FromBackCover…

"Ishouldhaveadoptedyou,notmarriedyou!"

Adam'scommentwasmadejokingly,aftertheirhastymarriage.Admittedly,Mirandawasyoung,buthisproposalhadseemedlikeagoodpracticalarrangement.ItwouldprovideMirandawithahomeandhisdaughter,Fay,withamother.

UnderstandingFaywasonlypartoftheproblem.MirandafounditincreasinglydifficulttolivewiththeghostofAdam'sfirstwife—andtoknowthathergrowingloveforhimwasunwanted…

Excerpt…

"Stayherewithmeuntilbedtime."

Miranda'swordsmadeAdamlookdownatherinsurprise.Itwasthefirsttimeshehadevertriedtodetainhim.

"I'mafraidyoumustfindtheeveningsdull,"hesaid.

"No,no,theothersIdonotmind,buttonightisdifferent.Youaredifferent."

"AmI?"Hestoodregardingherwithanoddexpression."Isitpossibleyouaretryingtoflirtwithme,Miranda?"heasked.

Shelookedupathim."Yes,"sherepliedwithfirmness.

Hiseyebrowslifted."Thatmightbedangerousinthecircumstances,"hesaidsoftly."I'mfleshandblood,youknow,inspiteofourplatonicagreement."

"Ouragreementwasofyourmaking,"shereplied,theheavylashesveilinghereyes.

WintersbridebySaraSeale

CHAPTERONEAdamChantrydidnotknowwhythefairshouldattracthim.Itwasashoddylittlecollectionofboothsandamusementstallserectedtemporarilyonapieceofwastegroundattheendofthepromenade.Asad,dirtylittlefairthatrepelledratherthaninvitedpatronage.

Adamhadwalkedalongthefrontafteranindifferentdinnerathishotel,cursingthelateconsultationatthehospitalthathadnecessitatedhisstayingthenight.HisthoughtsturnedhomewardtoWintersbrideandthedaughterheknewsolittle.Faywouldbeinbednow,perhapsasleep,perhapsinoneofherimperiousmoodswiththewatchfulSimmywardingoffascenewithheraccustomedastuteness.ThankheavenforSimmy,Adamthoughtratherwearily.Hesighedsharply.Hisfriendswereright,hesupposed;heshouldmarryagain.AndhethoughtofGracewhohadsodeeplyadmiredthedeadMelisandeandwhowaswaitinghumblyyetconfidentlytostepintohershoes.

Hefrownedashewalked,sothatpeopleglancedathimspeculatively,wonderingwhohewaswithhisfaintairofdistinctionanddark,impatientface.ButGrace—no.HecouldnotbeartolivewithanechoofMelisande'searlyperfection.Theyweretooalike,sheandMelisande,andhewantednomoreofwomennow,leastofallthegentlebutstilldemandingdevotionthatGracewassoreadytogivehim.Hisworkhadbeenall-sufficingforyears,andonlylatelyhadhecometorealizethathisdaughterperhapsneededsomethingmorethanhisownandSimmy'scarefulvigilance.Shewouldlookathimwithhostileeyes,summinghimupwiththatprecociousmatu-ritythatwassodisturbing,withdrawingfromhimintoherownsmall,self-centeredworld.

Itwasatthispointinhisreflectionsthathebecameawareofthefair.Itwasnearlydarkbutstilltooearlytoturnbacktothehotelandgotobed.Histhoughtswereunpleasantcompanythisevening,andhedecidedtoseekabriefdiversioninwhatattractionsthefairhadtooffer.Theywerenotmany.

Hepassedthetentthathousedthetwo-headedcalf,havingnolikingformonstrosities,pausedforamomenttowatchthehulagirlswagglingtheirhipsinvitinglyandfoundthatinthenextbooththeknifethrowerhadalreadycloseddownforthenight.ThereremainedonlythetentoftheMightyMesmero,whosegarishposterclaimedhimtobeTheGreatestHypnotistinAllEurope.

"MesmeroandTojoareuniqueinshowbusiness,"amaninapurplesweaterwasshoutingfromthelittleplatform."ThisyoungboywhomIwillnowshowyouwasfoundonthesteppesofAsiabythemaestro,whoeversincehasexercisedaremarkablecontroloverhim.HeisbothdeafanddumbandhisactionsareentirelygovernedbytheMightyMesmero'suniquepowersTojo—comeshowyourself."

Adam'smouthgaveasmallskepticalquirk.Hehadyettoseetheactinwhichgenuinehypnotismwasperformed.Theboywasclimbingontotheplatform,stumblingalittleashemountedthericketysteps.HewasdressedintheconventionalEasterntighttrousersandtunic,withtarnishedcostumejewellery,buttheturbanhadbeenreplacedbyatightspangledskullcapthatgavehimtheillusionofasadharlequin.Adamwasabouttoturnawaywhensomethingin

theboy'sexpressionmadehimfrownandobservehimwithamoreprofessionaleye.Wasitpossiblethatthiswastheauthenticthingafterall?Theboystoodthere,hiseyeswideandunblinkinginthenaphthaflares,lookingstraightovertheheadsofthesmallcrowd.Heswayedalittleashestood,andthatblank,fixedgazeneverwavered.

"Deafanddumb,"theshowmanwasrepeating."CompletelydependentontheMightyMesmeroforallhisactions—evenhisverythoughts.Youwillsee,ladiesandgentlemen,themostremarkabledemonstration…"

Theman'svoicewentonmonotonously,deliveringhispatter,butAdamwasnotlistening.TheMightyMesmeroinflowingrobesnowappearedontheplatform.HewasunimpressiveandAdamdoubtedifhecouldhypnotizeafly.Besidehiscoarsefeaturestheboy'sfacetookonastartlinglookofdelicacy,andheedgedslightlyaway.Mesmeromadesomeineffectualgesturestotheaudience,thendisappearedagainintothetent,pushingtheboybeforehim.Adampaidhissixpenceandjoinedthesmallknotofpeoplewhofollowedthem.

Thetentwasdarkandstuffyandtherewastheheavyscentofincenseburningsomewhere.

Behindthescenessomeonestartedupagramophone,andtothejarringstrainsofawell-wornrecordofEasternmusic,thecurtainwasdrawnjerkilyaside.

Theboysatinahigh-backedchaironaraiseddaislookingstraightahead.Mesmeromovedslowlytowardthedais,hishandsoutstretchedintheconventionalgestureofcastingaspell.

"Iwillnowputthisboyintoastateoftranceandhewillbesubmissivetomywill,"hesaidinasonorousbrokenaccent."Tojo—lookatme."Theboyslowlyturnedhishead."Lookinmyeyes…submit…submit…"

Theboyswallowedconvulsively,thensaidquiteclearly,"Icannot…"

Someonetitteredandmurmuredaudibly,"Deafanddumb,Idon'tthink!"

"Tojo!"Mesmerothundered."Youwillobey!"

"I—Icannot,"theboysaidagain,andslumpedforwardinhischair.

ForamomentMesmerostooduncertainly;thenheannouncedsolemnlytotheskepticalaudience,"Silence!Tojoisintrance."

"You'dbetterstopthisnonsense,theboy'sill,"Adamsaidquietly,andpushedhiswaythroughthelittlegroupofpeople.Themaninthepurplesweaterappearedsuddenlyfromoutsideandbegantoclearthetent.

"Whoareyou?"Mesmeroaskedimperiously,buthelookedfrightened.

"I'madoctor,"Adamreplied,andbentovertheboy.

Nowheknewwhathadpuzzledhimabouthim.Evenwhenhehadbeenstandingoutsideonthe

platformhehadbeenonthevergeofcollapse.Adamliftedhimoutofthechairand,layinghimflatonthegrass,loosenedhistunicandfeltforhisheart.Helookedupquicklywithasardonicliftoftheeyebrows.

"You'reaphonyallthrough,aren'tyou,Mesmero?"heremarked."Whytroubletohidehersex?Isn'tagirlamoreglamorousadditiontoanactthanaboy?"

Mesmerolookeduneasy.

"Ithasalwaysbeenso.TheMightyMesmeroandTojo.Weareknowneverywhereinshowbusiness,andwecannotchangetheactbecausetherealboyismissing.Iknownothingaboutthisgirl,doctor.Shecomestome,shewantsajob,theshowopensinhalfanhourandthereisnoTojo.Ilookather,sheissmall,thin,shewillpassforaboy.WhatcouldIdo?"

"There'snolawasfarasIknowagainstgirlsimpersonatingboysonthestageorviceversa,"retortedAdam."Cutshorttheprotestationsandfetchmesomewater."

Thegirlopenedhereyes.Theyweregrayandheavilylashedandlookedtoobigforherthin,delicateface.

"Whoareyou?"sheasked.

"I'madoctor,"Adamsaid."Youfaintedatthebeginningofyouract.Liestill,you'llfeelbettersoon."

Shepulledoffthetightskullcapwithasighofrelief.Withoutitshelookedlessstrainedandpinched,thoughtheimpressionofdelicacywasheightened.Herhair,sofairthatitwassilverratherthangold,wascutshortandcurledoverherheadlikeaveryyoungchild's.

Adamsmiledinvoluntarily.

"Howdidyoucometogetmixedupwithabunchlikethis?"heasked."Youdon'tbelongamongthesepeople."

"Idonotbelonganywhere,"sherepliedsedately."ButIhavetoeat."

Mesmerocamebackwithaglassofwaterandshetookitfromhim,gravelysippingit.

"I'mafraidIspoiledyouract,Mr.Mesmero,"shesaid."YoushouldhaveletmehavethatmealwhenIaskedyouforit."

"Therewasnotime,"heblustered."Youhadtoberehearsed,youhadtogetdressed.Therewasonelittlehalfhourandyouhadtothinkoffood!"

"Haveyoueverbeenhungry,Mr.Mesmero?"shesaidgently,andAdamglancedathersharply.

"Whendidyoulasthaveapropermeal?"heasked.

"Twodaysago—Ithink,"shereplied."Yousee,Ihadtopayformyroom,andIcouldnothavearoomandeat,aswell."

