Dumb Witness | Agatha Christie’s Classic Whodunit | Chapter 1 - Full Audiobook

Dumb Witness a hercu poo Mystery by Agatha Christie to Dear Peter most faithful of friends and dearest of companions a dog in a thousand chapter 1 the Mistress of Little greenhous Miss arundell died on May 1st though her illness was short her death did not occasion much surprise in the Little Country Town of Market basing where she had lived since she was a girl of 16 for Emily arundell was well over 70 the last of a family of five and she had been known to be in delicate health for many years and had indeed nearly died of a similar attack to the one that killed her some 18 months before but though Miss arundel's death surprised no one something else did the provisions of her will gave rise to varying emotions astonishment pleasurable excitement deep condemnation Fury despair anger and general gossip for weeks and even months Market basing was to talk of nothing else everyone had their own contribution to make to the subject from Mr Jones the grosser who held that blood was thicker than water to Mrs lrey at the post office who repeated ad naam that there's something behind it depend upon it you mark my words what added zest to the speculations on the subject was the fact that the will had been made as lately as April 21st add to this the further fact that Emily arundel's near relations had been staying with her just before that date over Easter bank holiday and it will be realized that the most scandalous theories could be propounded pleasurably relieving the monotony of everyday life in Market basing there was one person who was shrewdly suspected of knowing more about the matter than she was willing to admit that was Miss Willamina Lawson Miss arundel's companion Miss Lawson however professed herself just as much in the dark as everyone else she too she declared had been dumbfounded when the will was read out a lot of people of course did not believe this nevertheless whether Miss Lawson was or was not as ignorant as she declared herself to be only one person really knew the true facts that person was the dead woman herself Emily arundell had kept her own counsel as she was in the habit of doing even to her lawyer she had said nothing of the most motives underlying her action she was content with making her wishes clear in that reticence could be found the keynote of Emily arundel's character she was in every respect a typical product of her generation she had both its virtues and its vices she was autocratic and often overbearing but she was also intensely warmhearted her tongue was sharp but her actions were kind she was outwardly sentimental but inwardly shrewd she had a succession of companions whom she bullied unmercifully but treated with great generosity she had a great sense of family obligation on the Friday before Easter Emily arundell was standing in the hall of little Greenhouse giving various directions to miss Lawson Emily arundell had been a handsome girl and she was now a well-preserved handsome old lady with a straight back and a Brisk manner a faint yellowness in her skin was a warning that she could not eat rich food with impunity Miss arundell was saying now then Minnie where have you put them all well I thought I hope I've Done Right Dr and Mrs tenos in the oak room and Teresa in the blue room and Mr Charles in the old Nursery Miss arundell interrupted Teresa can have the old nursery and Charles will have the blue room oh yes I am sorry I thought the old Nursery being rather more inconvenient it will do very nicely for Teresa in Miss arundel's day women took second place men were the important members of society I'm so sorry the dear little children aren't coming murmured Miss Lawson sentimentally she loved children and was quite incapable of managing them for visitors will be quite enough said Miss arundell in any case Bella spoils her children abominably they never dream of doing what they are are told Minnie Lawson murmured Mrs tenos is a very devoted mother Miss arundell said with grave approval Bella is a good woman Miss Lawson sighed and said it must be very hard for her sometimes living in an outlandish place like Smyrna Emily arundell replied she has made her bed and she must lie on it and having uttered this final Victorian pronouncement she went on I am going to the village now to speak about the orders for the weekend and oh miss arundell do let me I mean nonsense I prefer to go myself Rogers needs a sharp word the trouble with you is Minnie that you're not emphatic enough Bob Bob where is the dog a Wirehaired Terrier came tearing down the stairs he circled round and round his mistress uttering short staccato barks of delight and expectation together mistress and dog passed out of the front door and down the short path to the gate Miss Lawson stood in the doorway smiling rather foolishly after them her mouth a little open behind her a voice said tartly them pillowcases you gave me Miss isn't a pair what how stupid of me mini losson plunged once more into household routine Emily arundell attended by Bob made a royal progress down the main street of Market basing it was very much of a royal progress in each shop she entered the proprietor always hurried forward to attend to her she was Miss arundell of little Greenhouse she was one of our oldest customers she was one of the old school not many about like her nowadays good morning Miss what can I have the pleasure of doing for you not tender well I'm sorry to hear that I thought myself it was as nice A little saddle yes of course Miss Arundel if you say so it is so no indeed I wouldn't think of sending canterberry to you Miss arundell yes I'll see to it myself Miss arundell Bob and spot the butcher's dog circled slowly round each other hackles raised growling gently spot was a stout dog of nondescript breed he knew that he must not fight with customers dogs but he permitted himself to tell them by subtle indication just exactly what mince meat he would make of them were he free to do so Bob a dog of spirit replied in kind Emily arundell said Bob sharply and passed on in the green grossers there was a meeting of heavenly bodies another old lady spherical in outline but equally distinguished by that air of royalty said morning Emily good morning Caroline Caroline Peabody said expecting any of your young people down yes all of them Teresa Charles and Bella so Bella's home is she husband too yes it was a simple monosyllable but underlying it was knowledge common to both ladies for Bella bigs Emily arundel's niece had married a Greek and Emily arundel's people who were what is known as all service people simply did not marry Greeks by way of being obscurely comforting for of course such a matter could not be referred to openly Miss Peabody said Bella's husbands Got Brains and Charming manners his manners are delightful agreed miss arundell moving out into the street Miss Peabody asked what's this about Teresa being engaged to young Donaldson Miss arundell Shrugged her shoulders young people are so casual nowadays I'm afraid it will have to be a rather Long Engagement that is if anything comes of it he has no money of course Teresa has her own money said Miss Peabody Miss arundell said stiffly a man could not possibly wish to live on his wife's money Miss Peabody gave a rich throaty chuckle they don't seem to mind doing it nowadays you and I are out of date Emily what I can't understand is what the child sees in him of all the nambi pami young men he's a clever doctor I believe those pants Nez and that stiff way of talking in my young days we'd have called him a poor stick there was a pause while miss peabudy's memory diving into the past conjured up visions of Dashing be whiskered young men she said with a sigh send that young dog Charles along to see me if he'll come of course I'll tell him the two ladies parted they had known each other for considerably over 50 years Miss Peabody knew of certain regrettable lapses in the life of General arundell Emily's father she knew just precisely what a shock Thomas arundel's marriage had been to his sisters she had a very shrewd idea of certain troubles connected with the younger generation but no word had ever passed between the two ladies on any of these subjects they were both upholders of family dignity family solidarity and complete reticence on Family Matters Miss arundell walked home Bob trotting sedately at her heels to herself Emily arundell admitted what she would never have admitted to another human being her dissatisfaction with with the younger generation of her family Teresa for instance she had no control over Teresa since the latter had come into her own money at the age of 21 since then the girl had achieved a certain notoriety her picture was often in the papers she belonged to a young bright goahead set in London a set that had freak parties and occasionally ended up in the police courts it was not the kind of notoriety that Emily arundell approved of for an arundell in fact she disapproved very much of Teresa's way of living as regards the girls engagement her feelings were slightly confused on the one hand she did not consider an upstart Dr Donaldson good enough for an arundell on the other she was uneasily conscious that Teresa was a most unsuitable wife for a quiet Country Doctor with a sigh her thoughts passed on to Bella there was no fault to find with Bella she was a good woman a devoted wife and mother quite exemplary in behavior and extremely dull but even Bella could not be regarded with complete approval for Bella had married a foreigner and not only a foreigner but a Greek in Miss arundel's prejudiced mind a Greek was almost as bad as an Argentine or a Turk the fact that Dr tenos had a Charming Manner and was said to be extremely able to his profession only prejudiced the old lady slightly more against him she distrusted charm and easy compliments for this reason two she found it difficult to be fond of the two children they had both taken after their father and looks there was really nothing English about them and then Charles yes Charles it was no use blinding one's eyes to facts Charles Charming though he was was not to be trusted Emily Rundell side she felt suddenly tired old depressed she supposed that she couldn't last much longer her mind reverted to the will she had made some years ago legacies to the servants to Charities and the main bulk of her considerable Fortune to be divided equally between these her three surviving relations it still seemed to her that she had done the right and Equitable thing it just crossed her mind to wonder whether might not be some way of securing Bella's share of the money so that her husband could not touch it she must ask Mr peris she turned in at the Gate of little Greenhouse Charles and Teresa arundell arrived by car theano's by train the brother and sister arrived first Charles tall and good-looking with his slightly mocking manner said hello Aunt Emily how's the girl you look fine and he kissed her Teresa put an indifferent young cheek against her withered one how are you Aunt Emily Teresa her aunt thought was looking far from well her face beneath its plentiful makeup was slightly Haggard and there were lines around her eyes they had tea in the drawing room Bellos her hair inclined to straggle in wisps from below the fashionable hat that she wore at the wrong angle stared at her cousin Teresa with the pathetic eagerness to assimilate and memorize her clothes it was poor Bella's fate in life to be passionately fond of clothes without having any clothes scents Teresa's clothes were expensive Slightly bizarre and she herself had an Exquisite figure Bella when she arrived in England from