.Don,awirehairedterrierofamiableandlovingdisposition,waslookinghurtbythetendencyofhisfriendstokeephimfirmlyatarm’slength.
“Seawater’snogood,”saidMacWhirter.“Hotwaterandsoap’stheonlything.”
“Iknow.Butthat’snotsojollyeasyinaHotel.Wehaven’tgotaprivatebath.”
IntheendMacWhirterandDianasurreptitiouslyenteredbythesidedoorwithDononalead,andsmugglinghimuptoMacWhirter’sbathroom,athoroughcleansingtookplaceandbothMacWhirterandDianagotverywet.Donwasverysadwhenitwasallover.Thatdisgustingsmellofsoapagain—justwhenhehadfoundareallyniceperfumesuchasanyotherdogwouldenvy.Ohwell,itwasalwaysthesamewithhumans—theyhadnodecentsenseofsmell.
ThelittleincidenthadleftMacWhirterinamorecheerfulmood.HetookthebusintoSaltington,wherehehadleftasuittobecleaned.
Thegirlinchargeofthe24-HourCleanerslookedathimvacantly.
“MacWhirter,didyousay?I’mafraiditisn’treadyyet.”
“Itshouldbe.”Hehadbeenpromisedthatsuitthedaybefore,andeventhatwouldhavebeen48andnot24hours.Awomanmighthavesaidallthis.MacWhirtermerelyscowled.
“There’snotbeentimeyet,”saidthegirl,smilingindifferently.
“Nonsense.”
Thegirlstoppedsmiling.Shesnapped,
“Anyway,it’snotdone,”shesaid.
“ThenI’lltakeitawayasitis,”saidMacWhirter.
“Nothing’sbeendonetoit,”thegirlwarnedhim.
“I’lltakeitaway.”
“Idaresaywemightgetitdonebytomorrow—asaspecialfavour.”
“I’mnotinthehabitofaskingforspecialfavours.Justgivemethesuit,please.”
Givinghimabad-temperedlook,thegirlwentintothebackroom.Shereturnedwithaclumsilydoneupparcelwhichshepushedacrossthecounter.
MacWhirtertookitandwentout.
Hefelt,quiteridiculously,asthoughhehadwonavictory.Actuallyitmerelymeantthathewouldhavetohavethesuitcleanedelsewhere!
HethrewtheparcelonhisbedwhenhereturnedtotheHotelandlookedatitwithannoyance.PerhapshecouldgetitspongedandpressedintheHotel.Itwasnotreallytoobad—perhapsitdidn’tactuallyneedcleaning?
Heundidtheparcelandgaveventtoanexpressionofannoyance.Really,the24-HourCleanersweretooinefficientforwords.Thiswasn’thissuit.Itwasn’teventhesamecolour.Ithadbeenadarkbluesuithehadleftwiththem.Impertinent,inefficientmuddlers.
Heglancedirritablyatthelabel.IthadthenameMacWhirterallright.AnotherMacWhirter?Orsomestupidinterchangeoflabels?
Staringdownvexedlyatthecrumpledheap,hesuddenlysniffed.
Surelyheknewthatsmell—aparticularlyunpleasantsmell…connectedsomehowwithadog.Yes,thatwasit.Dianaandherdog.Absolutelyandliterallystinkingfish!
Hebentdownandexaminedthesuit.Thereitwas,adiscolouredpatchontheshoulderofthecoat.Ontheshoulder—
Nowthat,thoughtMacWhirter,isreallyverycurious….
Anyway,nextday,hewouldhaveafewgrimwordswiththegirlatthe24-HourCleaners.Grossmismanagement!
XIV
AfterdinnerhestrolledoutoftheHotelanddowntheroadtotheFerry.Itwasaclearnight,butcold,withasharpforetasteofwinter.Summerwasover.
MacWhirtercrossedintheferrytotheSaltcreekside.ItwasthesecondtimethathewasrevisitingStarkHead.Theplacehadafascinationforhim.Hewalkedslowlyupthehill,passingtheBalmoralCourtHotelandthenabighousesetonthepointofacliff.Gull’sPoint—hereadthenameonthepainteddoor.Ofcourse,thatwaswheretheoldladyhadbeenmurdered.TherehadbeenalotoftalkintheHotelaboutit,hischambermaidhadinsistedontellinghimallaboutitandthenewspapershadgivenitaprominencewhichhadannoyedMacWhirter,whopreferredtoreadofworldwideaffairsandwhowasnotinterestedincrime.
Hewenton,downhillagaintoskirtasmallbeachandsomeold-fashionedfishingcottagesthathadbeenmodernized.ThenupagaintilltheroadendedandpeteredoutintothetrackthatleduponStarkHead.
ItwasgrimandforbiddingonStarkHead.MacWhirterstoodonthecliffedgelookingdowntothesea.Sohehadstoodonthatothernight.Hetriedtorecapturesomeofthefeelinghehadhadthen—thedesperation,anger,weariness—thelongingtobeoutofitall.Buttherewasnothingtorecapture.Allthathadgone.Therewasinsteadacoldangerletalone?Hewouldrather,athousandtimesrather,beoutofitall.Hestillfeltthat.Theonlythinghehadlostwasthenecessaryimpetus.
HowithadhurthimthentothinkofMona!Hecouldthinkofherquitecalmlynow.Shehadalwaysbeenratherafool.Easilytakenbyanyonewhoflatteredherorplayeduptoherideaofherself.Verypretty.Yes,verypretty—butnomind,notthekindofwomanhehadoncedreamedabout.
Butthatwasbeauty,ofcourse—somevaguefanciedpictureofawomanflyingthroughthenightwithwhitedraperiesstreamingoutbehindher…Somethinglikethefigureheadofaship—onlynotsosolid…notnearlysosolid….
Andthen,withdramaticsuddenness,theincrediblehappened!Outofthenightcameaflyingfigure.Oneminuteshewasnotthere,thenextminuteshewas—awhitefigurerunning—running—tothecliff’sedge.Afigure,beautifulanddesperate,driventodestructionbypursuingFuries!Runningwithaterribledesperation…Heknewthatdesperation.Heknewwhatitmeant….
Hecamewitharushoutoftheshadowsandcaughtherjustasshewasabouttogoovertheedge!
Hesaidfiercely:“Noyoudon’t….”
Itwasjustlikeholdingabird.Shestruggled—struggledsilently,andthen,againlikeabird,wassuddenlydeadstill.
Hesaidurgently:
“Don’tthrowyourselfover!Nothing’sworthit.Nothing.Evenifyouaredesperatelyunhappy—”
Shemadeasound.Itwas,perhaps,afar-offghostofalaugh.
Hesaidsharply:
“You’renotunhappy?Whatisitthen?”
Sheansweredhimatoncewiththelowsoftlybreathedword:
“Afraid.”
“Afraid?”Hewassoastonishedthathelethergo,standingbackapacetoseeherbetter.
Herealizedthenthetruthofherwords.Itwasfearthathadlentthaturgencytoherfootsteps.Itwasfearthatmadehersmallwhiteintelligentfaceblankandstupid.Fearthatdilatedthosewide-aparteyes.
Hesaidincredulously:“Whatareyouafraidof?”
Sherepliedsolowthathehardlyheardit.
“I’mafraidofbeinghanged….”
Yes,shehadsaidjustthat.Hestaredandstared.Helookedfromhertothecliff’sedge.
“Sothat’swhy?”
“Yes.Aquickdeathinsteadof—”Sheclosedhereyesandshivered.Shewentonshivering.
MacWhirterwaspiecingthingstogetherlogicallyinhismind.
Hesaidatlast:
“LadyTressilian?Theoldladywhowasmurdered?”Then,accusingly:“You’llbeMrs.Strange—thefirstMrs.Strange.”
Stillshiveringshenoddedherhead.
MacWhirterwentoninhisslowcarefulvoice,tryingtorememberallthathehadheard.Rumourhadbeenincorporatedwithfact.
“Theydetainedyourhusband—that’sright,isn’tit?Alotofevidenceagainsthim—andthentheyfoundthatthatevidencehadbeenfakedbysomeone….”
Hestoppedandlookedather.Shewasn’tshiveringanylonger.Shewasstandinglookingathimlikeadocilechild.Hefoundherattitudeunendurablyaffecting.
Hisvoicewenton:
“Isee…Yes,Iseehowitwas…Heleftyouforanotherwoman,didn’the?Andyoulovedhim…That’swhy—”Hebrokeoff.Hesaid,“Iunderstand.Mywifeleftmeforanotherman….”
Sheflungoutherarms.Shebeganstammeringwildly,hopelessly:
“It’sn-n-not—it’sn-n-notl-likethat.N-notatall—”
Hecuthershort.Hisvoicewassternandcommanding.
“Gohome.Youneedn’tbeafraidanylonger.D’youhear?I’llseethatyou’renothanged!”
XV
MaryAldinwaslyingonthedrawingroomsofa.Herheadachedandherwholebodyfeltwornout.