"Youdidnottellmethis.Iknownothingaboutyou,"Mesmeroprotested."ButnowIpayyoufortheperformanceyouruinedandyougoandgetameal.Thatisgenerous,hein?"

"ButyousaidIcouldstayhereuntilthefairmovedon."

"No,no,no,thatisimpossible.Thereisnoroom."

Thestrangelittleairofcomposureleftherandherfacecrumpleduplikeachild's.

"ButIhavenowheretogo,"shesaid.

"Whataboutthisroomthattookallthemoneyyoushouldhavespentonfood?"Adaminquiredwithskepticalamusement.

"Mylandladyletmyroomthismorning.Icouldnothaveaffordedtostayonwithoutajobanyway,"shesaid,andtheuncontrollabletearsoftheresultofoverstrainfilledhereyes.

Adammadeaquickdecision.Shewasnearerabreakdownthanhehadatfirstsupposed.Thewholesituationwasbizarreandpossiblyquitespurious,butprofessionalinstinctwouldnotallowhimtoabandonherinsuchcircumstances.

"Youhadbettercomebackwithmetomyhotelandthey'llfindyouaroomforthenight,"hesaidprosaically."Ihavetoreturntomyhometomorrow,butinthemorningwecantalk."

Shelookedathimsuspiciously.

"ButIdon'tknowyou,"shesaidwithsuddenprimness.

Hissmilewasalittlesardonic.

"Whatdifferencedoesthatmake?Youdidn'tknowtheMightyMesmero,either,butyouwerepreparedtospendthenighthere."

Hehaddeliberatelyspokensharplyandhesawherflush.

"Thatwasdifferent,"shereplied."Itwasabusinessproposition."

"Weil,wecan'tdiscussbusinessatthishourandplace.Lookonmeasamealticketifyoulike,butcomealong."

"Yes,yes,gowiththegentleman,"saidMesmerohastily."Thefairisclosingdownandwedonotwantthepoliceinquiringwhywedonotclosethebooths."

"Oroneortwootherlittlethings,Ishouldn'tbesurprised,"saidAdampleasantly.

Themangavehimaquick,suspiciouslook,thenhustledthegirloutofthetenttothecaravanwhereshehadchangedherclothes.

Adamhadmanagedtogetholdofataxiwhilehewaswaiting,forhedidnotthinkshewasfittowalkbacktothehotel.Heglancedatherwithmildcuriosityasshewalkedacrossthegrassfromthecaravan,carryingasmallsuitcase,butheragestilldefeatedhim.

"Feelingbetter?"heasked.

"Empty,"shesaidashetookthesuitcasefromher.

"Well,we'llsoonremedythat.Comealong."

Asthecardrewupatthehotel,hesaid,"Bytheway,what'syourname?"

"Miranda,"shereplied."MirandaClare."

Mostoftheresidentshadgonetobed,foritwasnearlyeleveno'clock.

"Theyoungladywillbestayingthenightifyouhavearoom.Apatientofmine,"Adamsaidtothesleepyreceptionclerk.

"Certainly,Mr.Chantry,"themanreplied."Onthesamefloorasyours?"

"Itdoesn'tmatter,"Adamsaidindifferently,andcaughtawidegrinonthegirl'sface.Itchangedhercompletely,lendingheranairofmischiefthatwasverycharming.Hisansweringglancewassevereandheturnedtotheclerk.

"Canthekitchenproduceamealofsorts?"heasked,frowning.

"I'llseewhatIcando,sir,"themansaid."Forone—upstairs?"

"Forone—inthediningroom."

Hetookthegirlintoasmallsmokingroomthatwasdeserted.Theremainsofafireburnedinthegrate.Mirandacrouchedbesideitandheldouthercold,slenderhandstothewarmth.

"Theclerkthinksyouhaveimproperdesignsonme,"shesaid."Haveyou?"

"Mydearchild!"Hewasbeginningtofeelannoyed."Youareveryclearlyyoungenoughtobemydaughter."

"Why,howoldareyou?"sheaskedhimgravely.

"Thirty-eight."

"Youwouldhavetohavebeenratherprecocioustobemyfather,"shesaidwithalittlesmile."I'mnineteen."

"ThenyououghttoknowbetterthantojoinupwitharuffianliketheMightyMesmero."Hesoundedbrusque."Isupposeyourealizewhatwouldhavebeentheendofit?"

"Isupposeso.Butwhenoneishungryandwithoutanymoney,onedoesnotstoptothink.Youhaven'taverygoodbedsidemanner,haveyou?"shesaid.

"Idon'tneedabedsidemannerinmyprofession."

"Ithoughtyousaidyouwereadoctor.Youaren't,areyou?Theclerkaddressedyouasmister."

"I'masurgeon,notageneralpractitioner.Mydeargirl,whatdoyoureallysupposeI'vebroughtyouherefor?"

"Idon'tknow.AsIsaidbefore,whenyou'rehungryandwithoutalodgingyoudonotasktoomanyquestions."

Hemovedimpatiently.Hecouldnotmakeherout.Onemomentshewaslikethechildhehadfirsttakenherfor,thenextshewasdiscussingveryadultproblemswithaprovocativeairofcomposure.

"Andareyoupreparedthento—shallwesay,humorme—forthepriceofanight'slodgingandcomfort?"heasked.

Shelookedacrossathim,seeingthesuddenhardnessinhisdarkface,theindifferentcoolnessinhiseyes,andthehandsshewasholdingtothefiresuddenlytrembled.

"I—Idon'tthinkmyideasareverycoherent,"shefaltered.

Shehadgoneverywhite,andbeforehecouldspeakagainshebrokeintoastormofweeping.

"Now,lookhere,thiswon'tdo,"hesaid,andhisvoicewassuddenlygentle."Youwerepullingmyleg,weren'tyou,andperhapsIwaspullingyours?Youmaybenineteenandhighlyversedinthewaysoftheworld,butatthemomentyou'renothingbutanoverwroughtchildandIshouldknowbetterthantopermitscenesofthiskind.Now,stopcrying,andtellmehowyou'vecometobelandedinsuchapredicament."

Weeping,shetoldhimherstory.Therewaslittletorelate.ShehadspentmuchofherlifeinFrancewithanartistfather.Shehadnomother.SomeonecalledPierreMorelfiguredinthestory,butwhetherhewasabrotherorafriend,Adamcouldnotgather.Ayearago,herfatherhadcrossedtoEnglandwithouther.Hehadbeenfailinginhealthforsometime,buthowillhewasnoonehadguessed.Hehadbeencarriedofftheboatinacriticalconditionandtakenstraighttohospital,wherehehaddiedintheoperatingroom.Ithadtakensometimefortheauthoritiestotraceher,andbythetimethenewsreachedFrance,FrankClarehadbeenburiedforaweek.

"WhoisthisPierre?"askedAdam."Didn'thelookafteryouwhenyourfatherdied,asthere

seemstobenooneelse?"

"Hedidwhathecould,buthehadnomoney,either,andhisaffairswereinadelicatestate,youunderstand?HecouldnotshowmetoomuchattentionbecauseoftheLatours."

"WhoaretheLatours?"

"Distantcousinsofhis."

"Thenhe'snotarelativeofyours?"

"Pierre?Oh,no,no,butaverydearfriend.PierreisFrench.HeusedtoteasemeandsayhewouldmarrymewhenIgrewup,butIthinkbynowheismarriedtoMargueriteLatour,becauseofthemoney,yousee."

"AndthenyoucametoEngland?"heprompted.

"Yes.PierrerememberedmymotherhadrelativesinEngland,butwhenIgothereIfoundtheyhadgoneoverseasmanyyearsago.Therewasnomeansoftracingthem.Pierresentmealittlemoney,buthecouldnotaffordmuch,andIcouldnotgobacktoFrance—toPierre.ItwouldhaveupsettheLatours,whichwasonlynatural.WhenheandMargueritemarried,hesaid,theywouldhavemetostayandfindmeahusbandintheFrenchfashion."

"ButyouarenotFrench,Miranda,"saidAdamalittledryly."Wouldn'tyoumindbeingmarriedoffintheFrenchfashion,asyoucallit?"

"No,"shesaid."Securityisbetterthanindependence,andIamnotromantic."

"Youwon'talwaysfeellikethat.You'reveryyoung."

Shehadstoppedcryingandnowshelookedathimwithanairoftolerantwisdomthathefoundratherdisconcerting.

"No,myfriend,"shesaid."Afterayearofacceptinganyjobthatwouldkeepmealive,Ishallneverscoffatsecurity.Ifyoumusthavelovethrownin,well—Idonotthinkitwouldbedifficulttomakeyourselflovesomeonewhowasreasonablydecent."

Hiseyebrowswentup,butallhesaidwas,"Youhavesomeratherstartlingideas.Ah,here'syoursupper."

WhilesheateshetoldAdamsomethingaboutthewayshehadbeenlivingforthepastyear.Shewasskilledatnothinguseful,shesaid,andshehadnoreferences.Shewastooyoung,tooold,tootalkative,toosilent,andalwaysshewasinexperienced.

"Whateverthejob,Iwaswrong,"shesaid.BythetimeshehadchancedonthefairandtheMightyMesmero,shewashungryandhomelessandwithoutapenny.

"IfIhadnotbeenstarvingIwouldhaveenjoyedit,"shesaid."It'salltrickery,youknow.He

couldnothavehypnotizedme,really."

"Enjoyedit?"hesoundedskeptical.

Shefrowned.

"Well,no,perhapsnot.Ihatebeingstaredat.ButifIhadnotbeenhungryandthetentsostuffy,Iwouldn'thavefaintedandspoiledtheactandImighthavegotaroundMr.Mesmerotoletmestaywiththemwhenthefairmovedon."

'I'venodoubtyouwould,"remarkedAdamdryly."Anddulyregrettedit,Ifear,whentheMightyMesmerobegantogetfresh."

Sheloweredherheavylashes.