Smyrna had tried earnestly to copy Teresa's Elegance at an inferior price and cut Dr tenos Who was a big bearded Jolly looking man was talking to miss arundell his voice was warm and full and attractive voice that Charmed a listener almost against his or her will almost in spite of herself it Charmed Miss arundell Miss Lawson was fidgeting a good deal she jumped up and down handing plates fussing over the tea table Charles whose manners were excellent Rose more than once to help her but she expressed no gratitude when after tea the party went out to make make a tour of the garden Charles murmured to his sister Lawson doesn't like me odd isn't it Teresa said mockingly very odd so there is one person who can withstand your fatal Fascination Charles grinned an engaging grin and said lucky it's only Lawson in the garden Miss Lawson walked with Mrs tenos and asked her questions about the children Bello's rather drab face lighted up she forgot to watch Teresa she talked eagerly and animatedly Mary had said such a quaint thing on the boat she found Minnie Lawson a most sympathetic listener presently a fair-haired young man with a solemn face and ponnay was shown into the garden from the house he looked rather embarrassed Miss arundell greeted him politely Teresa said hello Rex she slipped an arm through his they wandered away Charles made a face He Slipped Away to have a word with the gardener an ally of his from old days when miss arundell re-entered the house Charles was playing with Bob the dog stood at the top of the stairs his ball in his mouth his tail gently wagging come on old man said Charles Bob sank down on his hunches nosed his ball slowly and slowly nearer the edge as he finally bunted it over he sprang to his feet in great excitement the ball bumped slowly down the stairs Charles caught it and tossed it up to him Bob caught it neatly in his mouth the performance was repeated regular game of his said Charles Emily arundell smiled he'll go on for hours she said she turned into the drawing room and Charles followed her Bob gave a disappointed bark glancing through the window Charles said look at Teresa and her young man they are an Odd Couple you think Teresa is really serious over this oh she's crazy about him said Charles with confidence odd taste but there it is I think it must be the way he looks at her as though she were a scientific specimen and not a live woman that's rather a novelty for Teresa pity the fellows so poor Teresa's got expensive tastes Miss arundell said drill I've no doubt she can change her way of living if she wants to and after all she has her own income eh oh yes yes of course Charles shot an almost guilty look at her that evening as the others were assembled in the drawing room waiting to go into dinner there was a Scurry and a burst of profan on the stairs Charles entered with his face rather red sorry Aunt Emily am I late that dog of yours nearly made me take the most frightful toss he'd left that ball of his on the top of the stairs careless little doggy cried Miss Lawson bending down to Bob Bob looked at her contemptuously and turned his head away I know said Miss arundell it's most dangerous fetched the ball and put it away Miss Lawson hurried out Dr tenos monopolized the conversation at the dinner table most of the time he told amusing stories of his life in Smyrna the party went to bed early Miss Lawson carrying wool spectacles a large velvet bag and a book accompanied her employer to her bedroom chattering happily really most amusing Dr tenos he is such good company not that I should care for that kind of Life myself one would have to boil the water I expect and goat's milk perhaps such a disagreeable taste Miss arundell snapped don't be a fool Minnie you told Ellen to call me at half 6 oh yes Miss arundell I said no te but don't you think it might be wiser you know the vicer at South Bridge most conscientious man told me distinctly that there was no obligation to come fasting once more Miss arundell cut her short I've never yet taken anything before early service and I'm not going to begin now you can do as you like oh no I didn't mean I am sure miss Lawson was flustered and upset take Bob's collar off said miss arundell the slave hastened to obey still trying to please she said such a pleasant evening they all seem so pleased to be here hph said Emily arundell all here for what they can get oh dear miss arundell my good mini I'm not a fool whatever else I am I just wonder which of them will open the subject first she was not long left in doubt on that point she and Miss Lawson returned from attending early service just after nine diar and Mrs tenos were in the dining room but there were no signs of the two arundells after breakfast when the others had left Miss arundell sat on entering up some accounts in a little book Charles entered the room about 10: sorry I'm late Aunt Emily but Teresa's worse she's not unclosed an eyelid yet at half 10 breakfast will be cleared away said Miss arundell I know it is the fashion not to consider servants nowadays but that is not the case in my house house good that's the true diard Spirit Charles helped himself to kidneys and sat down beside her his grin as always was very attractive Emily arundell soon found herself smiling indulgently at him emboldened by this sign of favor Charles plunged look here Aunt Emily sorry to bother you but I'm in the devil of a hole can you possibly help me out a 100 would do it his aunt's face was not encouraging a certain grimness showed itself in her expression Emily arundell was not afraid of speaking her mind she spoke it Miss Lawson hustling across the hall almost collided with Charles as he left the dining room she glanced at him curiously she entered the dining room to find Miss arundell sitting very upright with a flushed face chapter 2 the relations Charles ran lightly up the stairs and tapped on his sister's door her answering come in came promptly and he entered Teresa was sitting up in bed yawning Charles took a seat on the bed what a decorative female you are Teresa he remarked appreciatively Teresa said sharply what's the matter Charles grinned Sharp aren't you well I stole a march on you my girl thought I'd make my touch before you got to work well Charles spread his hands downwards in negation nothing doing Aunt Emily ticked me off good and proper she intimated that she was under no Illusions as to why her affectionate family had gathered around her and she also intimated that the said affectionate family would be disappointed nothing being handed out but affection and not so much of that you might have waited a bit said Teresa drilly Charles grinned again I was afraid you oranos might get in ahead of me I'm sadly afraid Teresa my sweet that there will be nothing doing this time old Emily is by no means a fool I never thought she was I even tried to put the wind up her what you mean asked his sister sharply told her she was going about it the right way to get bumped off after all she can't take the dibs to heaven with her why not loosen up a bit Charles you are a fool no I'm not I'm a bit of a psychologist in my way it's never a bit of good sucking up to the old girl she much prefers you to stand up to her and after all I was only talking since we get get the money when she dies she might just as well part with a little beforehand otherwise the temptation to help her out of the way might become overwhelming did she see your point asked Teresa her delicate mouth curling up scornfully I'm not sure she didn't admit it just thanked me rather nastily for my advice and said she was perfectly capable of taking care of herself well I said I've warned you I'll remember it she said Teresa said angrily really Charles you are an utter fool damn it all Teresa I was a bit ratty myself the old girls rolling simply rolling I bet she doesn't spend a tenth part of her income what has she got to spend it on anyway and here we are young able to enjoy life and to spite us she's capable of living to a 100 I want my fun now so do you Teresa nodded she said in a low breathless voice they don't understand old people don't they can't they don't know what it is to live brother and sister were silent for some minutes Charles got up well my love I wish you better success than I've had but I rather doubt it Teresa said I'm rather counting on Rex to do the trick if I can make old Emily realize how brilliant he is and how it matters terrifically that he should have his chance and not have to sink into a rut as a general practitioner oh Charles a few thousand of capital just at this minute would make all the difference in the world to our lives hope you get it but I don't think you will you've got through a bit too much capital in rius living in your time I say Teresa you don't think the dreary Bella or the dubious tenos will get anything do you I don't see that money would be any good to Bella she goes about looking like a rag bag and her tastes are purely domestic oh well said Charles vaguely I expect she wants things for those unprepossessing children of hers schools and plates for their front teeth and music lessons and anyway it isn't Bella it's tenos I bet he's got a nose for money all right trust a Greek for that you know he's got through most of Bell speculated with it and lost it all do you think he'll get something out of old Emily he won't if I can prevent him said Charles grimly he left the room and wandered downstairs Bob was in the hall he fussed up to Charles agreeably dogs like Charles he ran towards the drawing room door and looked back at Charles what's the matter said Charles strolling after him Bob Hur hurried into the drawing room and sat down expectantly by a small Bureau Charles strolled over to him what's it all about Bob wagged his tail looked hard at the drawers of the bureau and uttered an appealing squeak want something that's in here Charles pulled open the top drawer his eyebrows Rose dear dear he said at one side of the drawer was a little pile of treasury notes Charles picked up the bundle and counted them with a grin he removed three one pound notes and two 10 Shilling ones and put them in his pocket he replaced the rest of the notes carefully in the drawer where he had found them that was a good idea Bob he said your Uncle Charles will be able at any rate to cover expenses a little ready cash always comes in handy Bob uttered a faint reproachful bark as Charles shut the drawer sorry old man Charles apologized he opened the next drawer Bob's ball was in the corner of it he took it out here you are enjoy yourself with it Bob caught the ball trotted out of the room and presently bump bump bump Was Heard down the stairs Charles strolled out into the garden it was a fine Sunny morning with a scent of lilac Miss arundell had Dr anos by her side he was speaking of the advantage of an English education a good education for children and How Deeply he regretted that he could not afford such a luxury for his own children Charles smiled with satisfied malice he joined in the conversation in a light-hearted manner turning it adroitly into entirely different channels Emily arundell smiled at him quite amiably he even fancied that she was amused by his tactics and was suddenly encouraging them Charles's Spirits Rose perhaps after all before he left Charles was an incurable Optimist Dr Donaldson called for Teresa in his car that afternoon and drove her to waram Abbey one of the local Beauty spots they wandered away from the ABY itself into the woods their Rex Donaldson told Teresa at length about his theories and some of his recent experiments she understood very little but listened in a Spellbound manner thinking to herself how clever Rex is and how