Theinquesthadtakenplacethedaybeforeand,afterformalevidenceofidentification,hadbeenadjournedforaweek.
LadyTressilian’sfuneralwastotakeplaceonthemorrow.AudreyandKayhadgoneintoSaltingtoninthecartogetsomeblackclothes.TedLatimerhadgonewiththem.NevileandThomasRoydehadgoneforawalk,soexceptfortheservants,Marywasaloneinthehouse.
SuperintendentBattleandInspectorLeachhadbeenabsenttoday,andthat,too,wasarelief.ItseemedtoMarythatwiththeirabsenceashadowhadbeenlifted.Theyhadbeenpolite,quitepleasant,infact,buttheceaselessquestions,thatquietdeliberateprobingandsiftingofeveryfactwasthesortofthingthatworehardlyonthenerves.Bynowthatwooden-facedSuperintendentmusthavelearnedofeveryincident,everyword,everygesture,even,ofthepasttendays.
Now,withtheirgoing,therewaspeace.Maryletherselfrelax.Shewouldforgeteverything—everything.Justliebackandrest.
“Excuseme,Madam—”
ItwasHurstallinthedoorway,lookingapologetic.
“Yes,Hurstall?”
“Agentlemanwishestoseeyou.Ihaveputhiminthestudy.”
Marylookedathiminastonishmentandsomeannoyance.
“Whoisit?”
“HegavehisnameasMr.MacWhirter,Miss.”
“I’veneverheardofhim.”
“No,Miss.”
“Hemustbeareporter.Youshouldn’thavelethimin,Hurstall.”
Hurstallcoughed.
“Idon’tthinkheisareporter,Miss.IthinkheisafriendofMissAudrey’s.”
“Oh,that’sdifferent.”
Smoothingherhair,Marywentwearilyacrossthehallandintothesmallstudy.Shewas,somehow,alittlesurprisedasthetallmanstandingbythewindowturned.HedidnotlookintheleastlikeafriendofAudrey’s.
However,shesaidpleasantly:
“I’msorryMrs.Strangeisout.Youwantedtoseeher?”
Helookedatherinathoughtful,consideringway.
“You’llbeMissAldin?”hesaid.
“Yes.”
“Idaresayyoucanhelpmejustaswell.Iwanttofindsomerope.”
“Rope?”saidMaryinlivelyamazement
“Yes,rope.Wherewouldyoubelikelytokeepapieceofrope?”
AfterwardsMaryconsideredthatshehadbeenhalf-hypnotized.Ifthisstrangemanhadvolunteeredanyexplanationshemighthaveresisted.ButAngusMacWhirter,unabletothinkofaplausibleexplanation,decidedverywiselytodowithoutone.Hejuststatedquitesimplywhathewanted.Shefoundherself,semi-dazed,leadingMacWhirterinsearchofrope.
“Whatkindofrope?”shehadasked.
Andhehadreplied:“Anyropewilldo.”
Shesaiddoubtfully:“Perhapsinthepottingshed—”
“Shallwegothere?”
Sheledtheway.Therewastwineandanoddbitofcord,butMacWhirtershookhishead.
Hewantedrope—agood-sizedcoilofrope.
“There’stheboxroom,”saidMaryhesitatingly.
“Ay,thatmightbetheplace.”
Theywentindoorsandupstairs.Marythrewopentheboxroomdoor.MacWhirterstoodinthedoorwaylookingin.Hegaveacurioussighofcontentment.
“Thereitis,”hesaid.
Therewasabigcoilofropelyingonachestjustinsidethedoorincompanywitholdfishingtackleandsomemoth-eatencushions.HelaidahandonherarmandimpelledMarygentlyforwarduntiltheystoodlookingdownontherope.Hetoucheditandsaid:
“I’dlikeyoutochargeyourmemorywiththis,MissAldin.You’llnoticethateverythingroundaboutiscoveredwithdust.There’snodustonthisrope.Justfeelit.”
Shesaid:
“Itfeelsslightlydamp,”inasurprisedtone.
“Justso.”
Heturnedtogooutagain.
“Buttherope?Ithoughtyouwantedit?”saidMaryinsurprise.
MacWhirtersmiled.
“Ijustwantedtoknowitwasthere.That’sall.Perhapsyouwouldn’tmindlockingthisdoor,MissAldin—andtakingthekeyout?Yes.I’dbeobligedifyou’dhandthekeytoSuperintendentBattleorInspectorLeach.Itwouldbebestintheirkeeping.”
Astheywentdownstairs,Marymadeanefforttorallyherself.
Sheprotestedastheyreachedthemainhall:
“Butreally,Idon’tunderstand.”
MacWhirtersaidfirmly:
“There’snoneedforyoutounderstand.”Hetookherhandandshookitheartily.“I’mverymuchobligedtoyouforyourcooperation.”
Whereuponhewentstraightoutofthefrontdoor.Marywonderedifshehadbeendreaming!
NevileandThomascameinpresentlyandthecararrivedbackshortlyafterwardsandMaryAldinfoundherselfenvyingKayandTedforbeingabletolookquitecheerful.Theywerelaughingandjokingtogether.Afterall,whynot?shethought.CamillaTressilianhadbeennothingtoKay.Allthistragicbusinesswasveryhardonabrightyoungcreature
Theyhadjustfinishedlunchwhenthepolicecame.TherewassomethingscaredinHurstall’svoiceasheannouncedthatSuperintendentBattleandInspectorLeachwereinthedrawingroom.
SuperintendentBattle’sfacewasquitegenialashegreetedthem.
“HopeIhaven’tdisturbedyouall,”hesaidapologetically.“ButthereareoneortwothingsI’dliketoknowabout.Thisglove,forinstance,whodoesitbelongto?”
Hehelditout,asmallyellowchamoisleatherglove.
HeaddressedAudrey.
“Isityours,Mrs.Strange?”
Sheshookherhead.
“No—no,itisn’tmine.”
“MissAldin?”
“Idon’tthinkso.Ihavenoneofthatcolour.”
“MayIsee?”Kayheldoutherhand.“No.”
“Perhapsyou’djustslipiton.”
Kaytried,buttheglovewastoosmall.
“MissAldin?”
Marytriedinherturn.
“It’stoosmallforyoualso,”saidBattle.HeturnedbacktoAudrey.“Ithinkyou’llfinditfitsyouallright.Yourhandissmallerthaneitheroftheotherladies’.”
Audreytookitfromhimandslippeditonoverherrighthand.
NevileStrangesaidsharply:
“She’salreadytoldyou,Battle,thatitisn’therglove.”
“Ahwell,”saidBattle,“perhapsshemadeamistake.Orforgot.”
Audreysaid:“Itmaybemine—glovesaresoalike,aren’tthey?”
Battlesaid:
“Atanyrateitwasfoundoutsideyourwindow,Mrs.Strange,pusheddownintotheivy—withitsfellow.”
Therewasapause.Audreyopenedhermouthtospeak,thencloseditupagain.HereyesfellbeforetheSuperintendent’ssteadygaze.
Nevilesprangforward.“Lookhere,Superintendent—”
“Perhapswemighthaveawordwithyou,Mr.Strange,privately?”Battlesaidgravely.
“Certainly,Superintendent.Comeintothelibrary.”
Heledthewayandthetwopoliceofficersfollowedhim.
AssoonasthedoorhadclosedNevilesaidsharply:
“What’sthisridiculousstoryaboutglovesoutsidemywife’swindow?”
Battlesaidquietly:“Mr.Strange,we’vefoundsomeverycuriousthingsinthishouse.”
Nevilefrowned.
“Curious?Whatdoyoumeanbycurious?”
“I’llshowyou.”
Inobediencetoanod,Leachlefttheroomandcamebackholdingaverystrangeimplement.
Battlesaid:
“Thisconsists,asyousee,sir,ofasteelballtakenfromaVictorianfender—aheavysteelball.Thentheheadhasbeensawedoffatennisracquetandtheballhasbeenscrewedintothehandleoftheracquet.”Hepaused.“IthinktherecanbenodoubtthatthisiswhatwasusedtokillLadyTressilian.”
“Horrible!”saidNevilewithashudder.“Butwheredidyoufindthis—thisnightmare?”
“Theballhadbeencleanedandputbackonthefender.Themurdererhad,however,neglectedtocleanthescrew.Wefoundatraceofbloodonthat.Inthesamewaythehandleandtheheadoftheracquetwerejoinedtogetheragainbymeansofadhesivesurgicalplaster.Itwasthenthrowncarelesslybackintothecupboardunderthestairs,whereitwouldprobablyhaveremainedquiteunnoticedamongstsomanyothersifwehadn’thappenedtobelookingforsomethingofthatkind.”
“Smartofyou,Superintendent.”
“Justamatterofroutine.”
“Nofingerprints,Isuppose?”