"Yes,well—asIsaid,Ididnotthinkofthatatthetime.ThesortofmenI'verunacrosswerefondofcurves—"shesketchedavagueoutlinewithherlivelyhands"—andpeopleareapttothinkmemuchyoungerthanIam.It'sanadvantage,youknow,exceptwhenyou'redealingwithprospectiveemployers."

Shecarefullyscrapedthelastvestigeoffoodfromherplate,thenleanedbackinherchairwithasighofrepletion.

"ThatwasthemostwonderfulmealI'veevereaten,"shesaid.Sheclosedhereyes,andAdamsawthebluetransparencyofhereyelidsandthedeepsmudgesthatlaybelow.

Foramomentheexperiencedatendernesstowardherthathehadnotknownforanyhumanbeingformanyyears,thetendernesshecouldperhapshavefeltforhisdaughter,hadsheeverwantedit.

"Comealongbeforeyoudropofftosleep,"hesaid,gettingtohisfeetabruptly."We'llgoandfindoutwhatroomthey'vegivenyou,andtomorrowwemustdecidewhat'stobedonewithyou."

Hehimselfdidnotsleepwellandbythetimehewascalledhewasalreadyregrettinghisimpulseofthenightbefore.Whatonearthwashegoingtodowiththisunexpectedscrapofhumanity?HecouldhardlygobacktoDevonshireandleaveherstrandedinthisstrangetownwithouteventhepriceofhernextnight'slodging.

HewentdowntobreakfastinabadmoodandwasrelievedtofindthatMirandadidnotjoinhim.TherewasaletterforhimfromGraceandhefrownedatit,wonderingirritablywhyshealwaysfounditnecessarytowritetohimtheminutehewasawayfromhome.Therewasalreadymorethanaproprietaryhintintheflowing,well-turnedsentences,andAdamrealizedwithasmallsenseofshockthatnotonlyGraceandhermother,butmostoftheirfriends,wereexpectinghimtomarryher.Hethrusttheletterintohispocketandtoldhimselfangrilythathehadnevergivenhertheslightestencouragement.ShehadbeenMelisande'sfriendandlaterithadseemedonlynaturalthatsheshouldtakeaninterestinMelisande'smotherlesschild.Hehadbeengratefultoherandhadvaluedherhelpinthedifficultmonthsafterhiswife'stragicdeath,andlaterwhen

friendsbegantohintthatheshouldmarryagain,hehadfoundheraprotectionagainsttheobviousmachinationsofothermothersofeligibledaughters.Hehadsupposed,alittlewryly,thatevenanot-so-youngwidowerwithadifficultdaughterwasmadeattractivebywealthandabrilliantreputation,forherankedhighinhisprofessionandmadeagreatdealofmoney.

HedidnotbelievethatGracewasinlovewithhim,butshewasoverthirtyandwantedmarriageandaposition.

Withaquick,irritablestride,heleftthediningroomandwentupstairstoseeMiranda.

Shewassittingupinbed,abreakfasttrayacrossherknees.Already,hethought,shelookedbetter,althoughhenowsawthatshewaspainfullythin.

"Goodmorning,"shesaidwithhermouthfull,"Ihopeyoudidnotmind,butbreakfastinbedissuchaluxury.Besides,itisbetterforyourreputation,doyounotthink?"

Hefrowned.

"What'smyreputationgottodowithit?"

"Well,suddenlyappearingatbreakfastinpublicwithastrangegirl—peoplemightthinkthings."

Thisaspectoftheaffairhadnotoccurredtohim,butseeingherwideeyesfixedonhimunblinkingly,hewasnotaltogethersurethatregardforhisreputationwouldgreatlyworryher.

"Well,now,whatarewegoingtodowithyou?"hesaidbriskly."Youneedrest,youknow,andacertainamountofbuildingupbeforeyoutackleanymorejobs.Icouldsendyoutoanursinghomeforaweekorso,oralternativelyyoucouldcomebackwithme."

"Toyourhome?"Shesoundedverypolitebuthereyesweresuddenlyguarded.

"Yes,whynot?Themoorlandairwouldsoonputyourightandyou'dbeacompanionforFay,mydaughter."

Herfacecleared.

"Oh,you'remarried.Perhapsyourwifewouldlikeagovernessforthelittlegirl,or—oracompanionorsomething."

"Mywife'sdead,"hesaidbriefly,andshelookedembarrassed.

"Oh—oh,Isee.ThenIcouldhardlystayinyourhousewithyouandjustthelittlegirl,couldI?"

Hesmiledreluctantly.

"Well,perhapsitwouldn'tdo,thoughSimmy,Fay'sgoverness,wouldbeamostexcellentchaperon.However…"Hebegantopaceupanddowntheroom,hishandsinhispockets.

Mirandawatchedhimunderherlashes,revisingherfirstopinionofhim.Helookedolderinthemorninglight,considerablyolderthanhisthirty-eightyears,andhewasgoingalittlegray.Hispatientswouldlikethat,shethought,andwouldalsolikethesuggestionofautocracyinhisratherbrusquemanner.Yes,agreatmanywomenwouldfindhimattractive.

"You'reabitofaproblem,aren'tyou?"hesaid,pausingatthefootofthebedwherehestoodlookingdownather."Can'tyougetintouchwiththisPierre,whoseemstobetheonlyfriendyouhave?"

"MyletterstoPierrewerereturned,"shesaid."Hispresentaddressisunknown.Ithink,perhaps,ifheismarriedtoMarguerite,shedoesnotwishhimtorememberhisoldfriends."

"Isee.Well,thatseemstoleaveme,andIreallycannothaveitonmyconsciencethatIturnedachildofyourtenderyearsandinexperienceadriftintheworld."

"IdonotseewhyIneedbeonyourconscience,"shesaid."Afterall,itwasonlyachancemeeting."

"Still,sometimeschancemeetingshavetheirsignificance,"hesaidslowly,andhishandclosedonGrace'sletter."Miranda,didyoumeanwhatyousaidlastnightaboutputtingsecurityabovetheindependence—above,shallwesay,romance?"

"Ofcourse,"shesaid,lookingsurprised."But,forsomeonelikeme,thatcanonlycomethroughadesirablemarriage."

"Adesirablemarriage,"herepeatedwithalittlequirkofthelips."Iwonderifmarriagetomewouldcomeintothatcategory."

"Toyou?"Forthefirsttimesheseemedatalossforspeechwhileconflictingexpressionschasedeachotheracrossherastonishedface.

"Youmean…youmean…butyou'renotserious!"

"Strangelyenough,IthinkI'mperfectlyserious,"herepliedonafaintnoteofsurprise,andremovingthebreakfasttrayfromherknees,hecameandsatdownontheedgeofthebed.

CHAPTERTWO"Firstofall,"hebeganinhislecture-roommanner,"let'sgetthepositionquiteclear.Youneedahomeandsomeonetoprovideforyou,Ineedamistressformyhouseandacompanionformychild.Ialsoneed—especiallynow—the…socialprotectionofawife."

"Somewomanistryingtomarryyou?"sheaskedcalmly.

Hesmiled.Shehadanadmirabledirectness.

"Somethinglikethat,thoughrathermorenebulous.Rather,shallwesay,asituationhasarisenthatmightbecomeawkward.AtthesametimeIoughttomarryagainforFay'ssake."

"ButIdonotthink,"shesaidsedately,"thatIwouldmakeagoodmothertoastrangelittlegirl."

Heregardedherquizzically.

"Perhapsnot,butFaydoesn'tneedamother.Sheneedsacompanionnearerherownage—twelve."

"Sevenyearsdifference.Notenoughforastepmother."

"Itdependsonthepointofview,"heretorted."Youdon'tknowmydaughteryet.Now,there'snotmuchIcantellyouaboutmyself.I'mreasonablywell-to-doasthingsgotoday,andyouwouldfindmequitegenerous."

"Butnot,perhaps,aneasymantolivewith,"shesaidgently.

Hiseyebrowslifted.

"Idon'tthinkyou'dfindmeunreasonable.Inanycaseyouwouldn'tseeagreatdealofme.I'manextremelybusymanandwhenthere'sarushofworkIfrequentlydon'tcomehomeatall,andIhaveanapartmentovermyconsultingroomsforthoseoccasions.Farfromfindingmeunderyourfeet,youmightfeelalittlelonely.Thehouseisveryisolated."

"Butonewouldbeunreasonabletoexpectperfectionfromsuchanarrangement,"shesaid.

"Averysensiblepointofview,"hesaidalittledryly."Well,whatdoyousay?"

Shelaybackonthepillowsandlookedattheceiling.

"Haveyouthought,perhaps,thatImightnotsuityouasawife?"sheaskedsedately."Me,Ihavemyownpersonality.Iwouldnotcaretobealittledogtodoyourbidding."

Forthefirsttime,helaughed.

"IhopeIshouldn'torderyoutodoanything,butifIsofarforgotmyselfthenyouwouldhavetoresemblethelittledogstillfurtherandsnapatmyheels."

Hermouthcurledupinagrin.

"You'renicewhenyoulaugh,"shesaid,andstretchedoutahandtohim."Icouldlikeyou."

Herememberedhersaying,thenightbefore,thatitshouldnotbedifficulttomakeyourselfloveanyonewhowasreasonablydecent,andmoveduneasily.

"Ihopeyouwill,"hesaidalittlebrusquely."Icouldlikeyou,too—verymuch.Butdon'tbeunderanymisapprehension,Miranda.Thiswouldbepurelyabusinessarrangement."

Shewithdrewherhandandregardedhimgravely.

"Ofcourse.Youhavemadeyourneedsquiteclear."

"Well,I'llleaveyoutothinkitover.Mytrainleavesatoneo'clock,sogivemeyouranswerassoonasyou'redressedasI'llhavetomakesomesortofarrangementforyou."

Hegotupandshestretchedherselfslowly.

"There'snothingtothinkover,"shesaid."Youcanhaveyouranswernow."

"Youmeanyou'vedecidedagainsttheidea?"Foramomenthefeltanirrationalsenseofdisappointment.

