The notion was not only absurd, but so disquieting
that Helen refused toadmit it.
When he did so, Helen thought that his pupils
looked curiouslyfixed and glassy.
The bed was tidy and the room had beenhurriedly put
in order.
They will want to know if we can furnish them with
any information.
No, replied Miss Warren, neither she nor the nurse
can know.
Presently he became aware that his attention was no
longer gripped. Theres somethingqueer about that new nurse.
Anyone might come; the police,or someone with
important news. If I heardbaby crying outside Id just have to take it in. No,
replied Miss Warren, neither she nor the nurse can know. Had she known of theactual
situation in the drawing-room, she would have been still moreworried. If you mean
the landlords daughter, Helensaid, he, was talking about her in the
kitchen.
I dont want to be where Im not wanted, Helen said
stoutly.
The next second, she realized her blunder, as
Simone burst into a stormof tears. Im sorry, madre, apologized the Professor.
Mybrain remains at your service, he said. TheProfessors smile flickered and went
out.
The fool thinks hes got to protect his wife from
me.
He can garage thecar, and remain there, until the
dawn. Helen felt his glance hover for one moment.
Hekept raising his eyes from the pages, to
listen.
Tell him life is short, so hed better not be late
for theGrand Good Night.
Im the sort of desperate chap whod tryanything
once.
When I was in India, in my youth, I remember atiger
which prowled outside a cattle-enclosure.
Well, if I was you, Id oil my key, and lock my
door, tonight, saidMrs: Oates.
She tore out a handful of fringe from the. Then her
mind slipped back to a former situation, as nursery-governessin the house of a
financier. Look here, sir, with due deference to you and all that isnt thisgoing a
bit too far? Why didnt he push the letters through the slit?
I was done out of my chance of a fortune by
anunexpected Blessed Event in my family.
Helen shrivelled, instantly, at the memory. Then,
have you any idea as to who he is, or where he is? Or of a quotation-Methinks the
lady doth protest too much?
Ofcourse, I know that you have your photograph in
the papers and thatpeople talk about you. But Lady Warren seemed to have for gotten
her former interest. And I should certainly not risk my life by goingoutside, in
this storm. She asked questions aboutCeridwens character, her duties about the
house, her lovers. A thread of meaning, however, ran through Mrs. He stopped his
ceaseless pacing of the carpet, to addressNewton. I dont want to be where Im not
wanted, Helen said stoutly.