absolutely adorable her fiance paused once and said rather doubtfully I'm afraid this is dull stuff for you Teresa darling it's too thrilling said Teresa firmly go on you take some of the blood of the infected rabbit presently Teresa said with a sigh your work means a terrible lot to you my sweet naturally said Dr Donaldson it did not seem at all natural to Teresa very few of her friends did any work at all and if they did they made extremely heavy weather about it she thought as she had thought once or twice before how singularly unsuitable it was that she should have fallen in love with Rex Donaldson why did these things these ludicrous and amazing madnesses happen to one a profitless question this had happened to her she frowned wondered at herself her crowd had been so gay so cynical love affairs were necessary to life of course but why take them seriously one loved and passed on but this feeling of hers for Rex Donaldson was different it went deeper she felt instinctively that here there would be no passing on her need of him was simple and profound everything about him fascinated her his calmness and Detachment so different from her own hectic grasping life the clear logical coldness of his scientific mind and something else imperfectly understood a secret force in the man masked by his unassuming slightly pedantic manner but which she nevertheless felt and sensed instinctively in Rex Donaldson there was genius and the fact that his profession was the main preoccupation of his life and that she was only a part though a necessary part of existence to him only heightened his attraction for her she found herself for the first time in her selfish pleasure-loving life content to take second place the prospect fascinated her for Rex she would do anything anything what a damned nuisance money is she said petulant if only Aunt Emily were to die we could get married at once and you could come to London and have a laboratory full of test tubes and guinea pigs and never bother anymore about children with MPS and old ladies with livers Donaldson said there's no reason why your aunt shouldn't live for many years to come if she's careful Teresa said despondently I know that in the big double- beded room with the old-fashioned oak furniture Dr tenos said to his wife I think that I have prepared the ground sufficiently it is now your turn my dear he was pouring water from the old-fashioned copper Ken into the rose pattern China a basin Bella tenos sat in front of the dressing table wondering why when she combed her hair as Teresa did it should not look like Teresa's there was a moment before she replied then she said I don't think I want to ask Aunt Emily for money it's not for yourself Bella it's for the sake of the children our investments have been so unlucky his back was turned he did not see the Swift glance she gave him a fer shrinking glance she said with mild obstinacy all the same I think I'd rather not Aunt Emily is rather difficult she can be generous but she doesn't like being asked drying his hands tenos came across from the wash standand really Bella it isn't like you to be so obstinate after all what have we come down here for she murmured I didn't I never meant it wasn't to ask for money yet you agreed that the only hope if we are to educate the children properly is for your aunt to come to the rescue Banos did not answer she moved uneasily but her face bore the mild muish look that many clever husbands of stupid wives know to their cost she said perhaps Aunt Emily herself may suggest it is possible but I've seen no signs of it so far Bella said if we could have brought the children with us Aunt Emily couldn't have helped loving Mary and Edward is so intelligent tenio said drill I don't think your aunt is a great child lover it is probably just as well the children aren't here oh Jacob but yes yes my dear I know your feelings but these desicated English spinsters ba they are not human we want to do the best we can do we not not for our Mary and our Edward to help us a little would involve no hardship to miss arundell Mrs tenos turned there was a flush in her cheeks oh please please Jacob not this time I'm sure it would be unwise I would so very very much rather not tenos stood close behind her his arm encircled her shoulders she trembled a little and then was still almost rigid he said and his voice was still Pleasant all the same Bella I think I think you will do what I ask you usually do you know in the end yes I think you will do what I say chapter 3 the accident it was Tuesday afternoon the side door to the Garden was open Miss arundell stood on the threshold and through Bob's ball the length of the Garden Path the terrier rushed after it just once more Bob said Emily arundell a good one once again the ball sped along the ground with Bob racing at full speed in Pursuit Miss arundell stooped down picked up the ball from where Bob laided at her feet and went into the house Bob followed her closely she shut the side door went into the drawing room Bob still at her heels and put the ball away in the drawer she glanced at the clock on the mantlepiece it was half 6 a little rest before dinner I think Bob she ascended the stairs to her bedroom Bob accompanied her lying on the big chint covered couch with Bob at her feet Miss arundell side she was glad that it was Tuesday and that her guests would be going tomorrow it was not that this weekend had disclosed anything to her that she had not known before it was more the fact fact that it had not permitted her to forget her own knowledge she said to herself I'm getting old I suppose and then with a little shock of surprise I am old she lay with her eyes closed for half an hour then the elderly house parlormaid Ellen brought hot water and she Rose and prepared for dinner Dr Donaldson was to dine with them that night Emily arundell wished to have an opportunity of studying him at Close Quarters it still seemed to her a little incredible that the Exotic Teresa should want to marry this rather stiff and pedantic young man it also seemed a little odd that this stiff and pedantic young man should want to marry Teresa she did not feel as the evening progressed that she was getting to know Dr Donaldson any better he was very polite very formal and to her mind intensely boring in her own mind she agreed with Miss peabudy's judgment the thought flashed across her brain better stuff in our young days Dr Donaldson did not stay late he rose to go at 10:00 after he had taken his departure Emily arundell herself announced that she was going to bed she went upstairs and her young relations went up also they all seemed somewhat subdued tonight miss Lawson remained downstairs performing her final duties letting Bob out for his run poking down the fire putting the guard up and rolling back the Hearth rug in case of fire she arrived rather breathless in her employer's room about 5 minutes later I think I've got everything she said putting down wool work bag and a library book I do hope the book will be all right she hadn't got any of the ones on your list but she said she was sure you'd like this one that girl's a fool said Emily arundell her taste in books is the worst I've ever come across oh dear I'm so sorry perhaps I ought nonsense it's not your fault Emily arundell added kindly I hope you enjoyed yourself this afternoon Miss Lawson's face lighted up she looked eager and almost youthful oh yes thank you very much so kind of you to spare me I had the most interesting time we had the planet and really it wrote the most interesting things there were several messages of course it's not quite the same thing as the sittings Julia trip has been having a lot of success with the automatic writing several messages from those who have passed over IIT really makes one feel so grateful that such things should be permitted Miss arundell said with a slight smile better not let the vicer hear you oh but indeed Dear Miss arundell I am convinced quite convinced there can be nothing wrong about it I only wish Dear Mr Lonsdale would examine the subject it seems to me so narrow-minded to condemn a thing that you have not even investigated both Julia and Isabelle trip are such truly spiritual women almost too spiritual to be alive said Miss arundell she did not care much for Julia and Isabelle trip she thought their clothes ridiculous their vegetarian and uncooked fruit meals absurd and their manner affected they were women of no Traditions no roots in fact no breeding but she got a certain amount of amusement out of their earnestness and she was at bottom kind-hearted enough not to Grudge the pleasure that their friendship obviously gave to poor Minnie poor Minnie Emily arundell looked at her companion with mingled affection and contempt she had had so many of These Foolish middle-aged women to minister to her all much the same kind fussy subservient and almost entirely mindless really poor Minnie was looking quite excited tonight her eyes were shining she fussed about the room vaguely touching things here and there without the least idea of what she was doing her eyes all bright and Shining she stammered out rather nervously I I do wish you'd been there I you know that you're not quite a Believer yet but tonight there was a message for EA the initials came quite definitely it was from a man who had passed over many years ago a very good-look military man Isabelle saw him quite distinctly it must have been dear General arundell such a beautiful message so full of love and comfort and how through patience all could be attained those sentiments sound very unlike Papa said Miss arundell oh but our dear ones change so on the other side everything is love and understanding and then the planchette spelled out something about a key I think it was the key of the bull cabinet could that be it the key of the bull cabinet Emily arundel's voice sounded sharp and interested I think that was it I thought perhaps it might be important paper something of the kind there was a well authenticated case where a message came to look in a certain piece of furniture and actually a will was discovered there there wasn't a will in the bull cabinet said Miss arundell she added abruptly go to bed Minnie you're tired so am I we'll ask the trips in for an evening soon oh that will be nice good night dear sure you've got everything I hope you haven't been tired with so many people here I must tell Ellen to air the drawing room very well tomorrow and shake out the curtains all this smoking leaves such a smell I must say I think it's very good of you to let them all smoke in the drawing room I must make some concessions to modernity said Emily arundell good night Minnie as the other woman left the room Emily arundell wondered if this spiritualistic business was really good for Minnie her eyes had been popping out of her head and she had looked so rest and excited odd about the bull cabinet thought Emily arundell as she got into bed she smiled grimly as she remembered the scene of long ago the key that had come to light after Papa's death and the Cascade of empty Brandy bottles that had tumbled out when the cabinet had been unlocked it was little things like that things that surely neither Minnie Lawson nor Isabelle and Julia trip could possibly know which made one wonder whether after all there wasn't something in this spiritualistic business she felt wakeful lying on her big four poster bed nowadays she found it increasingly difficult to sleep but she scorned Dr Granger's tentative suggestion of a sleeping draft sleeping drafts were for weaklings for people who couldn't bear a finger ache or a little tooth AE or the tedium of a sleepless night often she would get up and