"Oh,no,"shesaid,andsighed."Ireallyhavenochoice,forsuchanopportunitywouldnevercomemywayagain.Yes,Mr.Chantry,Iwillmarryyou.What,please,isyourfirstname?"

"Adam."

"Adam…"sherepeatedslowly."'AndtheLordGodsaid,Itisnotgoodthatthemanshouldbealone;Iwillmakehimahelpmateforhim…'"

"You'reastrangechild,"hesaid,smiling."Nowhurryupandgetdressed.TherearematterstobediscussedbeforeIgo."

Hewaswritinginthesmokingroom,asmallpileofneatlyaddressedenvelopesonthedeskbesidehim,whenshecamedown.Helookedupwithabriefsmileandwavedhertoachair.

"Iwon'tkeepyoulong,"hesaidbriskly."Ordersomecoffee—I'vejusthalfanhourbeforeImustleave."

Heturnedbacktohisletters.BythetimehehadfinishedawaiterhadbroughtthecoffeeandMirandawasalreadydrinkinghers.

"Well,thatshouldtakecareofeverythingforthetimebeing,"hesaid,sittingdownbesideher,thelettersinhishand."Nowlistencarefully.ThisisanotetoaMissEvans.SheisaretirednurseandrunsaverysmallconvalescenthomeinHampstead.I'veexplainedthecircumstancesandshewilllookafteryouuntilIcanmakeotherarrangements.Hereisanoteformybank.Goandseethem.TheywillhaveinstructionsfromthePlymouthbranchforyoutodrawonaspecifiedamount.InthisenvelopeyouwillfindmyprofessionaladdressandtelephonenumberandenoughmoneytosettleyourbillhereandcoveryourfaretoLondon.Ihavetoreturnhereinaweekorsotooperate,afterwhichI'llmeetyouinLondonwherewe'llgetmarriedatonce—it'llmeanaspeciallicense,butthelessfussandpublicitywehavethebetter.Bytheway,I'vesimplytoldMissEvansyouareapatient,soIdon'tadviseyoutoenlightenherinanyway.She'sabitofanoldgossip.Now,isallthisquiteclear?"

Shesatlookingattheletters,herforeheadwrinklingalittle.

"Yes,"shesaid."Butthebank—IwillnotneedmoneyifIamstayingwiththisMissEvans."

Heregardedherwithacertaindryamusement.

"You'llneedclothes,mydearchild,"hesaid."If,asyousay,whatyouhaveonisallyoupossess,Ihardlythinkit'sanadequatewardrobetobringwithyouasabride."

"Isee,"shesaid,andsatsilentlyturningthelettersoverinherhands.Thenshelookedupathim."Youareverytrusting,aren'tyou?Icould—makeuseofthese,andthenquietlyvanishbeforeyoureturned."

"That'sachanceIhavetotake,"hesaidwithacertainseverity,"butIthinkI'llbackmyfancyallthesame.Now,Imustgoupandpackandsettlemybill.IsthereanythingelseyouwanttoaskmebeforeIgo?"

"Idon'tthinkso,"shesaidsedately."Wouldyoulikemetocometothestationwithyou?"

"Notintheleast,"hereplied."Ihatebeingseenoff.Haveagoodlunchhere,thengouptoLondonandgetsettledwithMissEvans."

Shewasstillsittinginthesmokingroom,lookingalittlelost,whenhecamedownreadyforhisjourney.

"Goodbye,"hesaid,holdingouthishand."I'llletyouknowassoonasallthearrangementshavebeenmade.Inthemeantime,restasmuchasyoucanandmakeupforallthosemissedmeals,please.Imustgonow.Mytaxi'swaiting."

"Goodbye,"shesaid,shakinghandsformally."Ihopeyouhaveapleasantjourney."

Shedidnotthankhimforhiskindnessofthenightbeforeandhedidnotseemtoexpectit.Hegaveherabriefnodandasmile,andsheremainedwhereshewasinthesmokingroomandwatchedhistallfigurecrosstheloungeanddisappearthroughtheswingingdoors.

Thelifeofthelittlehotelwenton,ignoringher.Itwasjustononeo'clock.Mirandapinchedherselfhardandwentintolunch.

ToAdamtheensuingdaysweretoofullforhimtogivemuchthoughttohisapproachingmarriage.Therewaspressingworkawaitinghimonhisreturn,andeveryhourinhisappointmentbookwasfilledforthenextfortnightsothathewasrarelyathomeandslept,asusualatsuchtimes,intheapartmentabovehisconsultingrooms.Indeed,whenhethoughtofMirandaatallitwaswithamixtureofamusementandapprovalthatatnineteensheshouldtakesuchapracticalviewofthefuture.Hesawnostrangenessinthesituation.Hewasnotanimpulsiveman,buthebelievedinsnapdecisions.Hehaddecidedonmarriagejustashewouldhavedecidedtooperate,andthedecisionbeingmade,thesoonerthethingwasaccomplishedthebetterforeveryone.

Theweekendhespentathomeonlystrengthenedhispurpose.Faywasdifficultanddemanding,andhesawwithsharperclaritythattheyearsofisolationatWintersbridehadmadeherfartooprecocious.Gracewasnotgoodforher,unconsciouslyingratiatingherselfwiththechildtoestablishafootingwiththefather.WatchingGraceamonghisroses,touchingthisbloomandthatwithproprietaryfingers,hecomparedherwithMirandaandsmiledalittlegrimly.Mirandawasachild.Shewouldnever,astheolderwomanwould,remindhimofMelisande,gracious,elegant,theperfectchatelaineofhishome.

Hedidnottellthemthenofhisintentiontomarry,buttheeveningbeforehewastoreturntoMaybury-on-seatooperate,hedroveouttoWintersbridetopackafewadditionalthings.Fayhadgonetobedand,whenMissSimmsaskedhimifhewerereturningstraighthomefromMaybury,herepliedcasually,"No,I'mgoingontoLondonforanight.I'mgettingmarried."

"Married!"ForamomentSimmylookedastakenabackasshefelt,andherlongsallowfacedroppeditshabitualmask.SheadmiredGrace,butshehadnotsharedthegeneralopinionthatMr.Chantryshouldmarryagain.

"It'sverysudden,isn'tit?"shesaid,butthecolorlesslasheshidhereyes.

"Shocksarebettersprungsuddenlyornotatall,"herepliedenigmatically."Youevidentlydon'tfeelit'samatterforcongratulations,Simmy."

"I'msorry,Mr.Chantry,"shesaidquickly."Youtookmebysurprise.Ihopeyou'llbe…veryhappy.HaveyoutoldFay?"

Hissmilewasalittlecryptic.

"No.Youcandothattomorrow.She'lltakeitbetterfromyou."

Simmysmiled.

"Idon'tthinkyouneedworry.You'reheresoseldomandFayisquitefondofMissLatham."

Adamgaveheralevellook.

"It'snotMissLathamI'mmarrying,"-hesaidbriefly.

"NotMissLatham?ButIthought…"Shelookedbewildered.

"Toomanypeoplesufferfromwishfulthinkingwithoutanyrealgroundsforit,"hesaid."NoneofyouknowstheladyI'mbringinghere,andthat,perhaps,isalltothegood."

Hepickeduphissuitcaseandstartedtogo.HewasclearlynotgoingtoelaboratefurtherandMissSimmsknewhimtoowelltoaskquestions.

"Thenyouwon'tbereturningatonce,"shesaid,andhefrowned.

"Whynot?Ifyou'rethinkingofhoneymoons,Simmy,I'mmuchtoobusyforthat.Weshallbe

comingstraightback.I'llwireyou,andinthemeantimetellMrs.Yeotogetthesouthroomready."

"Verywell.Issheto—leaveitasitis?"

ThesouthroomhadbeenMelisande's.Ithadnotbeenusedsinceshedied,butthebooks,theexpensivetriflesandthemonogrammedtoiletsetwerestillthereasshehadleftthem.

Foramomenthiseyesnarrowed,andhelookedatMissSimmswithpassingspeculation.WhatwasshegoingtothinkofthesecondMrs.Chantry?

"Whynot?"hesaidthen,andhissmilewasalittleironical."NowIcometothinkofit,theinitialsarethesame.Goodbye,Simmy.Icansafelyleaveeverythingtoyou."

AshedrovebacktoPlymouthherememberedMirandasaying,"You'reverytrusting,aren'tyou?…Icouldquietlyvanishbeforeyoureturn,"anditcrossedhismindforamomentmathemightbemakingafoolofhimself.Whatdidheknowofhersavethatshewasalittlewaifwithanunusualphilosophyoflife?However,therewasaletterawaitinghimathisapartment,acknowledginghisarrangementsfortheirmarriageandassuringhimthatshewouldbereadyforhimattheappointedtime,andhepromptlyforgotherasheranthroughhissecretary'srear-rangementofhisfutureappointments.

IfAdamhadbeentoopreoccupiedtogivemuchthoughttothesituation,forMirandathedayswereverydifferent.AsshegrewstrongerunderMissEvans'swatchfulcare,shehadplentyoftimetoreflect.Whathadseemedpracticalandpossibleonanemptystomachappeared,afteracourseofgoodfoodandrest,tobeamomentoussteptotakeinsuchahurry.Whatdidsheknowofthisstranger,somucholderthanherself,whocouldcontemplatetakingawifewithnomorethoughtthanhemightgivetothechoosingofapuppy?Shehadlikedhim,andinstinctivelyshehadtrustedhim,butsheknewshewouldhavefeltthesametowardanyonewhohadcometoherrescueatthatparticularmoment.

Lyingawakeinhernarrow,hardlittlebed,shetriedtoreasonasshehadsooftenheardPierrereason.Securitywasimportant,hehadargued.Onecouldbecomefondofanyone,giventherightbackgroundandareasonablenature.Shethoughtthatlifesoontaughtonetoacquireareasonablenatureandthatfondnesswasamatteroftemperament.Shecouldnotafforddoubtsinherpresentpositionand,assheherselfhadsaidtoAdam,suchanopportunitymightnevercomeherwayagain,andamarriageofconvenience,evenwithastranger,couldbenoworsethantheterrifyingstruggleforexistenceinaworlddevoidoffriends.