“Thatracquetwhichbelongsbyitsweight,Ishouldsay,toMrs.KayStrange,hadbeenhandledbyherandalsobeyouandbothyourprintsareonit.Butitalsoshowsunmistakablesignsthatsomeonewearinggloveshandleditafteryoudid.Therewasjustonefingerprint—leftthistimeininadvertence,Ithink.Thatwasonthesurgicalstrappingthathadbeenappliedtobindtheracquettogetheragain.I’mnotgoingforthemomenttosaywhoseprintthatwas.I’vegotsomeotherpointstomentionfirst.”
Battlepaused,thenhesaid:
“Iwantyoutoprepareyourselfforashock,Mr.Strange.AndfirstIwanttoaskyousomething.AreyouquitesurethatitwasyourownideatohavethismeetinghereandthatitwasnotactuallysuggestedtoyoubyMrs.AudreyStrange?”
“Audreydidnothingofthesort,Audrey—”
ThedooropenedandThomasRoydecamein.
“Sorrytobuttin,”hesaid,“butIthoughtI’dliketobeinonthis.”
Nevileturnedaharassedfacetowardshim.
“Doyoumind,oldfellow?Thisisallratherprivate.”
“I’mafraidIdon’tcareaboutthat.Yousee,Iheardanameoutside.”Hepaused.“Audrey’sname.”
“AndwhattheHellhasAudrey’snamegottodowithyou?”demandedNevile,histemperrising.
“Well,whathasittodowithyouifitcomestothat?Ihaven’tsaidanythingdefinitetoAudrey,butIcameheremeaningtoaskhertomarryme,andIthinksheknowsit.What’smore,Imeantomarryher.”
SuperintendentBattlecoughed.Nevileturnedtohimwithastart.
“Sorry,Superintendent.Thisinterruption—”
Battlesaid:
“Itdoesn’tmattertome,Mr.Strange.I’vegotonemorequestiontoaskyou.Thatdarkbluecoatyouworeatdinnerthenightofthemurder,it’sgotfairhairsinsidethecollarandontheshoulders?Doyouknowhowtheygotthere?”
“Isupposethey’remyhairs.”
“Ohno,they’renotyours,sir.They’realady’shairs,andthere’saredhaironthesleeve.”
“Isupposethat’smywife’s—Kay’s.Theothers,youaresuggesting,areAudrey’s.Verylikelytheyare.Icaughtmycuffbuttoninherhaironenightoutsideontheterrace,Iremember.”
“Inthatcase,”murmuredInspectorLeach,“thefairhairwouldbeonthecuff.”
“Whatthedevilareyousuggesting?”criedNevile.
“There’satraceofpowder,too,insidethecoatcollar,”saidBattle.“PrimaveraNaturelleNo.1—averypleasant-scentedpowderandexpensive—butit’snogoodtellingmethatyouuseit,Mr.Strange,becauseIshan’tbelieveyou.AndMrs.StrangeusesOrchidSunKiss.Mrs.AudreyStrangedoesusePrimaveraNaturelleNo.1.”
“Whatareyousuggesting?”repeatedNevile.
Battleleanedforward.
“I’msuggestingthat—onsomeoccasionMrs.AudreyStrangeworethatcoat.It’stheonlyreasonablewaythehairandthepowdercouldgetwhereitdid.Thenyou’veseenthatgloveIproducedjustnow?It’shergloveallright.Thatwastherighthand,here’stheleft.”Hedrewitoutofhispocketandputitdownonthetable.Itwascrumpledandstainedwithrustybrownpatches.
Nevilesaidwithanoteoffearinhisvoice:“What’sthatonit?”
“Blood,Mr.Strange,”saidBattlefirmly.“Andyou’llnotethis,it’sthelefthand.NowMrs.AudreyStrangeisleft-handed.InotedthatfirstthingwhenIsawhersittingwithhercoffeecupinherrighthandandhercigaretteinherleftatthebreakfasttable.Andthepentrayonherwritingtablehadbeenshiftedtotheleft-handside.Itallfitsin.Theknobfromhergrate,theglovesoutsideherwindow,thehairandpowderonthecoat.LadyTressilianwasstruckontherighttemple—butthepositionofthebedmadeitimpossibleforanyonetohavestoodontheothersideofit.ItfollowsthattostrikeLadyTressilianablowwiththerighthandwouldbeaveryawkwardthingtodo—butit’sthenaturalwaytostrikeforaleft-handedperson….”
Nevilelaughedscornfully.
“AreyousuggestingthatAudrey—Audreywouldmakealltheseelaboratepreparationsandstrikedownanoldladywhomshehadknownforyearsinordertogetherhandsonthatoldlady’smoney?”
Battleshookhishead.
“I’msuggestingnothingofthesort.I’msorry,Mr.Strange,you’vegottounderstandjusthowthingsare.Thiscrime,first,last,andallthetimewasdirectedagainstyou.Eversinceyoulefther,AudreyStrangehasbeenbroodingoverthepossibilitiesofrevenge.Intheendshehasbecomementallyunbalanced.Perhapsshewasnevermentallyverystrong.Shethought,perhaps,ofkillingyoubutthatwasn’tenough.Shethoughtatlastofgettingyouhangedformurder.ShechoseaneveningwhensheknewyouhadquarrelledwithLadyTressilian.Shetookthecoatfromyourbedroomandworeitwhenshestrucktheoldladydownsothatitshouldbebloodstained.Sheputyourniblickonthefloor,knowingwewouldfindyourfingerprintsonit,andsmearedbloodandhairontheheadoftheclub.Itwasshewhoinstilledintoyourmindtheideaofcomingherewhenshewashere.Andthethingthatsavedyouwastheonethingshecouldn’tcounton—thefactthatLadyTressilianrangherbellforBarrettandthatBarrettsawyouleavethehouse.”
Nevilehadburiedhisfaceinhishands.Hesaidnow:
“It’snottrue.It’snottrue!Audrey’sneverborneagrudgeagainstme.You’vegotthewholethingwrong.She’sthestraightest,truestcreature—withoutthoughtofevilinherheart.”
Battlesighed.
“It’snotmybusinesstoarguewithyou,Mr.Strange.Ionlywantedtoprepareyou.IshallcautionMrs.Strangeandaskhertoaccompanyme.I’vegotthewarrant.You’dbetterseeaboutgettingasolicitorforher.”
“It’spreposterous.Absolutelypreposterous.”
“Loveturnstohatemoreeasilythanyouthink,Mr.Strange.”
“Itellyouit’sallwrong—preposterous.”
ThomasRoydebrokein.Hisvoicewasquietandpleasant.
“Dostoprepeatingthatit’spreposterous,Nevile.Pullyourselftogether.Don’tyouseethattheonlythingthatcanhelpAudreynowisforyoutogiveupallyourideasofchivalryandcomeoutwiththetruth?”
“Thetruth?Youmean—?”
“ImeanthetruthaboutAudreyandAdrian.”Roydeturnedtothepoliceofficers.“Yousee,Superintendent,you’vegotthefactswrong.Neviledidn’tleaveAudrey.Shelefthim.SheranawaywithmybrotherAdrian.ThenAdrianwaskilledinacaraccident.NevilebehavedwiththeutmostchivalrytoAudrey.Hearrangedthatsheshoulddivorcehimandthathewouldtaketheblame.”
“Didn’twanthernamedraggedthroughthemud,”mutteredNevilesulkily.“Didn’tknowanyoneknew.”
“Adrianwroteouttome,justbefore,”explainedThomasbriefly.Hewenton:“Don’tyousee,Superintendent,thatknocksyourmotiveout!AudreyhasnocausetohateNevile.Onthecontrary,shehaseveryreasontobegratefultohim.He’striedtogethertoacceptanallowancewhichshewouldn’tdo.NaturallywhenhewantedhertocomeandmeetKayshedidn’tfeelshecouldrefuse.”
“Yousee,”Nevileputineagerly.“Thatcutsouthermotive.Thomasisright.”
Battle’swoodenfacewasimmovable.
“Motive’sonlyonething,”hesaid.“Imayhavebeenwrongaboutthat.Butfactsareanother.Allthefactsshowthatshe’sguilty.”
Nevilesaidmeaningly:
“AllthefactsshowedthatIwasguiltytwodaysago!”
Battleseemedalittletakenaback.
“That’strueenough.Butlookhere,Mr.Strange,atwhatyou’reaskingmetobelieve.You’reaskingmetobelievethatthere’ssomeonewhohatesbothofyou—someonewho,iftheplotagainstyoufailed,hadlaidasecondtrailtoleadtoAudreyStrange.Nowcanyouthinkofanyone,Mr.Strange,whohatesbothyouandyourformerwife?”
Nevile’sheadhaddroppedintohishandsagain.
“Whenyousayitlikethatyoumakeitallsoundfantastic!”
“Becauseitisfantastic.I’vegottogobythefacts.IfMrs.Strangehasanyexplanationstooffer—”
“DidIhaveanyexplanation?”askedNevile.