wander noiselessly around the house picking up a book fingering an ornament rearranging a vase of flowers writing a letter or two in those midnight hours she had a feeling of the equal liveliness of the house through which she wandered they were not disagreeable those nocturnal wanderings it was as though ghosts walked beside her the ghosts of her sisters Arabella Matilda and Agnes the ghost of her brother Thomas the dear fellow as he was before that woman got hold of him even even the ghost of General Charles labored narell that domestic Tyrant with the Charming manners who shouted and bullied his daughters but who nevertheless was an object of Pride to them with his experiences in the Indian Mutiny and his knowledge of the world what if there were days when he was not quite so well as his daughters put it evasively her mind reverting to her niece's fiance Miss arundell thought I don't suppose he'll ever take to drink calls himself a man and drank barley water this evening barley water and I opened Papa's special Port Charles had done Justice to the port all right oh if only Charles were to be trusted if only one didn't know that with him her thoughts broke off her mind ranged over the events of the weekend everything seemed vaguely disquieting she tried to put worrying thoughts out of her mind it was no good she raised herself on her elbow and by the Light of the NightLight that always burned in a little saucer she looked at the time 1:00 and she had never felt less like sleep she got out of bed and put on her slippers and her warm dressing gown she would go downstairs and just check over the weekly books ready for the paying of them the following morning like a shadow she slipped from her room and along the corridor where one small electric bulb was allowed to burn all night she came to the head of the stairs stretched out one hand to the ballister Rail and then unaccountably she stumbled tried to recover her balance failed and went headlong down the stairs the sound of her fall the cry she gave stirred the sleeping house to wakefulness doors opened lights flashed on Miss Lawson popped out of her room at the head of the staircase uttering little cries of distress she pattered down the stairs One By One The Others arrived Charles yawning in a resplendent dressing gown Teresa wrapped in dark silk Bella in a navy blue kimono her hair bristling with Combs to set the wave Dazed and Confused Emily arundell lay in a crushed Heap her shoulder hurt her and her ankle her whole body was a confused mass of pain she was conscious of people standing over her of that fo mini loss and crying and making ineffectual gestures with her hands of Teresa with a startled look in her dark eyes of Bella standing with her mouth open looking expectant of the voice of Charles saying from somewhere very far away so it seemed it's that damn dog's ball he must have left it here and she tripped over it see here it is and then she was conscious of authority putting the others aside kneeling beside her touching her with hands that did not fumble but knew a feeling of relief swept over her it would be all right now Dr tenos was saying in firm reassuring tones no it's all right no bones broken just badly shaken and bruised and of course she's had a bad shock but she's been very lucky that it's no worse then he cleared the others off a little and picked her up quite easily and carried her up to her bedroom where he had held her wrist for a minute Counting then nodded his head sent Minnie who was still crying and being generally a nuisance out of the room to fetch Brandy and to heat water for a hot bottle confused shaken and racked with pain she felt acutely grateful to Jacob tenos in that moment the relief of feeling oneself in capable hands he gave you just that feeling of assurance of confidence that a doctor ought to give there was something something she couldn't quite get hold of something vely disquieting but she wouldn't think of it now she would drink this and go to sleep as they told her but surely there was something missing someone oh well she wouldn't think her shoulder hurt her she drank down what she was given she heard Dr Teno saying in what a comfortable assured voice she'll be all right now she closed her eyes she awoke to a sound that she knew a soft muffled bark she was wide awake in a minute Bob naughty Bob he was barking outside the front door his own particular out all night very ashamed of himself bark pitched in a subdued key but repeated hopefully Miss arundell strained her ears ah yes that was all right she could hear Minnie going down to let him in she heard the creek of the opening front door a confused low murmur Minnie's feudal reproaches oh you nauy little doggy a very naughty little bobsy she heard the pantry door open Bob's bed was under the pantry table and at that moment Emily realized what it was she had subconsciously missed at the moment of her accident it was Bob all that commotion her fall people running normally Bob would have responded by a crescendo of barking from inside the pantry so that was what had been worrying her at the back of her mind but it was explained now Bob when he had been let out out last night had shamelessly and deliberately gone off on pleasurebent from time to time he had these lapses from virtue though his apologies afterwards were always all that could be desired so that was all right but was it what else was there worrying her nagging at the back of her head her accident something to do with her accident ah yes somebody had said Charles that she had slipped on Bob's ball which he had left on the top of the stairs the ball had been there he had held it up in his hand Emily arundel's head achd her shoulder throbbed her bruised body suffered but in the midst of her suffering her mind was clear and Lucid she was no longer confused by shock her memory was perfectly clear she went over in her mind all the events from 6:00 yesterday evening she retraced every step till she came to the moment when she arrived at the stairhead and started to descend the stairs a thrill of incredulous horror shot through her surely surely she must be mistaken one often had queer fancies after an event had happened she tried earnestly she tried to recall the slippery roundness of Bob's ball under her foot but she could recall nothing of the kind instead sheer nerves said Emily arundell ridiculous fancies but her sensible shrewd Victorian mind would not admit that for a moment there was no foolish optimism about the victorians they could believe the worst with the utmost ease Emily arundell believed the worst chapter 4 Miss arundell writes a letter it was Friday the relations had left they left on the Wednesday as originally planned one and all they had offered to stay on one and all they had been steadfastly refused miss arundell explained that she preferred to be quite quiet during the two days that had elapsed since their departure Emily arundell had been alarmingly meditative often she did not hear what Minnie Lawson said to her she would stare at her and curtly Order her to begin all over again it's the shock poor dear said Miss Lawson and she added with the kind of gloomy Relish in disaster which brightens so many otherwise drab lives I dare say she'll never be quite herself again Dr Granger on the other hand rallied her heartily he told her that she'd be downstairs again by the end of the week that it was a positive disgrace she had no bones broken and what kind of patient was she for a struggling medical man if all his patients were like her he might as well take down his plate straight away Emily arundell replied with Spirit she and old Dr Granger were allies of longstanding he bullied and she defied they always got a good deal of pleasure out of each other's company but now after the doctor had stumped away the old lady lay with a frown on her face thinking thinking responding absent-mindedly to Minnie Lawson's well meant fussing and then suddenly coming back to Consciousness and rending her with a vitriolic tongue poor little bobsy twittered Miss Lawson bending over Bob who had a rug spread on the corner of his mistress's bed wouldn't little bobsy be unhappy if he knew what he'd done to his poor poor Mrs Miss arundell snapped don't be idiotic Minnie and where's your English sense of justice don't you know that everyone in this country is accounted innocent until he or she is proved guilty oh but we do know Emily snapped we don't know anything at all do stop fidgeting mini pulling this and pulling that haven't you any idea how to behave in a sick room go away and send Ellen to me meekly Miss Lawson crept away Emily arundell looked after her with a slight feeling of self-reproach maddening as Minnie was she did her best then the frown settled down again on her face she was desperately unhappy she had all a vigorous strong-minded old lady's dislike of inaction in any given situation but in this particular situation she could not decide upon her line of action there were moments when she distrusted her own faculties her own memory of events and there was no one absolutely no one in whom she could confide half an hour later when Miss Lawson tiptoed creaking into the room carrying a cup of beef tea and then paused irresolute at the view of her employer lying with closed eyes Emily arundell suddenly spoke two words with such force and decision that Miss Lawson nearly dropped the cup Mary fox said Miss arundell a box dear said Miss Lawson did you say you wanted a box you're getting deaf Minnie I didn't say anything about a box I said Mary Fox the woman I met at cheltonham last year she was the sister of one of the Cannons of exiter Cathedral give me that cup you've spilt it into the saucer and don't tiptoe when you come into a room you don't know how irritating it is now go downstairs and get me the London telephone book can I find the number for you dear or the address if I'd wanted you to do that I'd have told you so do what I tell you bring it here and put my writing things by the bed Miss Lawson obeyed orders as she was going out of the room after having done everything required of her Emily arundell said unexpectedly you're a good faithful creature Minnie don't mind my bark it's a good deal worse than my bite you're very patient and good to me Miss lawon went out of the room with her face pink and incoherent words burbling from her lips sitting up in bed Miss arundell wrote a letter she wrote it slowly and carefully with numerous pauses for thought and copious underlining she crossed and recrossed the page for she had been brought up in a school that was taught never to waste notepaper finally with a sigh of satisfaction she signed her name and put it into an envelope she wrote a name upon the envelope then she took a fresh sheet of paper this time she made a rough dress draft and after having reread it and made certain alterations and erasers she wrote out a fair copy she read the whole thing through very carefully then satisfied that she had expressed her meaning she enclosed it in an envelope and addressed it to William pervis Esq messers pervis pvis Charlesworth and pervis solicitors harchester she took up the first envelope again which was addressed to Mr hercu Poo and opened the telephone directory having found the address she added it a tap sounded at the door Miss arundell hastily thrust the letter she had just finished addressing the letter to hercu poro inside the flap of her writing case she had no intention of rousing Minnie's curiosity Minnie was a great deal too inquisitive she called come in and lay back on her pillows with a sigh of relief she had taken steps to deal with the situation chapter 5 hercu poo receives a letter the