So,fromthefirstdoubtsMirandadriftedintoadreamlikestateofacceptance.ShevisitedAdam'sbank,halfexpectingapolitedisclaimerofherexistence,butfoundthefriendlymanagerreassuringandincurious.ShedeliveredAdam'snotetoanexpensive-lookingshopinBrutonStreetandfoundherselfimmediatelytakeninhandbytheheadsaleswoman.

Here,Adamhadpresumablymadehisintentionsclear,andthesaleswomanwasflattering,ifalittlecondescending.ItsoonbecameevidentthatthefirstMrs.Chantryhadspentlavishlyandhadbeenregardedasaprivilegedcustomer.

"Averybeautifulwomanandarealpleasuretodress,"Mirandawastold."Sosad,hersuddendeath.Wewerealldesolatedhereinthesalon.WedidnotthinkthatMr.Chantrywouldevermarryagain,butthen,timehealsoldwounds."

Mirandaattendednumerousfittings,listeningpolitelytothegossipandwonderingifAdamhadbeendeeplyinlovewithhiswife.Shewasawarethathissecondchoicewasoccasioningsurpriseandveiledcuriosity.Theyweremakingthebestofher,shethoughtwithoutresentment.Shecouldnot,theytoldherkindly,carryoffthecreationsthathadmadethefirstMrs.Chantryoneofthebest-dressedwomeninLondon,butshecouldcapitalizeonheryouth.

Mirandasmiledwithsecretamusement,thinkingitwasapitythatsomuchthoughtandexpenseweretobewastedonamanwhowouldscarcelyappreciateit.

MissEvansbecameincreasinglycuriousasMiranda'strousseaubegantoarriveatthenursinghome.

"My!Dubonnet's!"sheexclaimed,fingeringthelabelsontheboxes.Andherlookplainlysaidthattheremustbesomethingalittleoddaboutapatientwhoarrivedinacheap,shabbysuit,withnootherluggage,andthenproceededtospendasmallfortuneinBrutonStreet."Areyougettingmarriedallofasudden?"

"Yes,"saidMiranda,embarrassed.Itwasbettertotellherthatmuch."We—myfiancéisbuyingmytrousseau."

"Dearme!Yourfiancémustbearichyoungman,orareyoujustsendinghimthebillsandhopingforthebest?"

"Hemadethearrangementhimself,"Mirandasaidalittlestiffly.

"Well,well,"MissEvanssaidcoyly,"somepeoplehavealltheluck.Willhebecallingforyouherewhenyouleave,dear?"

"Idon'tknow,"Mirandareplied.

ShehadnotyetreceivedAdam'slettertellinghertomeethimoutsidetheregistrar'soffice,topleaseremembertheringashedidnotknowthesizeofherfinger.

Shevisitedajewellerthedaybeforethewedding,feelingunaccountablydepressed.Itfeltstrangeandalittlelonelytobuyyourownweddingring,andshethoughtthesalesmanlookedatheroddlyashenoticedherhandswerebareofanyotherrings.

"Goldorplatinum?"heaskedindifferently.

"Idon'tknow.Whatisusual?"Mirandasaid.

"It'samatteroftaste,madam,"themanreplied,lookingpained."Platinumismorefavoredthesedays.Isyourengagementringsetinplatinum?"

"Myengagementring?Oh,Ihaven'tgotoneyet,"saidMiranda,confused.

Thesalesmanpursedhislips,broughtoutatrayofplainplatinumringsandsaidfirmly,"Madamhadbettertrythemforsize,"

Shetriedthemonhastilyuntilshefoundonethatfitted.

"Thiswilldo,"shesaid.

Shepaidfortheringquicklyandwasgladtogetoutoftheshop.Shewassurethatthemanwasquiteconvincedbynowthatherintentionswerenotstrictlymatrimonial.

Sheturnedwithreliefintoaneighboringcafé,andasshesatatthemarble-toppedtable,sherealizedfullyforthefirsttimethattomorrowbythistimeshewouldbemarriedtoastrangerandjourneyingtowardahomeofwhichshedidnotevenknowthename.

Shegotupearlythenextmorningtodoherpacking.Shehadboughtaslittleaspossible,butevensosheseemedtopossessmoreclothesthanshehadeverownedbefore.

Whatdidonewearataweddinginaregistrar'sofficeonacoldsummer'sday,shewondered,surveyinghernewfinerydoubtfully.IntheendshechoseaplainlinendresswithachildishroundcollarbecausethecolorremindedheroftheMediterranean.Shehadnoideathatitturnedheratonceintoawell-dressedschoolgirl.

Shehadspentsolongdecidingwhattowearthatshewaslateforherappointment.Adam,waitingoutsidetheregistrar'soffice,frownedathiswatchandwonderedagainifshehadmadeafoolofhim,thenhesawherrunningdownthestreet.Hehadtimetowatchherbeforeshesawhimandhiseyesnarrowedincynicalimpatiencewithhimself.Why,shewasjustachild!Heshouldbetakingoutadoptionpapers,notsigningthemarriageregister.

"You'relate,"hesaidinthesameperemptorytonesheusedtohisnurseswhenhehadbeenkeptwaiting.

Shestoodbeforehim,breathlessandalittleflushed.Shelookedupatthedark,unfamiliarface,atthestronglinesofself-discipline,atthegrayinhishair,andforamomentherresolutionfaltered.

"I'msorry,"shesaid."Icouldnotfindataxi."

"Well,comealong.We'retwentyminuteslatealready.Haveyougotthering?"

Dumblyshefumbledforitinherpurse,andhesawherhandtrembleasshegaveittohim.Foramomenthemusthaveunderstoodherpanic,forhesaid,lookingdownatherwithasofteningofthedark,probinggaze,"Areyousureyouwanttogothroughwiththis?It'snottoolatetochangeyourmind."

Shetookadeepbreath.

"Yes,I'msure—assureasI'vebeenofanythingsincemyfatherdied."

Shefelthishandonhershoulderforaninstant.

"Itwillbeallright,"hesaid."Thisnextquarterofanhourdoesn'tmeananything.Justthinkofitassigningacontract—acontractforabetterjobthanyou'vehadsofar.That'sallitmeanstome,youknow."

"Yes,ofcourse."

Itdidnotseemlikeamarriageceremony.Theregistrarwithhisprofessionalsmile,thetwostrangewitnesses,eventhewordsshespoke,werequiteunreal.Veryquicklytheringwasonherfingerandtheregistrarwasraisinghiseyebrowsbecausethebridegroomshowednosignsofkissingthebride.ThentheywereoutinthestreetagainandAdamwasonthecurb,flaggingataxi.

"Didyounoticehisfalseteeth?"Mirandasaidasthetaxitookthemtothenursinghometocollectherluggage."

"Ithoughttheywouldcomeunstuckanyminute."

"Nevergotbeyondhistemporaryset,Iexpect,"Adamreplied.ItwastheonlyconversationtheyhadbeforetheyreachedHampstead.

MissEvansgreetedAdameffusively,andhereyesbulgedwhensherealizedthatitwashewhomheruncommunicativelittlepatienthadbeenengagedtomarry.ShefollowedMirandauptoherroomandstoodalittlegrimlyinthedoorwaywhilethecaseswereshutandlocked.

"Well!"sheremarked."Youareadeeponeandnomistake.Whycouldn'tyouhavetoldmeitwasAdamChantryyouweregoingtomarry?Cradlesnatching,that'swhatIcallit,butthey'reallthesameafterthey'vereachedacertainage.NotthatI'mnotpleasedhe'smarriedagain.He'sstillacomparativelyyoungman,andalthoughhewassopassionatelyinlovewithhisfirstwife,Ialwayssay,timehealsoldwounds."

"Mrs.Chantrywasaverybeautifulwoman,soIunderstand,"Mirandasaid,lockingthelastofthesuitcases.

"Quitethebeauty,"repliedMrs.Evanpromptly."Ionlysawheronce,butshewaslikesomethingoutofthepictures—andhowheworshippedher!Ishouldn'thavesaidyou'dbehiscupoftea,butyounevercantell,canyou?"

"Imustgo,"Mirandasaid,hercolorhighatthewoman'sexpression."Wehaveatraintocatch."

Theyhadlunchonthetrain.ThewaiterwasdeferentialbutalludedtoMirandaastheyounglady,andAdamremarkedwithasardonicgrin,"You'llhavetogetusedtobeingtakenformyniece,orevenmydaughter."

Shesmiledathimalittleuneasily.Shehadnotasyetthoughtofherselfashiswife.

Thejourneyseemedendless.Adamwasconsiderate,buthewasnotdisposedtotalk,andshesatoppositehimforhours,lookingoutthewindow.

Itwasalongtimelaterwhen,havingdroppedtosleep,sheopenedhereyesatasuddenlurchthetraingave,andfoundhewaswatchingherspeculatively.

"Youlookbetter,"hesaidapprovingly.

"Better?"

"Thanwhenwefirstmet,thoughthere'sstillplentyofimprovementwecaneffect.You'retoothinandIshouldsayyoustillneedplentyofrest."

"I'vealwaysbeenthin,"shesaid."Does—doesyourlittlegirlmindaboutme?"

Hissmilewasalittlecrooked.

"Ihaven'ttheslightestidea.Ilefthergovernesstotellher."

"Oh…"Shelookedathimunderherlashes.Didhethink,shewondered,thechildwouldresenther?"Howoldwasshewhenhermotherdied?"

"Five."

"Thensheremembersher?"

"Hardly.Hermotherwasillforsometime.Thechildwassentaway."Hislipsstillhadthatbitterlittlequirk,buthiseyeswerehardandguarded.Heclearlydidnotwanttobequestioned,andpresentlyhepickedupabookandbegantoread.

Sevenyears,Mirandathought,watchinghissquare,surgeon'shandsastheyturnedthepages;sevenyearsinwhichtogrieveforabeautifulwoman.Butthelinesinhisfacespelledbitternessandself-disciplineratherthangrief,andhehadnot,shethought,learnedtolerancefromthepast.