“It’snogood,Mr.Strange.I’vegottodomyduty.”
Battlegotupabruptly.HeandLeachlefttheroomfirst.NevileandRoydecameclosebehindthem.
Theywentonacrossthehallintothedrawingroom.Theretheystopped.
AudreyStrangegotup.Shewalkedforwardtomeetthem.ShelookedstraightatBattle,herlipspartedinwhatwasverynearlyasmile.
Shesaidverysoftly:
“Youwantme,don’tyou?”
Battlebecameveryofficial.
“Mrs.Strange,IhaveawarranthereforyourarrestonthechargeofmurderingCamillaTressilianonMondaylast,September12th.Imustcautionyouthatanythingyousaywillbewrittendownandmaybeusedinevidenceatyourtrial.”
Audreygaveasigh.Hersmallclear-cutfacewaspeacefulandpureasacameo.
“It’salmostarelief.I’mgladit’s—over!”
Nevilesprangforward.
“Audrey—don’tsayanything—don’tspeakatall.”
Shesmiledathim.
“Butwhynot,Nevile?It’salltrue—andI’msotired.”
Leachdrewadeepbreath.Well,thatwasthat.Madasahatter,ofcourse,butitwouldsavealotofworry!Hewonderedwhathadhappenedtohisuncle.Theoldboywaslookingasthoughhehadseenaghost.Staringatthepoordementedcreatureasthoughhecouldn’tbelievehiseyes.Oh,well,ithadbeenaninterestingcase,Leachthoughtcomfortably.
Andthen,analmostgrotesqueanticlimax,Hurstallopenedthedrawingroomdoorandannounced:“Mr.MacWhirter.”
MacWhirterstrodeinpurposefully.HewentstraightuptoBattle.“AreyouthepoliceofficerinchargeoftheTressiliancase?”heasked.
“Iam.”
“ThenIhaveanimportantstatementtomake.Iamsorrynottohavecomeforwardbefore,buttheimportanceofsomethingIhappenedtoseeonthenightofMondaylasthasonlyjustdawnedonme.”Hegaveaquickglanceroundtheroom.“IfIcanspeaktoyousomewhere?”
BattleturnedtoLeach.
“WillyoustayherewithMrs.Strange?”
Leachsaidofficially:“Yes,sir.”
Thenheleanedforwardandwhisperedsomethingintotheother’sear.
BattleturnedtoMacWhirter.“Comethisway.”
Heledthewayintothelibrary.
“Nowthen,what’sallthis?Mycolleaguetellsmethathe’sseenyoubefore—lastwinter?”
“Quiteright,”saidMacWhirter.“Attemptedsuicide.That’spartofmystory.”
“Goon,Mr.MacWhirter.”
“LastJanuaryIattemptedtokillmyselfbythrowingmyselfoffStarkHead.Thisyearthefancytookmetorevisitthespot.IwalkedupthereonMondaynight.Istoodthereforsometime.IlookeddownattheseaandacrosstoEasterheadBayandIthenlookedtomyleft.ThatistosayIlookedacrosstowardsthishouse.Icouldseeitquiteplainlyinthemoonlight.”
“Yes.”
“UntiltodayIhadnotrealizedthatthatwasthenightwhenamurderwascommitted.”
Heleantforward.“I’lltellyouwhatIsaw.”
XVI
ItwasreallyonlyaboutfiveminutesbeforeBattlereturnedtothedrawingroom,buttothosethereitseemedmuchlonger.
Kayhadsuddenlylostcontrolofherself.ShehadcriedouttoAudrey.
“Iknewitwasyou.Ialwaysknewitwasyou.Iknewyouwereuptosomething—”
MaryAldinsaidquickly:
“Please,Kay.”
Nevilesaidsharply:
“Shutup,Kay,forGod’ssake.”
TedLatimercameovertoKay,whohadbeguntocry.
“Getagriponyourself,”hesaidkindly.
HesaidtoNevileangrily:
“Youdon’tseemtorealizethatKayhasbeenunderalotofstrain!Whydon’tyoulookafterherabit,Strange?”
“I’mallright,”saidKay.
“Fortwopins,”saidTed,“I’dtakeyouawayfromthelotofthem!”
InspectorLeachclearedhisthroat.Alotofinjudiciousthingsweresaidattimeslikethese,ashewellknew.Theunfortunatepartwasthattheywereusuallyrememberedmostinconvenientlyafterwards.
Battlecamebackintotheroom.Hisfacewasexpressionless.
Hesaid:“Willyouputoneortwothingstogether,Mrs.Strange?I’mafraidInspectorLeachmustcomeupstairswithyou.”
MaryAldinsaid:“I’llcometoo.”
WhenthetwowomenhadlefttheroomwiththeInspector,Nevilesaidanxiously:“Well,whatdidthatchapwant?”
Battlesaidslowly:
“Mr.MacWhirtertellsaveryoddstory.”
“DoesithelpAudrey?Areyoustilldeterminedtoarresther?”
“I’vetoldyou,Mr.Strange.I’vegottodomyduty.”
Nevileturnedaway,theeagernessdyingoutofhisface.
Hesaid:
“I’dbettertelephoneTrelawny,Isuppose.”
“There’snoimmediatehurryforthat,Mr.Strange.There’sacertainexperimentIwanttomakefirstasaresultofMr.MacWhirter’sstatement.I’lljustseethatMrs.Strangegetsofffirst.”
Audreywascomingdownthestairs,InspectorLeachbesideher.Herfacestillhadthatremotedetachedcomposure.
Nevilecametowardsher,hishandsoutstretched.
“Audrey—”
Hercolourlessglancesweptoverhim.Shesaid:
“It’sallright,Nevile.Idon’tmind.Idon’tmindanything.”
ThomasRoydestoodbythefrontdoor,almostasthoughhewouldbarthewayout.
Averyfaintsmilecametoherlips.
“‘TrueThomas,’”shemurmured.
Hemumbled:“Ifthere’sanythingIcando—”
“Noonecandoanything,”saidAudrey
Shewentoutwithherheadhigh.ApolicecarwaswaitingoutsidewithSergeantJonesinit.AudreyandLeachgotin.
TedLatimermurmuredappreciatively:
“Lovelyexit!”
Nevileturnedonhimfuriously.SuperintendentBattledexterouslyinterposedhisbulkandraisedasoothingvoice:
“AsIsaid,I’vegotanexperimenttomake.Mr.MacWhirteriswaitingdownattheferry.We’retojoinhimthereintenminutes’time.Weshallbegoingoutinamotorlaunch,sotheladieshadbetterwrapupwarmly.Intenminutes,please.”
Hemighthavebeenastagemanagerorderingacompanyontothestage.Hetooknonoticeatalloftheirpuzzledfaces.
ZEROHOUR
I
ItwaschillyonthewaterandKayhuggedthelittlefurjacketshewaswearingcloserroundher.
ThelaunchchuggeddowntheriverbelowGull’sPoint,andthenswungroundintothelittlebaythatdividedGull’sPointfromthefrowningmassofStarkHead.
Onceortwiceaquestionbegantobeasked,buteachtimeSuperintendentBattleheldupalargehandratherlikeacardboardham,intimatingthatthetimehadnotcomeyet.Sothesilencewasunbrokensavefortherushingofthewaterpastthem.KayandTedstoodtogetherlookingdownintothewater.Nevilewasslumpeddown,hislegsstuckout.MaryAldinandThomasRoydesatupinthebows.AndoneandallglancedfromtimetotimecuriouslyatthetallalooffigureofMacWhirterbythestern.Helookedatnoneofthem,butstoodwithhisbackturnedandhisshouldershunchedup.
NotuntiltheywereunderthefrowningshadowofStarkHeaddidBattlethrottledowntheengineandbegintospeakhispiece.Hespokewithoutself-consciousnessandinatonethatwasmorereflectivethananythingelse.
“Thishasbeenaveryoddcase—oneoftheoddestI’veeverknown,andI’dliketosaysomethingonthesubjectofmurdergenerally.WhatI’mgoingtosayisnotoriginal—actuallyIoverheardyoungMr.Daniels,theKC,saysomethingofthekind,andIwouldn’tbesurprisedifhe’dgotitfromsomeoneelse—he’satrickofdoingthat!
“It’sthis!Whenyoureadtheaccountofamurder—orsay,afictionstorybasedonmurder,youusuallybeginwiththemurderitself.That’sallwrong.Themurderbeginsalongtimebeforehand.Amurderistheculminationofalotofdifferentcircumstances,allconvergingatagivenmomentatagivenpoint.Peoplearebroughtintoitfromdifferentpartsoftheglobeandforunforeseenreasons.Mr.RoydeisherefromMalaya.Mr.MacWhirterisherebecausehewantedtorevisitaspotwhereheoncetriedtocommitsuicide.Themurderitselfistheendofthestory.It’sZeroHour.”
Hepaused.
“It’sZeroHournow.”