events which I have just narrated were not of course known to me until a long time afterwards but by questioning various members of the family in detail I have I think set them down accurately enough poo and I were only drawn into the affair when we received Miss arundel's letter I remember the day well it was a hot airless morning towards the end of June poro had a particular routine when opening his morning correspondence he picked up each letter scrutinized it carefully and neatly slit the envelope open with his paper cutter its contents were perused and then placed in one of four piles beyond the chocolate pot poo always drank chocolate for breakfast a revolting habit all this with a machine-like regularity so much was this the case that the least Interruption of the r attracted one's attention I was sitting by the window looking out at the passing traffic I had recently returned from Argentina and there was something particularly exciting to me in being once more in the Roar of London turning my head I said with a smile poo I The Humble Watson am going to Hazard a deduction Enchanted my friend what is it I struck an attitude and said pompously you have received this morning one letter of particular interest you are indeed the Sherlock Holmes yes you are perfectly right I laugh you see I know your methods [Music] poro if you read a letter through twice it must mean that it is of special interest you shall judge for yourself Hastings with a smile my friend tendered me the letter in question I took it with no little interest but immediately made a slight grimace It Was Written in one of those old-fashioned spidery handwritings and it was moreover crossed on two pages must I read this poro I complained ah no there is no compulsion assuredly not can't you tell me what it says I would prefer you to form your own judgment but do not trouble if it bores you no no I want to know what it's all about I protested my friend remarked drill you can hardly do that in effect the letter says nothing at all taking this as an exaggeration I plunged without more Ado into the letter Mr herul Poo Dear Sir after much doubt and indecision I am writing the last word was crossed out and the letter went on I am emboldened to write to you in the hope that you may be able to assist me in a matter of a strictly private nature the words strictly private were underlined three times I may say that your name is not unknown to me it was mentioned to me by a Miss Fox of exiter and although Miss Fox was not herself acquainted with you she mentioned that her brother-in-law's sister whose name I cannot I am sorry to say recall had spoken of your kindness and discretion in the highest terms highest terms underlined once I did not inquire of course as to the nature nature underl bled of the inquiry you had conducted on her behalf but I understood from Miss Fox that it was of a painful and confidential nature last four words underlined heavily I broke off my difficult task of spelling out the spidery words poo I said must I go on does she ever get to the point continue my friend patience patience I grumbled it's exactly as though a spider had got into an ink pot and was walking over a sheet of Note Paper I remember my great aunt Mary's writing used to be much the same once more I plunged into the epistle in my present dilemma it occurs to me that you might undertake the necessary investigations on my behalf the matter is such as you will readily understand as calls for the utmost discretion and I may in fact and I need hardly say how sincerely I hope and pray pray underline twice that this may be the case I may in fact be completely mistaken one is apt sometimes to attribute too much significance to facts capable of a natural explanation I haven't left out a sheet I murmured in some perplexity poo chuckled no no because this doesn't seem to make sense what is it she is talking about continue as toes the matter is such as you will readily understand no I'd got past that oh here we are in the circumstances as I am sure you will be the first to appreciate it is quite impossible for me to consult anyone in Market basing I glanced back at the heading of the letter little Greenhouse Market basing Burks but at the same time you will naturally understand that I feel uneasy uneasy underlined during the last few days I have reproached myself with being unduly fanciful fanciful underlined three times but have only felt increasingly perturbed I may be attaching undue importance to what is after all a trifle trifle underlined twice but my uneasiness remains I feel definitely that my mind must be set at rest on the matter it is actually praying on my mind and affecting my health and naturally I am in a difficult position as I can say nothing to anyone nothing to anyone underlined with heavy lines in your wisdom you may say of course that the whole thing is nothing but a M's Nest the facts may be capable of a perfectly innocent explanation innocent underlined nevertheless however trivial it may seem ever since the incident of the dogs ball I have felt increasingly doubtful and alarmed I should therefore welcome your views and Counsel on the matter it would I feel sure take a great weight off my mind perhaps you would kindly let me know what your fees are and what you advise me to do in the matter I must impress on you again that nobody here knows anything at all the facts are I know very trivial and unimportant but my health is not too good and my nerves nerves underlined three times are not what they used to be worry of this kind I am convinced is very bad for me and the more I think over the matter the more I am convinced that I was quite right and no mistake was possible of course I shall not dream of saying anything underlined to anyone underlined hoping to have your advice in the matter at an early date I remain Yours Faithfully Emily arundell I turned the letter over and scanned each page closely but poo I expostulated what is it all about my friend shrug Ed his shoulders what indeed I tapped the sheets with some impatience what a woman why can't M or Miss arundell Miss I think it is typically the letter of a spinster yes I said a real fussy Old Maid why can't she say what she's talking about poo side as you say a regrettable failure to employ order and method in the mental process cesses and without order and Method Hastings quite so I interrupted hastily little gray cells practically non-existent I would not say that my friend I would what's the sense of writing a letter like that very little that is true poro admitted a long rigar all about nothing I went on probably some upset to her fat lap dog an asmatic pug or a yapping PE Andes I looked at my friend curiously and yet you read that letter through twice I do not understand you PUO poo smiled you Hastings you would have put it straight in the wastepaper basket I'm afraid I should I frowned down on the letter I suppose I'm being dense as usual but I can't see anything of interest in this letter yet there is one point in it of great interest point that struck me at once wait I cried don't tell me let me see if I can't Discover it for myself it was childish of me perhaps I examined the letter very thoroughly then I shook my head no I don't see it the old ladies got the wind up I realize that but then old ladies often do it may be about nothing it may conceivably be about something but I don't see that you can tell that that is so unless your instinct poo raised an offended hand Instinct you know how I dislike that word something seems to tell me that is what you infer J Dei me I reason I employ the little gray cells there is one interesting point about that letter which you have overlooked utterly Hastings oh well I said wearily I'll buy it buy it buy what an expression meaning that I will permit you to enjoy yourself by telling me just where I have been a fool not a fool Hastings merely unobservant well out with it what's the interesting point I suppose like the incident of the dog's ball the point is that there is no interesting point poo disregarded this Sally on my part he said quietly and calmly the interesting point is the date the date I picked up the letter on the top leftand Corner was written April 17th yes I said slowly that is odd April 17th and we are today June 28th say curix nay PA over two months ago I shook my head doubtfully it probably doesn't mean anything a slip she meant to put June and wrote April instead even then it would be 10 or 11 days old an odd fact but actually you are in error look at the color of the ink that letter was written more than 10 or 11 days ago no April 17th is the date assuredly but why was the letter not sent I Shrugged my shoulder ERS that's easy the old [ __ ] changed her mind then why did she not destroy the letter why keep it over 2 months and post it now I had to admit that that was harder to answer in fact I couldn't think of a really satisfactory answer I merely shook my head and said nothing poo nodded you see it is a point yes decidedly a curious point you are answering the letter I asked we manami the room was silent except for the scratching of Poo's pen it was a hot airless morning a smell of dust and tar came in through the window poo Rose from his desk the completed letter in his hand he opened a drawer and Drew out a little square box from this he took out a stamp moistening this with a little sponge he prepared to affix it to the letter then suddenly he paused stamp in hand shaking his head with Vigor naan he exclaimed that is the wrong thing I do he tore the letter across and threw it into the wastepaper basket not so must we tackle this matter we will go my friend you mean to go down to Market basing precisely why not does not one stop in London today would not the country air be agreeable well if you put it like that I said shall we go in the car I had acquired a secondhand Austin excellent a very pleasant day for motoring one will hardly need the muffler a light Overcoat a silk scarf my dear fellow you're not going to the North Pole I protested one must be careful of catching the chill said poo sententiously on a day like this disregarding my protests PUO proceeded to Da a fawn colored overcoat and wrap his neck up with a white silk handkerchief having carefully placed the wetted stamp face downwards on the blotting paper to dry we left the room together chapter 6 we go to little green house I don't know what porro felt like in his coat and Muffler but I myself felt roasted before we got out of London an open car in traffic is far from being a refreshing place on a hot Summer's Day once we were outside London however and getting a bit of pace on the Great West Road my spirits Rose our Drive took us about an hour and a half and it was close upon 12:00 when we came into the little town of Market basing originally on the main road a modern bypass now left it some 3 miles to the north of the mainstream of traffic and in consequence it had kept an air of old-fashioned dignity and quietude about it it's one wide Street and ample market square seem to say I was a place of importance once and to any person of sense and breeding I am still the same let this modern speeding world dash along their new fangled road I was built to endure in a day when solidarity and Beauty went hand inand there was a parking area in the middle of the big Square though there were only a few cars occupying it I dly parked the Austin PUO devestated himself of his Superfluous garments assured himself that his mustaches were in their proper condition of symmetrical flamboyance and we were then ready to proceed for once in a way our first tentative inquiry did not meet with the usual response sorry but I'm a stranger in