ShewastiredbythetimetheyreachedPlymouth,andwasgladshehadnotpackedhercoatasshefollowedAdamintothestationyardandstoodshiveringbesidetheluggagewhilehewenttolookforhischauffeur.

Shethoughtthemanlookedatherwithsurpriseashetouchedhiscap,butshewasbecomingusedtothat,andtoAdam'slongsilences.Hesatbesideherinthecarwithoutspeakingastheyweredrivenoutofthetownandthroughthedim,mistydrizzletotheedgeofDartmoor.Everysooftenthemistliftedsufficientlyforhertocatchaglimpseoftherough,desolatecountrythatseemedtostretchinunbrokensolitudeasfarasthedarkeninghorizon.

Once,assheshivered,heaskedherifshewascold,andwhensheshookherheadheremarked

casually,"You'llgetusedtoDartmoor.You'renotseeingitatitsbestthisevening."

"Doesanyonelivehere?"sheasked,andhesmiledatthedoubtinhervoice.

"Oh,yes.Therearefarmsandlittlevillages,andthere'sWintersbride."

"Wintersbride?"Shelingeredoverthecuriousname.

"Yourhome."

"Oh,"shesaid,andwithdrewfartherintohercorner.

Itwastoomistytoseemuchbythetimetheyarrivedatthehouse,butshehadanimpressionofwell-keptlawnsandterraces.Thehouseitselfwasbigandsprawlingandbuiltoftheharshwest-countrystone,asilentforbiddinghousewithshutteredwindowsthatrevealednolights.

"WelcometoWintersbride,"Adamsaidalittlesardonicallyasthecarstopped,andsheshivered.Histouchwaslightandimpersonalashehelpedheroutofthecar.Helookedatherforamomentwithaquizzicalexpression."Youdon'tlikeit?"heaskedpolitely.

"Ithasa—asecretlook"shesaid,staringattheblindwindows.

"Ihopeyou'renotfanciful,Miranda,"herepliedalittleshortly,andevenashespokethefrontdoorwasopenedfromwithinandlightfloodedout,dispellingtheillusion.

ShefollowedAdamuptheshortflightofstepsandstoodblinkinginthelightwhileshelistenedtohimgreetingthetall,thinwomanwhohadopenedthedoor.

"Well,hereweare,Simmy,rightonschedule.Allwell?"

"Yes,Mr.Chantry.Faywillbedowninamoment.It'sverylate,Iknow,butwemadeanexceptionthisevening."

"Miranda,thisisMissSimms,Fay'sgoverness,andthemainstayofthishouse.Simmy,thisismywife."

Forthefirsttime,MissSimmslookedatMirandathoroughly,observingtheimmaturefigure,theyoung,transparentface,andthepalesofthairthatcurledsochildishly.MissSimms'seyes,whichatfirsthadheldashockofdismay,changedtoalookofcondescensionbeforetheywereveiledagainwithherhabitualreserve.

"Howdoyoudo?"saidMiranda,holdingoutherhand.

"Forgiveme,"thegovernessreplied,shakinghandsafterabarelyperceptiblepause."Youaresomuchyoungerthanwehadexpected,Mrs.Chantry.I'mhappytowelcomeyoutoWintersbride."

Hertouchwascold,andMirandathoughttherewashostilityinthequietvoice,orwasitonlypolitesurprise?ShewasawareofAdam'sfrownashewatchedthemboth.Heturnedtothefoot

ofthestaircaseandcalledinperemptorytones,"Fay!Comedownatonce!"

TherewasamovementonthelandingaboveandMirandarealizedthatsomeonehadbeentherelisteningallthetime.Slowlyafigurebegantodescendthestairs,andasthelightfellonachild'sface,sostrange,sodarklybeautiful,shecaughtherbreath.

"Comealongandgetacquainted,"Adamsaid."YoushouldhavebeendownherewithSimmytowelcomeyourstepmother,youknow."

Thechildcontinuedherslowdescent.Onthebottomstepshepausedandherdark,brilliantgazefastenedonMiranda,whowasstandingalone,alittleforlornly,inthecenterofthehall.

"You—mystepmother!"shesaid,andbegantolaugh.

"Fay,rememberyourmanners,please,"MissSimmssaidsharply,butthechildturnedandfledbackupthestairsandthepealsofherderisivelaughtercameechoingdowntothemuntiladoorslammedsomewhereandtherewassilence.

CHAPTERTHREEMiranda,gettingreadyforbedinthestrangebedroomthatseemedsouncomfortablylarge,gazedintoherowneyes,which,wideandapprehensive,lookedbackatherfromthemirror.

Hernervehadbeenshakenbythatwildlaughter,andtherehadbeensomethinghostileaboutallthreeofthematthatmoment—thechildrunningaway,thegovernessdispleasedbutunsurprised,andAdam,hisdarkfacecoldandtautashisbroodinggazerestedcriticallyonMiranda'smotionlessfigure.

"Fayisaprecociouschild,"hehadsaidthen."Sheprobablythinksyou'renotmucholderthansheis.Simmywillshowyouyourroom.You'dlikeabathbeforedinner,Idaresay."

ShehadwonderedifMissSimmsthoughtitstrangethatAdamshouldnothimselfperformthatsmallcourtesyforhisbride,butfollowingthegovernessupthewide,polishedstaircase,shereceivedtheunwelcomeimpressionthatSimmyknewallthatwentoninthehouse.

Amaidwasalreadyinthebedroomunpacking,andMissSimmssaid,"ThisisNancy.ShelooksafterFay'sneedsandyours,too,ofcourse,fromnowon.Youhaveonlytoring.Nancy,I'msureyou'llmakeMrs.Chantrycomfortable."

Thegirlstaredwithill-concealedcuriosity.Shehadboldeyes,butshelookedfriendlyandMirandasmiledatherandreceivedaknowinggrininreturnbeforeshewasleftalonewiththegoverness.Mirandawanderedovertothedressingtableandhereyesfellonthemonogrammedbrushesgleamingwithpolishedeleganceinthelamplight.

"Oh,"shecried,"howlovely,"andfeltsurprisethatAdamshouldhavetakenthoughtortimetoprepareforhercoming.

Inthemirrorshesawthegoverness'smouthtighten,andonanimpulsesheturnedandsaidshyly,"Idohopeyouwilllikeme,MissSimms—youandthelittlegirl."

MissSimmsdidnotanswerdirectly,butrepliedwithafaintairofreproof,"YoumustexcuseFaytonight,Mrs.Chantry.Shewasnotprepared.Itwouldhavebeenbetterifherfatherhadexplainedthecircumstancestoherhimself."

"Thecircumstances?"

"Thefactthatyouweresoyoung.I'mafraidthechildhasbeenbuildingupthewrongsortofpictureofyou."

"Oh,Isee.Well,IdonotthinkIwasprepared,either.She'slovely,isn'tshe?"

"She'sverylikehermother,"MissSimmsrepliedcolorlessly."Now,youhaveyourownbathroom—thisdoorhere;theotherleadstoMr.Chantry'sroom.Dinnerisusuallyateighto'clock,buttonightitisputbackuntilnine."

Mirandastoodinthemiddleoftheroomwhenthegovernesshadgoneandlookedatthedoorthatledtotheotherroom.Therewasakeyinthelock,butthedoorwasnotlocked.SothishadbeenthefirstMrs.Chantry'sroom,shethought.Didhenotmindturningitovertoastranger?Theremustbesomanyotherroomsinthehousethatonewouldhavethought…Shewentintothebathroomandturnedonthetapswithimpatienceatherownreflections.Sheoranother?WhatcoulditmattertoAdamChantryinsuchcircumstances?

Noonecametofetchher,andwhensheheardthegongringshestarteddownthesilentstaircase,wonderingwhichroomsheshouldtrytofindfirst.ButAdamwaswaitingforheratthefootofthestairsandshethoughthewatchedherdescentwithaquizzicalexpression.

"Wecansparefiveminutesforacocktail,"hesaid,andtookherintoasmallpaneledroomthathesaidhepreferredtousewhenhewasalone.

Hegaveheradrymartini,thenstoodappraisingherovertherimofhisownglass.

"Yes,"hesaidwithalittletwisttohislips."IcanquiteunderstandhowyoumuststrikeSimmy."

Shelookedathiminquiringly,thenherwidemouthturnedupinanuncertainsmile.Shehadputonagraychiffondresswithacherrysash,andatthelastmomentshehadtiedanarrowcherryribbonaroundherheadbecauseitgaveherconfidence.

"Clothesdomakeadifference,don'tthey?"shesaidalittlenervously.

"Dubonnet'shaveexcellenttaste,"hereplied."Unfortunatelyyoulookmorelikemydaughterthanmywife."

Shecouldnotdecidewhetherhewasannoyedormerelyamused,sosheventuredalittletimidly,"Well,itdoesnotmuchmattereitherway,doesit?"

Heputdownhisemptyglass.

"Notabit,"hesaidbriskly."Shallwegointodinner?"

Itwaswithreliefthatshelearnedthatthegovernessneverjoinedhimfordinner,butaseachcoursewasplacedbeforeherandshesoughtalittledesperatelyfortopicsofconversation,shebegantofeelthatthepresenceofathirdpersonmighthavemadethesituationeasier.Heansweredcourteouslyenoughsuchquestionsassheaskedhim,butheseemedindisposedtomakesmalltalkandatlastshefellsilent,watchinghisdark,withdrawnface.

Coffeewasbroughttothesmallroomwheretheyhaddrunktheircocktails.Shepoureditout,consciousthathisthoughtswerealreadypreoccupiedwithhisworkandwiththetelephonethatrangconstantlyinhisstudy,andshewasscarcelysurprisedwhenalittlelaterhetoldherhehadanhourorsoofwritingtoputinbeforehewenttobedandwouldsaygood-night.