Fivefaceswereturnedtohim—onlyfive,forMacWhirterdidnotturnhishead.Fivepuzzledfaces.
MaryAldinsaid:
“YoumeanthatLadyTressilian’sdeathwastheculminationofalongtrainofcircumstances?”
“No,MissAldin,notLadyTressilian’sdeath.LadyTressilian’sdeathwasonlyincidentaltothemainobjectofthemurderer.ThemurderIamtalkingofisthemurderofAudreyStrange.”
Helistenedtothesharpindrawingofbreath.Hewonderedif,suddenly,someonewasafraid….
“Thiscrimewasplannedquitealongtimeago—probablyasearlyaslastwinter.Itwasplanneddowntothesmallestdetail.Ithadoneobject,andoneobjectonly:thatAudreyStrangeshouldbehangedbythenecktillshewasdead…
“Itwascunninglyplannedbysomeonewhothoughtthemselvesveryclever.Murderersareusuallyvain.TherewasfirstthesuperficialunsatisfactoryevidenceagainstNevileStrangewhichweweremeanttoseethrough.Buthavingbeenpresentedwithonelotoffakedevidence,itwasnotconsideredlikelythatweshouldconsiderasecondeditionofthesamething.Andyet,ifyoucometolookatit,alltheevidenceagainstAudreyStrangecouldbefaked.Theweapontakenfromherfireplace,hergloves—theleft-handglovedippedinblood—hiddenintheivyoutsideherwindow.Thepowdersheusesdustedontheinsideofacoatcollar,andafewhairsplacedtheretoo.Herownfingerprint,occurringquitenaturallyonarollofadhesiveplastertakenfromherroom.Eventheleft-handednatureoftheblow.
“AndtherewasthefinaldamningevidenceofMrs.Strangeherself—Idon’tbelievethere’soneofyou(excepttheonewhoknows)whocancreditherinnocenceafterthewayshebehavedwhenwetookherintocustody.Practicallyadmittedherguilt,didn’tshe?Imightn’thavebelievedinherbeinginnocentmyselfifithadn’tbeenforaprivateexperienceofmyown…Struckmerightbetweentheeyesitdid,whenIsawandheardher—because,yousee,I’dknownanothergirlwhodidthatverysamething,whoadmittedguiltwhenshewasn’tguilty—andAudreyStrangewaslookingatmewiththatothergirl’seyes…
“I’dgottodomyduty.Iknewthat.Wepoliceofficershavetoactonevidence—notonwhatwefeelandthink.ButIcantellyouthatatthatminuteIprayedforamiracle—becauseIdidn’tseethatanythingbutamiraclewasgoingtohelpthatpoorlady.
“Well,Igotmymiracle.Gotitrightaway!
“Mr.MacWhirter,here,turnedupwithhisstory.”
Hepaused.
“Mr.MacWhirter,willyourepeatwhatyoutoldmeupatthehouse?”
MacWhirterturned.Hespokeinshortsharpsentencesthatcarriedconvictionjustbecauseoftheirconciseness.
HetoldofhisrescuefromtheclifftheprecedingJanuaryandofhiswishtorevisitthescene.Hewenton:
“IwentupthereonMondaynight.Istoodtherelostinmyownthoughts.Itmusthavebeen,Isuppose,intheneighbourhoodofeleveno’clock.Ilookedacrossatthathouseonthepoint—Gull’sPoint,asIknowitnowtobe.”
Hepausedandthenwenton.
“Therewasaropehangingfromawindowofthathouseintothesea.Isawamanclimbingupthatrope….”
Justamomentelapsedbeforetheytookitin.MaryAldincriedout:
“Thenitwasanoutsiderafterall?Itwasnothingtodowithanyofus.Itwasanordinaryburglar!”
“Notquitesofast,”saidBattle.“Itwassomeonewhocamefromtheothersideoftheriver,yes,sinceheswamacross.Butsomeoneinthehousehadtohavetheropereadyforhim,thereforesomeoneinsidemusthavebeenconcerned.”
Hewentonslowly:
“Andweknowofsomeonewhowasontheothersideoftheriverthatnight—someonewhowasn’tseenbetweententhirtyandaquarterpasteleven,andwhomighthavebeenswimmingoverandback.Someonewhomighthavehadafriendonthissideofthewater.”
Headded:“Eh,Mr.Latimer?”
Tedtookastepbackward.Hecriedoutshrilly:
“ButIcan’tswim!EverybodyknowsIcan’tswim.Kay,tellthemIcan’tswim.”
“OfcourseTedcan’tswim!”Kaysaid
“Isthatso?”askedBattlepleasantly
HemovedalongtheboatasTedmovedintheotherdirection.Therewassomeclumsymovementandasplash.
“Dearme,”saidSuperintendentBattleindeepconcern.“Mr.Latimer’sgoneoverboard.”
HishandclosedlikeaviceonNevile’sarmasthelatterwaspreparingtojumpinafterhim.
“No,no,Mr.Strange.Noneedforyoutogetyourselfwet.Therearetwoofmymenhandy—fishinginthedinghythere.”Hepeeredoverthesideoftheboat.“It’squitetrue,”hesaidwithinterest.“Hecan’tswim.It’sallright.They’vegothim.I’llapologizepresently,butreallythere’sonlyonewaytomakesurethatapersoncan’tswimandthat’stothrowtheminandwatch.Yousee,Mr.Strange,Iliketobethorough.IhadtoeliminateMr.Latimerfirst.Mr.Roydeherehasgotagroggyarm,hecouldn’tdoanyropeclimbing.”
Battle’svoicetookonapurringquality.
“Sothatbringsustoyou,doesn’tit,Mr.Strange?Agoodathlete,amountainclimber,aswimmerandallthat.YouwentoveronthetenthirtyferryallrightbutnoonecansweartoseeingyouattheEasterheadHoteluntilaquarterpasteleveninspiteofyourstoryofhavingbeenlookingforMr.Latimerthen.”
Nevilejerkedhisarmaway.Hethrewbackhisheadandlaughed.
“YousuggestthatIswamacrosstheriverandclimbeduparope—”
“Whichyouhadleftreadyhangingfromyourwindow,”saidBattle.
“KilledLadyTressilianandswambackagain?WhyshouldIdosuchafantasticthing?Andwholaidallthosecluesagainstme?IsupposeIlaidthemagainstmyself?”
“Exactly,”saidBattle.“Andnothalfabadideaeither.”
“AndwhyshouldIwanttokillCamillaTressilian?”
“Youdidn’t,”saidBattle.“Butyoudidwanttohangthewomanwholeftyouforanotherman.You’reabitunhingedmentally,youknow.Havebeeneversinceyouwereachild—I’velookedupthatoldbowandarrowcase,bytheway.Anyonewhodoesyouaninjuryhastobepunished—anddeathdoesn’tseemtoyouanexcessivepenaltyforthemtopay.Deathbyitselfwasn’tenoughforAudrey—yourAudreywhomyouloved—oh,yes,youlovedherallrightbeforeyourloveturnedtohate.Youhadtothinkofsomespecialkindofdeath,somelongdrawnoutspecializeddeath.Andwhenyou’dthoughtofit,thefactthatitentailedthekillingofawomanwhohadbeensomethinglikeamothertoyoudidn’tworryyouintheleast….”
Nevilesaid,andhisvoicewasquitegentle:
“Alllies!Alllies!AndI’mnotmad.I’mnotmad.”
Battlesaidcontemptuously:
“Flickedyouontheraw,didn’tshe,whenshewentoffandleftyouforanotherman?Hurtyourvanity!Tothinksheshouldwalkoutonyou.Yousalvedyourpridebypretendingtotheworldatlargethatyou’dleftherandyoumarriedanothergirlwhowasinlovewithyoujusttobolsterupthatbelief.Butunderneathyouplannedwhatyou’ddotoAudrey.Youcouldn’tthinkofanythingworsethanthis—togetherhanged.Afineidea—pityyouhadn’tthebrainstocarryitoutbetter!”
Nevile’stweed-coatedshouldersmoved,aqueer,wrigglingmovement.
Battlewenton:
“Childish—allthatniblickstuff!Thosecrudetrailspointingtoyou!Audreymusthaveknownwhatyouwereafter!Shemusthavelaugheduphersleeve!ThinkingIdidn’tsuspectyou!Youmurderersarefunnylittlefellows!Sopuffedup.Alwaysthinkingyou’vebeencleverandresourcefulandreallybeingquitepitifullychildish….”
ItwasastrangequeerscreamthatcamefromNevile.
“Itwasacleveridea—itwas.You’dneverhaveguessed.Never!Notifithadn’tbeenforthisinterferingjackanapes,thispompousScotchfool.I’dthoughtouteverydetail—everydetail!Ican’thelpwhatwentwrong.HowwasItoknowRoydeknewthetruthaboutAudreyandAdrian?AudreyandAdrian…CurseAudrey—sheshallhang—you’vegottohangher—Iwanthertodieafraid—todie—todie…Ihateher.ItellyouIwanthertodie….”