these parts it would seem indeed probable that there were no strangers in Market basing it had that effect already I felt PUO and myself and especially PUO were somewhat noticeable we tended to stick out from the Mellow background of an English Market Town secure in its Traditions Little Greenhouse the man a Burly oxide fellow looked us over thoughtfully you go straight up the High Street and you can't miss it on your left there's no name on the gate but it's the first big house after the bank he repeated again you can't miss it his eyes followed us as we started on our course dear me I complained there is something about this place that makes me feel extremely conspicuous as for you PUO you look positively exotic you think it is noticed that I am a foreigner yes the fact cries aloud to Heaven I assured him and yet my clothes are made by an English tailor mused poro clothes are not every I said it cannot be denied PUO that you have a noticeable personality I have often wondered that it has not hindered you in your career poo side that is because you have the mistaken idea implanted in your head that a detective is necessarily a man who puts on a false beard and hides behind a pillar the false beard it is vuu and shadowing is only done by the lowest branch of my profession the hercu poos my friend need only to sit back in a chair and think which explains why we are walking along this exceedingly hot Street on an exceedingly hot morning that is very neatly replied Hastings for once I admit you have made the score off me we found little Greenhouse easily enough but a shock awaited us a house agent board as we were staring at it a dog's bark attracted my attention the bushes were thin at that point and the dog could be easily seen he was a wire-haired terrier somewhat Shaggy as to coat his feet were planted wide apart slightly to one side and He barked with an obvious enjoyment of his own performance that showed him to be actuated by the most amiable motives good Watchdog aren't I he seemed to be saying don't mind me this is just my fun my duty too of course just have to let em know there's a dog about the place deadly dull morning quite a blessing to have something to do coming into our place hope so it's darn dull I could do with a little conversation hello old man I said and shoved forward a fist craning his neck through the railings he sniffed suspiciously then gently wagged his tail uttering a few few shorts Stato barks not been properly introduced of course have to keep this up but I see you know the proper advances to make good old boy I said woof said the terrier amiably well poo I said desisting from this conversation and turning to my friend there was an odd expression on his face one that I could not quite fathom a kind of deliberately suppressed excit M seems to describe it best the incident of the dog's ball he murmured well at least we have hear a dog WF observed our new friend then he sat down yawned widely and looked at us hopefully what next I asked the dog seemed to be asking the same question parblue to messers what is it messers gabler and stretcher that does seem indicated I agreed we turned and retraced our steps our K9 acquaintance sending a few disgusted barks after us the premises of messers gabler and stretcher were situated in the Market Square we entered a dim outer office where we were received by a young woman with adenoids and a lackluster eye good morning said poro politely the young woman was at the moment speaking into a telephone but she indicated a chair and PUO sat down I found another and brought it Forward I couldn't say I'm sure said the young woman into the telephone vacantly no I don't know what the rates would be pardon oh main water I think but of course I couldn't be certain I'm very sorry I'm sure no he's out no I couldn't say yes of course I'll ask him yes 8135 I'm afraid I haven't quite got it oh 8935 39 Oh 5135 yes I'll ask him to ring you after 6 oh pardon before 6 thank you so much she replaced the receiver scribbled 5319 on the blotting pad and turned a mildly inquiring but uninterested Gaze on poro poro began briskly I observe that there is a house to be sold just on the outskirts of this town little green house I think is the name pardon a house to be let or sold said poo slowly and distinctly little greenhous oh little greenhous said the young woman vaguely little Greenhouse did you say that is what I said little Greenhouse said the young woman making a tremendous mental effort oh well I expect Mr gabler would know about that can I see Mr gabler he's out said the young woman with a kind of faint anemic satisfaction as of one who says a point to me do you know when he will be in I couldn't say I'm sure said the young woman you comprehend I am looking for a house in this neighborhood said PUO oh yes said the young woman uninterested and little Greenhouse seems to me just what I am looking for can you give me particulars particulars the young woman seemed startled particulars of little green house unwillingly she opened a drawer and took out an untidy file of papers then she called John a lanky youth sitting in a corner looked up yes Miss have we got any particulars of what did you say little greenhous said PUO distinctly you've got a large bill of it here I remarked pointing to the wall she looked at me coldly two to one she seemed to think was an unfair way of playing the game she called up her own reinforcements you don't know anything about little Greenhouse do you John no Miss should be in the file I'm sorry said the young woman without looking so in the least I rather fancy we must have sent all the particulars out say Dage pardon a Pity we've a nice Bungalow at HL and two bed one sit she spoke without enthusiasm but with the air of one willing to do her Duty by her employer I thank you no and a semidetached with small concern atory I could give you particulars of that no thank you I desired to know what rent you were asking for little Greenhouse it's not to be rented said the young woman abandoning her position of complete ignorance of anything to do with little Greenhouse in the pleasure of scoring a point only to be sold outright the board says to be let or sold I couldn't say as to that but it's for sale only at this stage in the battle the door opened in a gray-haired middle-aged man entered with a rush his eye a militant one swept over us with a gleam his eyebrows asked a question of his employee this is Mr gabler said the young woman Mr gabler opened the door of an inner sanctum with a flourish step in here gentlemen he ushered Us in an ample gesture swept us into chairs and he himself was facing us across a flat topped desk and now what can I do for you poo began again perseveringly I desired a few particulars of little Greenhouse he got no further Mr gabler took command ah little Greenhouse there's a property an absolute bargain only just come into the market I can tell you gentlemen we don't often get a house of that class going at the price tast swinging round people are fed up with Jerry building they want sound stuff good honest building a beautiful property character feeling Georgian through out that's what people want nowadays there's a feeling for period houses if you understand what I mean ah yes little Greenhouse won't be long in the market it'll be snapped up snapped up a member of parliament came to look at it only last Saturday liked it so much he's coming down again this weekend and there's a stock exchange gentleman after it too people want quiet nowadays when they come to the country want to be well away from main roads that's all very well for some people but we attract class here and that's what that house has got class you've got to admit they knew how to build for gentlemen in those days yes we we shant have little green long on our books Mr gabler who it occurred to me lived up to his name very happily paused for breath has it changed hands often in the last few years inquired porro on the contrary been in one family over 50 years name of arundell very much respected in the town ladies of the old school he shot up opened the door and called particular ERS of little Greenhouse Miss Jenkins quickly now he returned to the desk I require a house about this distance from London said PUO in the country but not in the dead country if you understand me perfectly perfectly too much in the country doesn't do servants don't like it for one thing here you have the advantages of the country but not the disadvantages Miss Jen flitted in with a typewritten sheet of paper which she placed in front of her employer who dismissed her with a nod here we are said Mr gabler reading with practiced rapidity period House of character for Reep 8 bed and dressing usual offices commodious kitchen premises ample outbuildings Stables Etc main water old world Gardens inexpensive upkeep amounting in all to 3 acres two summer houses etc etc price £850 or near offer you can give me an order to view certainly My Dear Sir Mr gabler began writing in a flourishing fashion your name and address slightly to my surprise PUO gave his name as Mr parate we have one or two other properties on our books which might interest you Mr gabler went on poo allowed him to add two further additions little Greenhouse can be viewed anytime he inquired certainly my dear sir there are servants in Residence I might perhaps ring up to make certain you will be going there immediately or after lunch perhaps after lunch would be better certainly certainly I'll ring up and tell them to expect you about 2:00 at is that right thank you did you say the owner of the house a Miss arundell I think you said Lawson Miss Lawson that is the name of the present owner Miss arundell I am sorry to say died a short time ago that is how the place has come into the market and I can assure you it will be snapped up not a doubt of it between you and me just in confidence if you do think of making an offer I should make it quickly as I've told you there are two gentlemen after it already and I shouldn't be surprised to get an offer for it any day from one or other of them each of them knows the others after it you see and there's no doubt that competition Spurs a man on ha ha I shouldn't like you to be disappointed Miss Lawson is anxious to sell I gather Mr gabler lowered his voice confidentially that's just it the place is larger than she wants one middle-aged lady living by herself she wants to get rid of this and take a house in London quite understandable that's why the place is going so ridiculously cheap she would be open perhaps to an offer that's the idea sir make an offer and set the ball rolling but you can take it from me that there will be no difficulty in getting a price very near the figure named why it's ridiculous to build a house like that nowadays would cost every penny of 6,000 let alone the land value and the valuable frontages Miss arundell died very suddenly didn't she oh I wouldn't say that anod Dom anod Domin she had passed her three score and 10 sometime ago and she'd been ailing for a long time the last of her family you know something about the family perhaps I know some people of the same name who have relations in this part of the world I fancy it must be the same family very likely for sisters there were one married fairly late in life and the other three lived on here ladies of the old school miss Emily was the last of them very highly thought of in the town he lent forward and handed poo the orders you'll drop in again and let me know what you think of it eh of course it may need a little modernizing here and there that's only to be expected but I always say what's a bathroom or two that's easily done we took our leave and the