"You'llfindplentyofbooksinthatroomacrossthehall,"hetoldher,gettingtohisfeet,"butIwouldadvisegoingtobedearly.It'sbeenalongdayandyouaren'tentirelyfityet."

"Yes,"shesaid."Whattimedoyouhavebreakfast?"

"I'llbegonebeforethere'sanyneedforyoutowake.I'lltellthemtosendupatray."

"Isee."Hereyeswereonherweddingring,whichshewasturningroundandroundonherthinfinger."Areyougoingaway?"

Heraisedhiseyebrows.

"OnlyintoPlymouth.I'llbebackintheevening."

"Ididnotknow,"shesaid.

Helookedatherbenthead,attheabsurdribboncirclinghercurlslikeachild's,andherubbedhischinwitharuefulgesture.

"Ihaven'tbeenverycleveraboutthis,haveI,Miranda?"hesaid."Youknownothingaboutme—mywayoflife,mytastes,evenmyworkinghours."

"Yourtastesareprobablyparticular,"shesaidsedately."Butyoumustrememberthisisonlythesecondtimewehavemet."

Heregardedhersilentlyforamoment,thinkingwhatastrangegirlshewas,oneminuteachild,andthenextsooddlyself-possessed.

"Ihope,"hesaid,"thatIhaven'tforcedyouintotakingastepthatshouldhaverequiredmorethought."

Shelookedupathimthenandhereyeswereclearandgrave.

"Ididnothavetomarryyou,"shesaid."Iwouldhavefoundsomewaytolive."

Hefrowned."You'reveryyoung,"hesaiduneasily."PerhapsIhadnorighttotieyouupinalovelessmarriage."

Sheloweredherlashes.

"It'stoolatetothinkofthatnow,"shesaid."Andyoudidnotstrikemeatallasthekindofmantoindulgeindoubts."

"You'reverysensible—andastonishinglyunromanticfornineteen,"hesaidalittledryly.

"ItoldyouIwasnotromantic,"shesaidthen."Iwasnotbroughtuptobe."

"That'sjustaswell,"hereplied."There'sagreatdealtobesaidfortheFrenchapproachtothesethings.Well,Ireallymustsaygood-night.Tomorrow,SimmyorFaywillshowyouaround.AskSimmyanythingyouneedtoknow.She'sbeenwithustenyearsandknowsalltheropes.Wedon'tseemanypeopleouthere,butaMissLathammaycallonyouinadayortwo.Shecantellyouallabouttheneighborhood."

"Isshethe"entanglement?"askedMirandasimply.

"Entanglement?"

"Yousaidyouneededawife—asasocialprotection."

"There'snoentanglement,"hesaid,frowning."GraceLathamwasafriendofmyfirstwifeandisournearestneighbor,that'sall."

"Isee."

Awarethathehadspokensharply,hetouchedherlightlyontheshoulder.

"Well,getagoodnight'srestandringforanythingyouhappentowant.Goodnight."

"Goodnight,"sheanswered,andafterhehadgonesheputoutthelightsandwentupstairstobed.

Andnowshesatlookingintohermirrorandlisteningtotheowlswhilesheremindedherselfthatthiswasherweddingnightandthehousedidnotwelcomeher.Wintersbride…astrangename,acold,forbiddingname,orwasitsimplyasadnamepromisingnogladnessfromsuchaunionasshehadmade?Butlongagointhishouse,inthissameroom,thefirstMrs.Chantryhadawaitedherhusband'scomingandknownherselfloved.

Shesleptlatethenextmorningandawoketothesteadysoundofrain.Nancyhadplaceda

breakfasttraybesidethebedandwaspullingbacktheheavycurtains.

"Goodmorning,Nancy.Anotherwetday?"Mirandasaid.

"Properoldmisery,"thegirlrepliedcheerfully.Shecamenowandstoodatthefootofthebed,regardingMirandawithfrankcuriosity.Themaster'ssuddenremarriagehadcreatedmuchinterestandspeculationintheservants'hall,thoughMrs.Yeo,thecook-housekeeperwhohadbeeninserviceatWintersbrideinthefirstMrs.Chantry'stime,hadturneddownhermouthandsaidnogoodwouldcomeofit.TheyhadallthoughtMissLathamwouldhavebeenthemaster'schoiceanditwasplainthatnoone,notevenMissSimms,hadeverheardofthislittlebitofathingnotmucholder,bythelooksofher,thanMissFayherself.

"Ihopeyousleptwell,ma'am,"thegirlsaiddemurely,buthereyesstrayedtotheuncreasedpillowbesideMiranda's.

Mirandafeltherselfflushing.

"Verywell,thankyou,"shesaidbriskly."Willyoupleasegivememybedjacketbeforeyougo?"

Leftalone,shesatfrowningatherbreakfastandwonderinghowmanyservantsAdamkept.MissSimmsmusttakehertothekitchenandintroducehertothestaff.Theremustbeplentyofactivityinahouseofthissize,shethought,andthefirstthingshecoulddoforAdamwouldbetoseethatitwaswellrun.

Whenshehadfinishedherbreakfastshewenttothewindowandlookedout.Shehadgotlittleimpressionofthecountrysidetheeveningbeforesaveoneofratherbleakdesolation,andnowasshelookedsheshivered,forthebleaknessandthedesolationremained.Beyondtheroughwallthatboundedthegroundsthemoorstretchedinunbrokensolitudeasfarastheeyecouldsee.Skyandmoorwereauniformgray,chill,forbiddingandutterlyalientohereyes,andthisgreatgrayhousewaspartofthedesolation.

Shedressedslowly,wonderingwhereshewouldfindMissSimmsatthishourofthemorning.Itdidnotoccurtohertoringforaservantandask.Herroomwasoneofseveralinashortcorridor.Attheendofthecorridor,twostepstookherdownintoanotherwidepassagewithdoors,andhereatlastshecaughtthemuffledsoundofvoices.Foramomentshehesitated,wonderingifthismightbetheservants'quarters,butachild'slaughreassuredher,andsheknockedononeofthedoorsandheardSimmy'sprecisevoicebidherenter.

ShefoundherselfinwhatwasevidentlyFay'sschoolroomandwonderedforamomentwhy,withsomanyroomstochoosefrom,Adamhadpickedthissmall,square,uglyroomonthenorthsideofthehouse.Thewindowhadnurserybarsthatgaveitacell-likeappearanceandthefurniturewasthemoderntubularvarietyfoundinofficesandcocktailbars.

"Goodmorning,Mrs.Chantry.Didyouwantanything?"MissSimmsasked,risingpolitely.

"Iwaslookingforyou,"Mirandasaidwithasmile."Ithoughtperhapsyou—orFay—wouldtakemearoundthehouse,showmetheropes,infact."

"Afterlunch,whileFayishavingherrest,I'llbeatyourdisposal,"thegovernesssaid.

"Butcanwenotgonow—allthreeofus?"askedMirandaimpulsively."ItissuchabadmorningandIamsureFaywouldlikesomecoffeeorsomethingwhenwehavedoneourrounds."

"Simmywillcallthatsuckingup,"saidFayinherclear,highvoice.

"Don'tberude,dear,"MissSimmssaidautomatically,butherlong,sallowfacewasnotabitdisconcertedassheturnedtoregardMirandawithacalmeye."Icannotinterruptthelesson,I'mafraid,Mrs.Chantry.WeconsiderroutinetobeveryimportantatWintersbride.Youwillfindthereisafireinthesmallstudy.Luncheonisatoneo'clock."

MirandafeltlikearebukedchildandwasfullyawareofFay'senjoymentofherdiscomfiture.

"I'msorry,"shesaid."HowdoIfindthekitchenquarters,please?"

"Thekitchen?"Simmy'seyebrowsrose."Idon'tthinkthiswouldbeaverygoodmoment—"

"Surelyitisquiteusualtovisitone'skitcheninthemornings,"Mirandasaidgently."Togivetheordersfortheday,Imean."

"Theordersfortheday?Oh,youarereferringtomeals.You'venoneedtotroubleaboutanythinglikethat,Mrs.Chantry.Mrs.Yeo—she'sbeencook-housekeeperhereforyears—doesallthat.Mrs.Chantry—Ibegyourpardon,IshouldhavesaidthelateMrs.Chantry—lefteverythingtoMrs.Yeo."

"Isee,"saidMiranda,feelingchilled.

"IfyouwouldcaretoseeMrs.Yeo,Iwillsendhertoyouinthesmallstudy,"MissSimmssaid,butMirandaturnedtothedoor.

"No,itdoesnotmatter,"shereplied,andwentaway.

ThelateMrs.Chantry…itwasthefirsttimeMirandawastohearthatphrasefromamemberofthehousehold,andeventhentheshadowofMelisandetouchedherwithmomentarydisquiet.

Shebegantoexploretheground-floorroomsforherself.Therewerenotsomanyasshehadatfirstsupposed,andtheyallboreacuriousuniformresemblance.Thedarkdiningroom,thesmall,well-stockedlibrary,eventhelittlepaneledstudy,whichlastnighthadseemedfriendlierwithitswoodfireandfadedtapestryupholstery,hadasecretairofanonymity,asifthefaçadestheypresenteddidnotrevealtheirtruepersonalities.Mirandamadeaface,rememberingAdam'sexpressedhopethatshewasnotfanciful,andshelookedintotheroominwhichthetelephonehadkeptringing,whichsheknewmustbehisstudy.Sheopenedthedoor,halfexpectingtofindareplicaofthechromiumfittingsupstairs,buttheroomwaslikealltherest,admirablyequippedwithgoodperiodpieces;thedeskandthemodernfilingcabinethadbeenchosenwithcare,andtheneatnessoftheroomboremutewitnesstoAdam'swell-orderedhabits.

Therewasoneroomleft,andasMirandaopenedthedoorandstoodforamomentonthethreshold,sheimmediatelyreceivedadifferentimpression.Thiswasclearlythedrawingroom,thoughthehollandcoversthatdrapedthefurnitureproclaimedthatitwasnotinuse.Evenso,theroomhadaqualitytheotherslacked,andasMirandawhippedoffdustsheetstoseewhatlaybeneath,itbegantorevealitselfinallitsgraciousness.Therestofthehouseheldgoodtasteandquietcomfort,butwhoeverhaddesignedthisroomwasanartist,andMiranda'sgazewasdrawntotheportraitthathungabovethefireplaceatthefartherend.