Thehighwhinnyingvoicediedaway.Nevileslumpeddownandbegantocryquietly.
“OhGod,”saidMaryAldin.Shewaswhitetothelips.
Battlesaidgently,inalowvoice:
“I’msorry,butIhadtopushhimovertheedge…Therewaspreciouslittleevidence,youknow.”
Nevilewasstillwhimpering.Hisvoicewaslikeachild’s.
“Iwanthertobehanged.Idowanthertobehanged….”
MaryAldinshudderedandturnedtoThomasRoyde.
Hetookherhandsinhis.
II
“Iwasalwaysfrightened,”saidAudrey.
Theyweresittingontheterrace.AudreysatclosetoSuperintendentBattle.BattlehadresumedhisholidayandwasatGull’sPointasafriend.
“Alwaysfrightened—allthetime,”saidAudrey.
Battlesaid,noddinghishead:
“IknewyouweredeadscaredfirstmomentIsawyou.Andyou’dgotthatcolourlessreservedwaypeoplehavewhoareholdingsomeverystrongemotionincheck.Itmighthavebeenloveorhate,butactuallyitwasfear,wasn’tit?”
Shenodded.
“IbegantobeafraidofNevilesoonafterweweremarried.Buttheawfulthingis,yousee,thatIdidn’tknowwhy.IbegantothinkthatIwasmad.”
“Itwasn’tyou,”saidBattle.
“NevileseemedtomewhenImarriedhimsoparticularlysaneandnormal—alwaysdelightfullygood-temperedandpleasant.”
“Interesting,”saidBattle.“Heplayedthepartofthegoodsportsman,youknow.That’swhyhecouldkeephistempersowellattennis.Hisroleasagoodsportsmanwasmoreimportanttohimthanwinningmatches.Butitputastrainuponhim,ofcourse;playingapartalwaysdoes.Hegotworseunderneath.”
“Underneath,”whisperedAudreywithashudder.“Alwaysunderneath.Nothingyoucouldgetholdof.JustsometimesawordoralookandthenI’dfancyI’dimaginedit…Somethingqueer.Andthen,asIsay,IthoughtImustbequeer.AndIwentongettingmoreandmoreafraid—thekindofunreasoningfear,youknow,thatmakesyousick!
“ItoldmyselfIwasgoingmad—butIcouldn’thelpit.IfeltI’ddoanythingintheworldtogetaway!AndthenAdriancameandtoldmehelovedme,andIthoughtitwouldbewonderfultogoawaywithhim,andhesaid….”
Shestopped.
“Youknowwhathappened?IwentofftomeetAdrian—henevercame…hewaskilled…IfeltasthoughNevilehadmanageditsomehow.”
“Perhapshedid,”saidBattle.
Audreyturnedastartledfacetohim.
“Oh,doyouthinkso?”
“We’llneverknownow.Motoraccidentscanbearranged.Don’tbroodonit,though,Mrs.Strange.Aslikelyasnot,itjusthappenednaturally.”
“I—Iwasallbrokenup.IwentbacktotheRectory—Adrian’shome.Weweregoingtohavewrittentohismother,butasshedidn’tknowaboutus,IthoughtIwouldn’ttellherandgiveherpain.AndNevilecamealmostatonce.Hewasverynice—and—kind—andallthetimeItalkedtohimIwasquitesickwithfear!HesaidnooneneedknowaboutAdrian,thatIcoulddivorcehimonevidencehewouldsendmeandthathewasgoingtoremarryafterwards.Ifeltsothankful.IknewhehadthoughtKayattractiveandIhopedthateverythingwouldturnoutrightandthatIshouldgetoverthisqueerobsessionofmine.Istillthoughtitmustbeme.
“ButIcouldn’tgetridofit—quite.IneverfeltI’dreallyescaped.AndthenImetNevileintheParkonedayandheexplainedthathedidsowantmeandKaytobefriendsandsuggestedthatweshouldallcomehereinSeptember.Icouldn’trefuse,howcouldI?Afterallthekindthingshe’ddone.”
“‘Willyouwalkintomyparlour?saidthespidertothefly,’”remarkedSuperintendentBattle.
Audreyshivered.
“Yes,justthat….”
“Verycleverhewasaboutthat,”saidBattle.“Protestedsoloudlytoeveryonethatitwashisidea,thateveryoneatoncegottheimpressionthatitwasn’t.”
Audreysaid:
“AndthenIgothere—anditwaslikeakindofnightmare.Iknewsomethingawfulwasgoingtohappen—IknewNevilemeantittohappen—andthatitwastohappentome.ButIdidn’tknowwhatitwas.Ithink,youknow,thatInearlydidgooffmyhead!Iwasjustparalysedwithfright—likeyouareinadreamwhensomething’sgoingtohappenandyoucan’tmove….”
“I’vealwaysthought,”saidSuperintendentBattle,“thatI’dliketohaveseenasnakefascinateabirdsothatitcan’tflyaway—butnowI’mnotsosure.”
Audreywenton:
“EvenwhenLadyTressilianwaskilled,Ididn’trealizewhatitmeant.Iwaspuzzled.Ididn’tevensuspectNevile.Iknewhedidn’tcareaboutmoney—itwasabsurdtothinkhe’dkillherinordertoinheritfiftythousandpounds.
“IthoughtoverandoveragainaboutMr.Trevesandthestoryhehadtoldthatevening.EventhenIdidn’tconnectitwithNevile.Treveshadmentionedsomephysicalpeculiaritybywhichhecouldrecognizethechildoflongago.I’vegotascaronmyearbutIdon’tthinkanyoneelsehasanysignthatyou’dnotice.”
Battlesaid:“MissAldinhasalockofwhitehair.ThomasRoydehasastiffarmwhichmightnothavebeenonlytheresultofanearthquake.Mr.TedLatimerhasratheranodd-shapedskull.AndNevileStrange—”Hepaused.
“SurelytherewasnophysicalpeculiarityaboutNevile?”
“Ohyes,therewas.Hisleft-handlittlefingerisshorterthanhisright.That’sveryunusual,Mrs.Strange—veryunusualindeed.”
“Sothatwasit?”
“Thatwasit.”
“AndNevilehungthatsignonthelift?”
“Yes.NippeddownthereandbackwhilstRoydeandLatimerweregivingtheoldboydrinks.Cleverandsimple—doubtifwecouldeverprovethatwasmurder.”
Audreyshiveredagain.
“Now,now,”saidBattle.“It’sallovernow,mydear.Goontalking.”
“You’reveryclever…Ihaven’ttalkedsomuchforyears!”
“No!That’swhat’sbeenwrong.WhendiditfirstdawnonyouwhatMasterNevile’sgamewas?”
“Idon’tknowexactly.Itcametomeallatonce.Hehimselfhadbeenclearedandthatleftallofus.Andthen,suddenly,Isawhimlookingatme—asortofgloatinglook.AndIknew!Thatwaswhen—”
Shestoppedabruptly.
“Thatwaswhenwhat—?”
Audreysaidslowly:
“WhenIthoughtaquickwayoutwouldbe—best.”
SuperintendentBattleshookhishead.
“Nevergivein.That’smymotto.”
“Oh,you’requiteright.Butyoudon’tknowwhatitdoestoyoubeingsoafraidforsolong.Itparalysesyou—youcan’tthink—youcan’tplan—youjustwaitforsomethingawfultohappen.Andthen,whenitdoeshappen”—shegaveasuddenquicksmile—“you’dbesurprisedattherelief!Nomorewaitingandfearing—it’scome.You’llthinkI’mquitedemented,Isuppose,ifItellyouthatwhenyoucametoarrestmeformurderIdidn’tmindatall.Nevilehaddonehisworstanditwasover.IfeltsosafegoingoffwithInspectorLeach.”
“That’spartlywhywedidit,”saidBattle.“Iwantedyououtofthatmadman’sreach.Andbesides,ifIwantedtobreakhimdownIwantedtobeabletocountontheshockofthereaction.He’dseenhisplancomeoff,ashethought—sothejoltwouldbeallthegreater.”
Audreysaidinalowvoice:
“Ifhehadn’tbrokendownwouldtherehavebeenanyevidence?”
“Nottoomuch.TherewasMacWhirter’sstoryofseeingamanclimbuparopeinthemoonlight.Andtherewastheropeitselfconfirminghisstory,coiledupintheatticandstillfaintlydamp.Itwasrainingthatnight,youknow.”
HepausedandstaredhardatAudreyasthoughhewereexpectinghertosaysomething.