last thing we heard was the vacant voice of Miss Jenkins saying Mrs Samuels rang up Sir she'd like you to ring her Holland 5391 as far as I could remember that was neither the number Miss Jenkins had scribbled on her pad nor the number finally arrived at through the telephone I felt convinced that Miss Jenkins was having her revenge for having been forced to find the particulars of little Greenhouse chapter 7 lunch at the George as we emerged into the Market Square I remarked that Mr gabler lived up to his name poo ascented with a smile he'll be rather disappointed Ed when you don't return I said I think he feels he has as good as sold you that house already indeed yes I fear there is a deception in store for him I suppose we might as well have lunch here before returning to London or shall we lunch at some more likely spot on our way back my dear Hastings I am not proposing to leave Market basing so quickly we have not yet accomplished that which we came to do I stared do you mean but my dear fellow that's all a wash out the old lady is dead exactly the tone of that one word made me stare at him harder than ever it was evident that he had some bee in his Bonnet over this incoherent letter but if she's dead poo I said gently what's the use she can't tell you anything now whatever the trouble was it's over and finished with how slightly and easily you put the matter aside let me tell you that no matter is finished with until hercul poo ceases to concern himself with it I should have known from experience that to argue with PUO is quite useless unwarily I proceeded but since she is dead exactly Hastings exactly exactly exactly you keep repeating the significant point with a magnificently obtuse disregard of its significance do you not see the importance of the point Miss arundell is dead but my dear poro her death was perfectly natural and ordinary there wasn't anything odd or unexplained about it we have old gabler's word for that we have his word that little Greenhouse is a bargain at £ 2,850 do you accept that is Gospel also no indeed it struck me that gabler was all out to get the place sold it probably needs modernizing from top to toe I'd swear he or rather his client will be willing to accept a very much lower figure than that these large Georgian houses fronting right on the street must be the devil to get rid of Aban then said poro do not say but gabler says so as though he were an inspired Prophet who could not lie I was about to protest further but at this minute we passed the threat threshold of the George and with an emphatic chut Poo put a damper on further conversation we were directed to the coffee room a room of fine proportions tightly shut windows and an odor of stale food an elderly waiter attended to us a slow heavy breathing man we appeared to be the only lunchers we had some excellent mutton large slabs of watery cabbage and some dispirited potatoes some rather tasteless stewed fruit and custard followed after Gorgonzola and biscuits the waiter brought us two cups of a doubtful fluid called coffee at this point poo produced his orders to view and invited the waiter's aid yes sir I know where most of these are haml down is 3 Mi away on the M Benham Road quite a little place Naylor's Farm is about a mile away there's a kind of Lane goes off to it not long after the king's head Bisset Grange no I've never heard of that little green house is just close by not more than a few minutes walk ah I think I have already seen it from the outside that is the most possible one I think it is in good repair yes oh yes sir it's in good condition roof and drains and all that old-fashioned of course it's never been modernized in any way the gardens are a picture very fond of her garden Miss arundell was it belongs I see to a Miss Lawson that's right sir Miss Lawson she was Miss arundel's companion and when the old lady died everything was left to her house and all indeed I suppose she had no relations to whom to leave it well it was not not quite like that sir she had nieces and nephews living but of course Miss Lawson was with her all the time and of course she was an old lady and well that's how it was in any case I suppose there was just the house and not much money I have often had occasion to notice how where a direct question would fail to elicit a response a false assumption brings instant information in the form of a contradiction very far from that sir very far indeed everyone was surprised at the amount the old lady left the will was in the paper and the amount and everything it seemed she hadn't lived up to her income for many a long year something like3 or 400,000 she left you astonish me cried poro it is like a fairy tale the poor companion suddenly becomes unbelievably wealthy is she still young this Miss Lawson can she enjoy her Newfound wealth oh no sir she's a middle-aged person sir his enunciation of the word person was quite an artistic performance it was clear that Miss Lawson ex-company it must have been disappointing for the nephews and nieces mused poro yes sir I believe it came as somewhat of a shock to them very unexpected there's been feeling over it here in Market basing there are those who hold it isn't right to leave things away from your own flesh and blood but of course there's others as hold that everyone's got a right to do as they like with their own there's something to be said for both points of view of course Miss arundell had lived for many years here had she not yes sir she and her sisters and old General arundell their father before them not that I remember him naturally but I believe he was quite a character was in the Indian Mutiny there were several daughters three of them that I remember and I believe there was one that married yes Miss Matilda Miss Agnes and miss Emily Miss Matilda she died first and then Miss Agnes and finally miss Emily that was quite recently beginning of May or it may have been the end of April had she been ill sometime on and off on and off she was on the sickly side nearly went off a year ago with that their jaundice yellow as an orange she was for some time after yes she'd had poor health for the last 5 years of her life I suppose you have some good doctors down here well there's Dr Granger been here close on 40 years he has and folks mostly go to him he's a bit crotchety and he has his fancies but he's a good doctor none better he's got a young partner Dr Donaldson he's more the newfangled kind some folk prefer him then of course there's Dr Harding but he doesn't do much Dr Granger was Miss arundel's doctor I suppose oh yes he's pulled her through many a bad turn he's the kind that fair bullies you into living whether you want to or not poo nodded one should learn a little about a place before one comes to settle in it he remarked a good doctor is one of the most important people that's very true sir poo then asked for his bill to which he added a substantial tip thank you sir thank you very much sir I'm sure I hope you'll settle here sir I hope so too said poro mendaciously we set forth from the George satisfied yet PUO I asked as we emerged into the street not in the least my friend he turned in an unexpected Direction where are you off to now poro the church my friend it may be interesting some brass is an old Monument I shook my head doubtfully Poo's scrutiny of the interior of the church was brief though an attractive specimen of what the guide book calls early per it had been so conscientiously restored in Victorian Vandal days that little of Interest remained poo next wandered seemingly aimlessly about the churchyard reading some of the epitaphs commenting on the number of deaths in certain families occasionally exclaiming over the quaintness of a name I was not surprised however when he finally halted before what I was pretty sure had been his objective from the beginning an imposing Marble Slab bore a partly effaced inscription sacred to the memory of John lton arundell General 24th seeks who fell asleep in Christ May 19th 1888 AG 69 fight the good fight with all thy might also of Matilda a Ann arundell died March 10th 1912 I will arise and go to my father also of Agnes Georgina Maria Rundell died November 20th 1921 ask and Y shall receive then came a brand new piece of lettering evidently just done also of Emily Harriet La arundell died May 1st 1936 th will be done poo stood looking for some time he murmured softly may want us te may want us te and today June 28th I receive her letter you see do you not Hastings that that fact has got to be explained I saw that it had that is to say I saw that poro was determined that it should be explained chapter 8 interior of little greenhouse on leaving the churchyard porro led the way briskly in the direction of little Greenhouse I gathered that his role was still that of the prospective purchaser carefully holding the various orders to view in his hand with the little greenhous one uppermost he pushed open the gate and walked up the path to the front door on this occasion our friend the terrier was not to be seen but the sound of barking could be heard inside the house though at some distance I guessed in the kitchen quarters presently we heard footsteps crossing the hall and the door was opened by a pleasant-faced woman of between 50 and 60 clearly the old oldfashioned type of servant seldom seen nowadays poo presented his credentials yes sir the house agent telephoned will you step this way sir the shutters which I had noticed were closed on our first visit to spy out the land were now all thrown open in preparation for our visit everything I observed was spotlessly clean and well-kept clearly our guide was a thoroughly conscientious woman this is the morning room sir I glanced round approvingly a pleasant room with its long Windows giving on the street it was furnished with good solid old-fashioned Furniture mostly Victorian but there was a chip Andale bookcase and a set of attractive heel white chairs poo and I behaved in the customary fashion of people being shown over houses we stood stock still looking a little ill at ease murmuring remarks such as very nice a very pleasant room the morning room you say the maid conducted us across the hall and into the corresponding room on the other side this was much larger the dining room sir this room was definitely Victorian a heavy mahogany dining table a massive sideboard of almost purplish mahogany with great clusters of carved fruit solid leather covered dining room chairs on the wall hung what were obviously family portraits the terrier had continued to bark in some sequestered spot now the sound suddenly increased in volume with a crescendo of barking he could be heard Galloping across the hall who's come into the house I'll tear him limb from limb was clearly the burden of his song he arrived in the doorway sniffing violently oh Bob you naughty dog exclaimed our conductress don't mind him sir he won't do you no harm Bob indeed having discovered The Intruders completely changed his manner he fussed in and introduced himself to us in an agreeable manner pleased to meet you I'm sure he observed as he sniffed round our ankles excuse the noise won't you but I have my job to do got to be careful who we let in you know but it's a dull life and I'm really quite pleased to see a visitor dogs of your own I fancy this last was address to me as I stooped and patted him nice little fellow I said to the woman needs plucking a bit though yes sir he's usually plucked three times a year is he an old dog oh no sir Bob's not more than six and sometimes he behaves just like a puppy gets hold of Cook's slippers and prances about with them and he's very gentle though you wouldn't believe it to hear the