Asshemerelylookedinterestedhewenton:
“Andtherewasthepinstripesuit.Hestripped,ofcourse,inthedarkatthatrockypointontheEasterheadBayside,andthrusthissuitintoanicheintherock.Asithappenedheputitdownonadecayedbitoffishwashedupbythefloodtide.Itmadeastainedpatchontheshoulder—anditsmelt.Therewassometalk,Ifoundout,aboutthedrainsbeingwrongintheHotel.Nevilehimselfputthatstoryabout.He’dgothisraincoatonoverhissuit,butthesmellwasapervasiveone.Thenhegotthewindupaboutthatsuitafterwardsandatthefirstopportunityhetookitofftothecleanersandlikeafool,didn’tgivehisownname.Tookanameatrandom,actuallyonehe’dseenintheHotelregister.That’showyourfriendgotholdofitand,havingagoodheadonhim,helinkeditupwiththemanclimbinguptherope.Youstepondecayedfishbutyoudon’tputyourshoulderdownonitunlessyouhavetakenyourclothesofftobatheatnight,andnoonewouldbatheforpleasureonawetnightinSeptember.Hefittedthewholethingtogether.Veryingeniousman,Mr.MacWhirter.”
“Morethaningenious,”saidAudrey.
“Mm,well,perhaps.Liketoknowabouthim?Icantellyousomethingofhishistory.”
Audreylistenedattentively.Battlefoundheragoodlistener.
Shesaid:
“Iowealottohim—andtoyou.”
“Don’toweverymuchtome,”saidSuperintendentBattle.“IfIhadn’tbeenafoolI’dhaveseenthepointofthatbell.”
“Bell?Whatbell?”
“ThebellinLadyTressilian’sroom.Alwaysdidfeeltherewassomethingwrongaboutthatbell.Inearlygotit,too,whenIcamedownthestairsfromthetopfloorandsawoneofthosepolesyouopenwindowswith.
“Thatwasthewholepointofthebell,see—togiveNevileStrangeanalibi.LadyTdidn’trememberwhatshehadrungfor—ofcourseshedidn’t,becauseshehadn’trungatall!Nevilerangthebellfromoutsideinthepassagewiththatlongpole,thewiresranalongtheceiling.SodowncomesBarrettandseesMr.NevileStrangegodownstairsandout,andshefindsLadyTressilianaliveandwell.Thewholebusinessofthemaidwasfishy.What’sthegoodofdopingherforamurderthat’sgoingtobecommittedbeforemidnight?Tentooneshewon’thavegoneoffproperlybythen.Butitfixesthemurderasaninsidejob,anditallowsalittletimeforNeviletoplayhisroleoffirstsuspect—thenBarrettspeaksandNevileissotriumphantlyclearedthatnooneisgoingtoinquireverycloselyastoexactlywhattimehegottotheHotel.Weknowhedidn’tcrossbackbyferry,andnoboatshadbeentaken.Thereremainedthepossibilityofswimming.Hewasapowerfulswimmer,buteventhenthetimemusthavebeenshort.Uptheropehe’slefthangingintohisbedroomandagooddealofwaterontheflooraswenoticed(butwithoutseeingthepoint,I’msorrytosay).Thenintohisbluecoatandtrousers,alongtoLadyTressilian’sroom—wewon’tgointothat—wouldn’thavetakenmorethanacoupleofminutes,he’dfixedthatsteelballbeforehand—thenback,outofhisclothes,downtheropeandbacktoEasterhead.”
“SupposeKayhadcomein?”
“She’dbeenmildlydoped,I’llbet.Shewasyawningfromdinneron,sotheytellme.Besides,he’dtakencaretohaveaquarrelwithhersothatshe’dlockherdoorandkeepoutofhisway.”
“I’mtryingtothinkifInoticedtheballwasgonefromthefender.Idon’tthinkIdid.Whendidheputitback?”
“Nextmorningwhenallthehullabalooarose.OncehegotbackinTedLatimer’scar,hehadallnighttoclearuphistracesandfixthings,mendthetennisracquet,etc.Bytheway,hehittheoldladyback-handed,youknow.That’swhythecrimeappearedtobeleft-handed.Strange’sbackhandwasalwayshisstrongpoint,remember!”
“Don’t—don’t—”Audreyputupherhands.“Ican’tbearanymore.”
Hesmiledather.
“Allthesameit’sdoneyougoodtotalkitallout.Mrs.Strange,mayIbeimpertinentandgiveyousomeadvice?”
“Yes,please.”
“Youlivedforeightyearswithacriminallunatic—that’senoughtosapanywoman’snerves.Butyou’vegottosnapoutofitnow,Mrs.Strange.Youdon’tneedtobeafraidanymore—andyou’vegottomakeyourselfrealizethat.”
Audreysmiledathim.Thefrozenlookhadgonefromherface;itwasasweet,rathertimid,butconfidingface,withthewide-aparteyesfullofgratitude.
Shesaid,hesitatingalittle:“Youtoldtheotherstherewasagirl—agirlwhoactedasIdid?”
Battleslowlynoddedhishead.
“Myowndaughter,”hesaid.“Soyousee,mydear,thatmiraclehadtohappen.Thesethingsaresenttoteachus!”
III
AngusMacWhirterwaspacking.
Helaidthreeshirtscarefullyinhissuitcase,andthenthatdarkbluesuitwhichhehadrememberedtofetchfromthecleaners.TwosuitsleftbytwodifferentMacWhirtershadbeentoomuchforthegirlincharge.
Therewasataponthedoorandhecalled“Comein.”
AudreyStrangewalkedin.Shesaid:
“I’vecometothankyou—areyoupacking?”
“Yes.I’mleavingheretonight.Andsailingthedayaftertomorrow.”
“ForSouthAmerica?”
“ForChile.”
Shesaid:
“I’llpackforyou.”
Heprotested,butsheoverborehim.Hewatchedherassheworkeddeftlyandmethodically.
“There,”shesaidwhenshehadfinished.
“Youdidthatwell,”saidMacWhirter.
Therewasasilence.ThenAudreysaid:
“Yousavedmylife.Ifyouhadn’thappenedtoseewhatyoudidsee—”
Shebrokeoff.
Thenshesaid:“Didyourealizeatonce,thatnightonthecliffwhenyou—youstoppedmegoingover—whenyousaid‘Gohome,I’llseethatyou’renothanged’—didyourealizethenthatyou’dgotsomeimportantevidence?”
“Notprecisely,”saidMacWhirter.“Ihadtothinkitout.”
“Thenhowcouldyousay—whatyoudidsay?”
MacWhirteralwaysfeltannoyedwhenhehadtoexplaintheintensesimplicityofhisthoughtprocesses.
“Imeantjustpreciselythat—thatIintendedtopreventyoufrombeinghanged.”
ThecolourcameupinAudrey’scheeks.
“SupposingIhaddoneit?”
“Thatwouldhavemadenodifference.”
“DidyouthinkIhaddoneit,then?”
“Ididn’tspeculateonthematterovermuch.Iwasinclinedtobelieveyouwereinnocent,butitwouldhavemadenodifferencetomycourseofaction.”
“Andthenyourememberedthemanontherope?”
MacWhirterwassilentforafewmoments.thenheclearedhisthroat.
“Youmayaswellknow,Isuppose.Ididnotactuallyseeamanclimbinguparope—indeedIcouldnothavedoneso,forIwasuponStarkHeadonSundaynight,notonMonday.Ideducedwhatmusthavehappenedfromtheevidenceofthesuitandmysuppositionswereconfirmedbythefindingsofawetropeintheattic.”
FromredAudreyhadgonewhite.Shesaidincredulously:
“Yourstorywasallalie?”
“Deductionswouldnothavecarriedweightwiththepolice.IhadtosayIsawwhathappened.”
“But—youmighthavehadtosweartoitatmytrial.”
“Yes.”
“Youwouldhavedonethat?”
“Iwould.”
Audreycriedincredulously:“Andyou—youarethemanwholosthisjobandcamedowntothrowinghimselfoffacliffbecausehewouldn’ttamperwiththetruth!”
“Ihaveagreatregardforthetruth.ButI’vediscoveredtherearethingsthatmattermore.”
“Suchas?”
“You,”saidMacWhirter.
Audrey’seyesdropped.MacWhirterclearedhisthroatinanembarrassedmanner
“There’snoneedforyoutofeelunderagreatobligationoranythingofthatkind.You’llneverhearofmeagainaftertoday.ThepolicehavegotStrange’sconfessionandthey’llnotneedmyevidence.InanycaseIhearhe’ssobadhe’llmaybenotlivetocometotrial.”
“I’mgladofthat,”saidAudrey.
“Youwerefondofhimonce?”
“OfthemanIthoughthewas.”
MacWhirternodded.“We’veallfeltthatway,maybe.”Hewenton:“Everything’sturnedoutwell.SuperintendentBattlewasabletoactuponmystoryandbreakdowntheman—”
Audreyinterrupted.Shesaid:
“Heworkeduponyourstory,yes.ButIdon’tbelieveyoufooledhim.Hedeliberatelyshuthiseyes.”
“Whydoyousaythat?”
“Whenhewastalkingtomehementioneditwasluckyyousawwhatyoudidinthemoonlight,andthenaddedsomething—asentenceortwolater—aboutitsbeingarainynight.”