noise he makes sometimes the only person he goes for is the postman downright scared of him the postman is Bob was now investigating the legs of Poo's trousers Having learned all he could he gave vent to a prolonged sniff um not too bad but not really a doggy person and returned to me cocking his head on one side and looking at me expectantly I don't know why dogs always go for postmen I'm sure continued our guide it's a matter of reasoning said poro the dog he argues from reason he is intelligent he makes his deductions according to his point of view there are people who may enter a house and there are people who may not that a dog soon learns Ean who is the person who most persistently tries to gain admission rattling on the door twice or three times a day and who is Never by any chance admitted the postman clearly then an undesirable guest from the point of view of the master of the house he is always sent about his business but he persistently returns and tries again then a dog's duty is clear to Aid in driving this undesirable man away and to bite him if possible a most reasonable proceeding he beamed on Bob and a most intelligent person I fancy oh he is Sir he's almost human Bob is she flung open another door the drawing room sir the drawing room conjured up memories of the past a faint fragrance of poy hung about it the Chinas were worn their pattern faded garlands of roses on the walls were prints and watercolor drawings there was a good deal of China fragile Shepherds and shepherdesses there were cushions worked in Cruel Stitch there were faded photographs in handsome silver frames there were many inlaid work boxes and tea caddies Most Fascinating of all to me were two exquisitely cut tissue paper ladies underglass stands one with a spinning wheel one with a cat on her knee the atmosphere of a bygone day a day of leisure of refinement of ladies and gentlemen closed round me this was indeed of withdrawing room here ladyes sat and did their fancy work and if a cigarette was ever smoked by a favored member of the male sex what a shaking out of curtains and general airing of the room there would be afterwards my attention was drawn by Bob he was sitting in an attitude of wrapped attention close beside An Elegant little table with two drawers in it as he saw that I was noticing him he gave a short plaintive Yelp looking from me to the table what does he want I asked our interest in Bob was clearly pleasing to the maid who obviously was very fond of him it's his ball sir it was always kept in that drawer that's why he sits there and asks her voice changed she addressed Bob in a high falsetto it it isn't there any longer beautiful Bob's ball is in the kitchen in the kitchen bobsy Bob shifted his gaze impatiently to poro This Woman's a fool he seemed to be saying you look a brainy sort of chap balls are kept in certain places this drawer is one of those places there always has been a ball here therefore there should be a ball there now that's obvious dog logic isn't it it's not not there now boy I said he looked at me doubtfully then as we went out of the room he followed slowly in an unconvinced manner we were shown various cupboards a downstairs cloak room and a small pantry place where the mistress used to do the flowers sir you were with your mistress a long time asked PUO 22 years sir you are alone here caretaking me and cook sir she was also a long time with Miss arundell for Years sir the old cook died supposing I were to buy the house would you be prepared to stay on she blushed a little it's very kind of you sir I'm sure but I'm going to retire from service the mistress left me a nice little sum you see and I'm going to my brother I'm only remaining here as a convenience to miss Lawson until the place is sold to look after everything poo nodded in the momentary silence a new sound Was Heard bump bump bump a monotonous sound increasing in volume and seeming to descend from above it's Bob sir she was smiling he's got hold of his ball and he's bumping it down the stairs it's a little game of his as we reached the bottom of the stairs black rubber ball arrived with a thud on the last step I caught it and looked up Bob was lying on the top step his paws split out his tail gently wagging I threw it up to him he caught it neatly chewed it for a minute or two with evident relish then laid it between his paws and gently edged it forward with his nose till he finally bunted it over and it bumped once more down the stairs Bob wagging his tail furiously as he watched its progress he'll stay like that for hours sir regular game of his he'd go on all day at it that'll do now Bob the gentlemen have got something else to do than play with you a dog is a great promoter of friendly intercourse our interest and liking for Bob had quite broken down the natural stiffness of the good servant as we went up to the bedroom floors our guide was talking quite carelessly as she gave us accounts of Bob's wonderful sagacity the ball had been left at the foot of the stairs as we passed him Bob gave us a look of deep disgust and stalked down in a dignified fashion to retrieve it as we turned to the right I saw him slowly coming up again with it in his mouth his gate that of an extremely old man forced by unthinking persons to exert himself unduly as we went round the bedrooms poro began gradually to draw our conductress out there were four Miss arundells lived here did they not he asked originally yes sir but that was before my time there was only Miss Agnes and miss Emily when I came and Miss Agnes died soon afterwards she was the youngest of the family it seemed odd she should go before her sister I suppose she was not so strong as her sister no sir it's odd that my miss arundell miss Emily she was always the delicate one she'd had a lot to do with doctors all her life Miss Agnes was always strong and robust and yet she went first and miss Emily who'd been delicate from a child outlived all the family very odd the way things happen astonishing how often that is the case poo plunged into I feel sure a holy mendacious story of an invalid Uncle which I will not trouble to repeat here it suffices to say that it had its effect discussions of death and such matters do more to unlock the human tongue than any other subject poro was in a position to ask questions that would have been regarded with suspicious hostility 20 minutes earlier was Miss arundel's illness a long and painful one no I wouldn't say that sir she'd been ailing if you know what I mean for a long time ever since two Winters before very bad she was then this here jaundice yellow in the face they go and the whites of their eyes ah yes indeed anecdote of Poo's cousin who appeared to have been the yellow Peril in person that's right just as you say Sir terribly ill she was poor dear couldn't keep anything down if you ask me Dr Granger hardly thought she'd pull through but he'd a wonderful way with her bullying you know made up your mind to lie back and order your Tombstone he'd say and she'd say I have a bit of fight in me still doctor and he'd say that's right that's what I like to hear a hospital nurse we had and she made up her mind that it was all over even said to the doctor once that she supposed she'd better not worry the old lady too much by forcing her to take food but the doctor rounded on her nonsense he said worry her you've got to to bully her into taking nourishment Valentine's beef juice at such and such a Time Brands essence teaspoonfuls of Brandy and at the end he said something that I've never forgotten you're young my girl he said to her you don't realize what fine fighting material there is in age it's young people who turn up their toes and die because they're not interested enough to live you show me anyone who's lived to over 70 and you show me a fighter someone who's got the will to live and it's true sir we're always saying how wonderful old people are their vitality and the way they've kept their faculties but as the doctor put it that's just why they've lived so long and got to be so old but it is profound what you say they're very profound and Miss arundell was like that very alive very interested in life oh yes indeed sir her health was poor but her brain was as Keen as anything and as I was saying she got over that illness of her surprised the nurse it did a stuck up young thing she was all starched collars and cuffs and the waiting on she had to have and tea at all hours a fine recovery yes indeed sir of course the mistress had to be very careful as to diet at first everything boiled and steamed no grease in the cooking and she she wasn't allowed to eat eggs either very monotonous it was for her still the main thing is she got well yes sir of course she had her little turns what I'd call bilious attacks she wasn't always very careful about her food after a time but still they weren't very serious until the last attack was it like her illness of 2 years before yes just the same sort of thing sir that nasty johis and awful yellow color again and the terrible sickness and all the rest of it brought it on herself I'm afraid she did poor dear ate a lot of things she shouldn't have done that very evening she was took bad she'd had Curry for supper and as you know sir Curry's rich and a bit oily her illness came on suddenly did it well it seemed so sir but Dr Granger he said it had been working up for some time a chill the weather had been very changeable and too rich feeding surely her companion Miss Lawson was her companion was she not could have dissuaded her from Rich dishes oh I don't think Miss Lawson would have much say Miss arundell wasn't one to take orders from anyone had Miss Lawson been with her during her previous illness no she came after that she'd been with her about a year I suppose she'd had companions before that oh quite a number sir her companions didn't stay as long as her servants said PUO smiling the woman flushed well you see sir it was different Miss arundell didn't get out much and what with one thing and another she paused poo eyed her for a minute then he said I understand a little the mentality of elderly ladies they crave do they not for novelty they get perhaps to the end of a person well now that's very clever of you sir you've hit it exactly when a new lady came Miss arundell was always interested to start with about her life and her childhood and where she'd been and what she thought about things and then when she knew all about her well she'd get well I suppose bored is the real word exactly and between you and me these ladies who go as companions they are not usually very interesting very amusing eh no indeed sir they're poor spirited creatures most of them downright foolish now and then miss arundell soon got through with them so to speak and then she'd make a change and have someone else she must have been unusually attached to miss Lawson though oh I don't think so sir Miss Lawson was not in any way a remarkable woman I shouldn't have said so sir quite an ordinary person you liked her yes the woman Shrugged her shoulders slightly there wasn't anything to like or dislike fussy she was a regular old maid and full of this nonsense about spirits Spirits poro looked alert yes sir Spirits sitting in the dark round a table and dead people came back and spoke to you downright irreligious I call it as if we didn't know departed Souls had their rightful place and aren't likely to leave it so miss Lawson was a spiritualist was Miss arundell a Believer too Miss Lawson would have liked her to be snapped the other there was a spice of satisfied malice in her tone but she wasn't poo persisted the mistress had too much sense she snorted mind you I don't say e e e e e e for