MacWhirterwastakenaback.“That’strue.OnMondaynightIdoubtifI’dhaveseenanythingatall.”
“Itdoesn’tmatter,”saidAudrey.
“Heknewthatwhatyoupretendedtohaveseenwaswhathadreallyhappened.ButitexplainswhyheworkedonNeviletobreakhimdown.HesuspectedNevileassoonasThomastoldhimaboutmeandAdrian.Heknewthenthatifhewasrightaboutthekindofcrime—hehadfixedonthewrongperson—whathewantedwassomekindofevidencetouseonNevile.Hewanted,ashesaid,amiracle—youwereSuperintendentBattle’sanswertoprayer.”
“That’sacuriousthingforhimtosay,”saidMacWhirterdryly.
“Soyousee,”saidAudrey,“youareamiracle.Myspecialmiracle.”
MacWhirtersaidearnestly:
“I’dnotlikeyoutofeelyou’reunderanobligationtome.I’mgoingrightoutofyourlife—”
“Mustyou?”saidAudrey.
Hestaredather.Thecolourcameup,floodingherearsandtemples.
Shesaid:
“Won’tyoutakemewithyou?”
“Youdon’tknowwhatyou’resaying!”
“Yes,Ido.I’mdoingsomethingverydifficult—butthatmatterstomemorethanlifeordeath.Iknowthetimeisveryshort.Bytheway,I’mconventional,Ishouldliketobemarriedbeforewego!”
“Naturally,”saidMacWhirter,deeplyshocked.“Youdon’timagineI’dsuggestanythingelse.”
“I’msureyouwouldn’t,”saidAudrey.
MacWhirtersaid:
“I’mnotyourkind.Ithoughtyou’dmarrythatquietfellowwho’scaredforyousolong.”
“Thomas?DearTrueThomas.He’stootrue.He’sfaithfultotheimageofagirlhelovedyearsago.ButthepersonhereallycaresforisMaryAldin,thoughhedoesn’tknowityethimself.”
MacWhirtertookasteptowardsher.Hespokesternly.
“Doyoumeanwhatyou’resaying?”
“Yes…Iwanttobewithyoualways,nevertoleaveyou.IfyougoIshallneverfindanybodylikeyou,andIshallgolonelyallmydays.”
MacWhirtersighed.Hetookouthiswalletandcarefullyexamineditscontents.
Hemurmured:
“Aspeciallicencecomesexpensive.I’llneedtogototheBankfirstthingtomorrow.”
“Icouldlendyousomemoney,”murmuredAudrey.
“You’lldonothingofthekind.IfImarryawoman,Ipayforthelicence.Youunderstand?”
“Youneedn’t,”saidAudreysoftly,“looksostern.”
Hesaidgentlyashecametowardsher:
“LasttimeIhadmyhandsonyou,youfeltlikeabird—strugglingtoescape.You’llneverescapenow….”
Shesaid:
“Ishallneverwanttoescape.”
TheAgathaChristieCollection
THEHERCULEPOIROTMYSTERIES
MatchyourwitswiththefamousBelgiandetective.
TheMysteriousAffairatStyles
TheMurderontheLinks
PoirotInvestigates
TheMurderofRogerAckroyd
TheBigFour
TheMysteryoftheBlueTrain
PerilatEndHouse
LordEdgwareDies
MurderontheOrientExpress
ThreeActTragedy
DeathintheClouds
TheA.B.C.Murders
MurderinMesopotamia
CardsontheTable
MurderintheMewsandOtherStories
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
Exploremoreatwww.AgathaChristie.com
TheAgathaChristieCollection
THEMISSMARPLEMYSTERIES
JointhelegendaryspinstersleuthfromSt.MaryMeadinsolvingmurdersfarandwide.
TheMurderattheVicarage
TheBodyintheLibrary
TheMovingFinger
AMurderIsAnnounced
TheyDoItwithMirrors
APocketFullofRye
4:50FromPaddington
TheMirrorCrack’d
ACaribbeanMystery
AtBertram’sHotel
Nemesis
SleepingMurder
MissMarple:TheCompleteShortStoryCollection
THETOMMYANDTUPPENCEMYSTERIES
Jumponboardwiththeentertainingcrime-solvingcouplefromYoungAdventurersLtd.
TheSecretAdversaryPartnersinCrimeNorM?BythePrickingofMyThumbsPosternofFate
Exploremoreatwww.AgathaChristie.com
TheAgathaChristieCollection
Don’tmissasingleoneofAgathaChristie’sstand-alonenovelsandshort-storycollections.
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
TheHarlequinTeaSet
Exploremoreatwww.AgathaChristie.com
AbouttheAuthor
AgathaChristieisthemostwidelypublishedauthorofalltimeandinanylanguage,outsoldonlybytheBibleandShakespeare.HerbookshavesoldmorethanabillioncopiesinEnglishandanotherbillionin100foreignlanguages.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.
www.AgathaChristie.com
Visitwww.AuthorTracker.comforexclusiveinformationonyourfavoriteHarperCollinsauthors.
THEAGATHACHRISTIECOLLECTION
TheManintheBrownSuitTheSecretofChimneysTheSevenDialsMysteryTheMysteriousMr.QuinTheSittafordMysteryParkerPyneInvestigatesWhyDidn’tTheyAskEvans?MurderIsEasyTheRegattaMysteryandOtherStoriesAndThenThereWereNoneTowardsZeroDeathComesastheEndSparklingCyanideTheWitnessfortheProsecutionandOtherStoriesCrookedHouseThreeBlindMiceandOtherStoriesTheyCametoBaghdadDestinationUnknownOrdealbyInnocenceDoubleSinandOtherStoriesThePaleHorseStaroverBethlehem:PoemsandHolidayStoriesEndlessNightPassengertoFrankfurtTheGoldenBallandOtherStoriesTheMousetrapandOtherPlaysTheHarlequinTeaSet
TheHerculePoirotMysteries
TheMysteriousAffairatStylesTheMurderontheLinksPoirotInvestigatesTheMurderofRogerAckroydTheBigFourTheMysteryoftheBlueTrainPerilatEndHouseLordEdgwareDiesMurderontheOrientExpressThreeActTragedyDeathintheCloudsTheA.B.C.MurdersMurderinMesopotamiaCardsontheTableMurderintheMewsandOtherStoriesDumbWitnessDeathontheNileAppointmentwithDeathHerculePoirot’sChristmasSadCypressOne,Two,BuckleMyShoeEvilUndertheSunFiveLittlePigsTheHollowTheLaborsofHerculesTakenattheFloodTheUnderdogandOtherStoriesMrs.McGinty’sDeadAftertheFuneralHickoryDickoryDockDeadMan’sFollyCatAmongthePigeonsTheClocksThirdGirlHallowe’enPartyElephantsCanRememberCurtain:Poirot’sLastCase
TheMissMarpleMysteries
TheMurderattheVicarageTheBodyintheLibraryTheMovingFingerAMurderIsAnnouncedTheyDoItwithMirrorsAPocketFullofRye4:50fromPaddingtonTheMirrorCrack’dACaribbeanMysteryAtBertram’sHotelNemesisSleepingMurderMissMarple:TheCompleteShortStoryCollection
TheTommyandTuppenceMysteries
TheSecretAdversaryPartnersinCrimeNorM?BythePrickingofMyThumbsPosternofFate
Memoir
AnAutobiographyCopyright
Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Thecharacters,incidents,anddialoguearedrawnfromtheauthor’simaginationandarenottobeconstruedasreal.Anyresemblancetoactualeventsorpersons,livingordead,isentirelycoincidental.
AGATHACHRISTIE?TOWARDSZERO?.Copyright?2011AgathaChristieLimited(aChorioncompany).Allrightsreserved.TowardsZerowasfirstpublishedin1944.
TOWARDSZERO.Copyright?1944.PublishedbypermissionofG.P.Putnam’sSons,amemberofPenguinGroup(USA)Inc.AllrightsreservedunderInternationalandPan-AmericanCopyrightConventions.Bypaymentoftherequiredfees,youhavebeengrantedthenonexclusive,nontransferablerighttoaccessandreadthetextofthise-bookon-screen.Nopartofthistextmaybereproduced,transmitted,downloaded,decompiled,reverse-engineered,orstoredinorintroducedintoanyinformationstorageandretrievalsystem,inanyformorbyanymeans,whetherelectronicormechanical,nowknownorhereinafterinvented,withouttheexpresswrittenpermissionofHarperCollinse-books.
LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationDataisavailableuponrequest.
ISBN978-0-06-207354-9
EPubEdition?MAY2011ISBN:978-0-06-200676-9
1112131415
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TableofContents
Cover
TitlePage
Dedication
Prologue:November19th
“OpentheDoorandHerearethePeople”
SnowWhiteandRedRose
AFineItalianHand…
ZeroHour
AbouttheAuthor
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Copyright
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