ShewalkedslowlyacrosstheroomandthelovelyfaceofthefirstMrs.Chantrycamesharplyintofocuslikeacamerashotonthescreen.Itcouldbenooneelse.TherewereFay'sdarkeyes,brilliantanddemanding,thefull,passionatemouthandthehintofarroganceintheliftedchinandthefaintsmilethattouchedthelips.Itwastheface-ofawomansecureintheknowledgeofherownpower,andherbeautywasalmostinsolentinitsperfection.This,then,wasAdam'swife.

Foramoment,asshegazedupatthepicture,Mirandaexperiencedasharppangofinadequacy,acurioussenseoftrespassinherhusband'shouse,andshejumpedguiltilyasavoicesaidsharplyfromthedoorway,"Whatareyoudoinginthere?"

Mirandawalkedslowlytothedoor,hereyesrestingcuriouslyonthetall,motionlessyoungwomanwhostoodtherewithherarmsfullofflowers.

"Whoareyou?"sheasked.

"I'mMissLatham,"theolderwomanreplied."Whoareyou?"

Mirandagrinned.

"I'mthenewMrs.Chantry,"shesaid.

MissLathamwastoopolitetogazeincredulously,butshecouldnotaltogetherkeepthedismayoutofherfineeyes.

"Ibegyourpardon,"shesaidquickly,"Itookyouforamaidatfirst.Iwalkedin,I'mafraid.AdamandIareoldfriends."

Mirandaglancedathersharply.Yes,thismustbetheentanglement.Shehadaproprietaryair,andthewayshehadsaid"AdamandIareoldfriends"wasslightlyself-conscious.

"Howdoyoudo,MissLatham.Adamtoldmeyouwouldbecalling,"shesaiddemurely.

"Oh,please—Ihopeyou'llcallmeGrace,"theotherwomansaidwithalittlelaugh."Andyou—what'syourname?"

"Miranda."

"Miranda…Well,Miranda,Icameoveratoncetowelcomethebride.Thenewswassovery

suddenthatIwasn'tabletogetoverandarrangesomeflowersforyou,butI'vebroughtyouthese."

"Thankyou."

Mirandatooktheflowersandstoodholdingthemawkwardly.IfGraceLathamwasdisconcertedbyAdam'sunexpectedmarriagetoastrangershehiditverywelland,assheobservedMirandamoreclosely,hernaturalpoisegrewmoreassured.

"Why,you'reonlyachild!"sheexclaimedinhersoft,deepvoice."WhateverwasAdamthinkingof?"

"I'mnineteen,"saidMiranda,amused."Andheisnotreallysoold,youknow."

"Ofcoursenot,butnearlytwentyyears'difference…oh,well,I'msureyou'llbeagreatsurprisetoallhisfriends,"Gracesaid,andhergazeshiftedinvoluntarilytotheportraitoverthefireplace.

"Doyouthinkso?"Mirandabegantofeelirritated."Shallwegointotheotherroom?Thereisafirethere."

"Hadn'twebetterreplacethedustcoversfirst?"Graceaskedgently,butMirandadidnotgivetheroomanotherglance.

"Leavethem,"shesaid."Theroomwillhavetobethoroughlycleanedandairedbeforeitisused,anyway."

Gracefollowedherintothesmallstudyandsaid,alittlediffidently,"Areyouthinkingofusingthedrawingroomagain,then?"

Mirandaputdowntheflowersinacarelessheaponatable.

"Butofcourse.Itisthenicestroominthehouse."

"Sheplannedit,"Gracesaidwithasigh."Adam'sfirstwife,youknow.Shehadexquisitetaste.Theroomhasneverbeenusedsinceshedied."

"Notforsevenyears?Howabsurd!ButthenIdonotsupposeamanalonewouldhavemuchuseforadrawingroom,"saidMirandacheerfully.

ButGracerepliedwithgentlereproach,"Forgiveme,butyouprobablydon'tunderstand.Adamfelthiswife'sdeathverydeeply.Anythingthathelpedtoremindhim—well,it'snatural,isn'tit?"

"Thewholehousewouldremindhimifitcomestothat,"retortedMiranda,thinkingofthesouthroomthatwasnowhers."Whydidhenotselltheplaceatthetime?"

"TherewasFay,yousee."

"Achildcanadjusttobeingtransplanted.Shewasonlyfive."

"Itwasn'taseasyasthat.Fayhasneverbeenverystrong,andAdamthoughtitbestforhertogrowuphere.Hasn'thetalkedtoyouaboutthesethings?"

"Wehavenothadtimetodiscussanythingmuch,"Mirandarepliedbeforeshecouldstopherself."Wehaveonlymettwice."

Grace'swell-modeledeyebrowsrose.

"Mydearchild!Whatonearthdoyoumean?"

"ExactlywhatIsay.Imethimonceafortnightago,andyesterdaywhenImarriedhim."

AtlastGraceLatham'spoisewaspunctured.Thefool,theutterfool,shethoughtangrily…AdamChantryofallmentobecaughtbyascheminglittleadventuress…

"Wheredidyoumeethim?"sheaskedcoldly,anddidnotrealizehowplainlyherfeelingsshowedonherface.

ButMirandahadhadenoughofhervisitor.IfAdamhadmarriedherasanescapefromthisshewasnotgoingtoputupwithbeingpatronized.

"Imethimatafair,"shesaidjauntily.

"Afair—-Adam?"Gracewasnearlyroutedthen."Doyoumeanyou—pickedhimup?"

Mirandaconsidered.

"Well,Isupposeyoucouldcallitthat.Actually,hepickedmeup—quiteliterallyoffthegroundinthetentoftheMightyMesmero—butIdonotsupposeyouhaveeverheardofhim."

Gracegottoherfeet.

"Itallsoundsutternonsense,andhighlyunlikeAdam,"shesaid,theneyedMirandamoreclosely."Orwereyou,perhaps,pullingmyleg?"

"Oh,no,Iwasnot,"saidMirandainnocently."Willyoustaytolunch,MissLatham?"

"No—-no,thankyou,"saidGracehastily."I'mexpectedhomeforluncheon.WillyoutellAdamIcalled?I—mymotherisgivingalittledinnerpartyforyouoneeveningsoon."

"Thatwillbeverynice—I'lltellmyhusband,"saidMirandapolitely,andaccompaniedherguesttothedoor.

AsshewatchedGrace'scarmoveoffintherainsheexperiencedanunwontedsenseofdepression.Sheshouldnothavesentherawaywithsuchastartlingimpression,andshesus-pectedthatAdamwouldnotbepleasedifheknew.Well,itwastoolatenow.Shehadbeenchildishandindiscreet,buttherehadbeensomethingaboutGraceLathamallalongthathad

rubbedherthewrongway.Thegongsoundedsomewhereinthehouse,andsheturnedreluctantlytofacethefreshordealoflunchwithMissSimmsandthechild.

Itwasanuncomfortablemeal.ThegovernessinsistedthatMirandasitinAdam'splaceattheheadofthetable,butsheregardedherwiththesamewatchfuleyethatshekeptonhercharge.FaywassullenandpickedatherfoodandMissSimmsmadeacademicsmalltalkthatprovedratherexhausting.

Onlyoncedidthechildvolunteerastatement,andthatwaswhenMirandamentionedthatGraceLathamhadcalled.

"Whydidn'tyouaskherforlunch?"shedemanded.

"Ididaskher,butshehadtogetback."Mirandareplied.

"Butdidn'tshewanttoseeme?"

"Shedidnotsuggestit."

"Ofcourseshewantedto!Don'tthink,"saidFay,brandishingherknifeandfork,"thatbecauseyou'vecomehereyoucankeepGraceout.Myfatherwon'tstandforthat."

"YouareveryfondofMissLatham,perhaps?"suggestedMiranda.

"Iloveher,Iloveher,Iloveher!"thelittlegirlscreamed,stampingherfeet.Thensheburstintotears.

"Fay,gouptotheschoolroomlikeagoodchild.I'llcometoyoulater,"MissSimmssaid,andtoMiranda'ssurprise,thechildobeyedheratonce.

"Goodness!"exclaimedMiranda."Doessheoftendothat?"

MissSimmswentoneatingasifnothinghadhappened."She'shighlystrung,"sherepliedunemotionally."Wesometimeshavetheselittlestorms.It'sbesttotakenonotice."

"IsshereallysodevotedtoMissLatham?"Mirandaaskedcuriously.

Thegovernessloweredhereyes.

"She'sfondofher,yes.ButFay'saffectionstendtochangewithhercircumstances,"shesaid.

ItwasanambiguousremarkandMirandawasnotsureifitwasintendedasawarningornot.

"Perhaps,"shesaid,feelingherway,"sheneedsotherchildrentoplaywith."

MissSimmslookedatherthen.

"Thereareveryfewchildrenoftherightagearoundhere,"shesaidtonelessly,"andFayisnota

goodmixer."

"Well,"saidMirandareasonably,"howcanshelearntobeagoodmixerifshenevermeetsanyone?"

"YouhadbettertalktoMr.Chantryaboutthesematters,"MissSimmssaid,herpaleeyesveiledonceagaininreserve,andMirandafeltherself'politelydismissed.

Theyfinishedtheirlunchinsilence,andMissSimmsdeclinedcoffee.

"Ifyouwillexcuseme,IwillgoandsettleFayforherhour'srest,"shesaid."AfterthatIamatyourdisposal,shouldyouwantmeforanything."

"Idonotthinkso,unless—woulditbepossibleforoneofthemaidstoairoutthedrawingroom?"Mirandaasked.

Sammystiffened.

"Thedrawingroom?"sherepeatedwithraisedeyebrows."That'saroomweneveruse."

"Well,it'sdifferentnow,isn'tit?"Mirandasaidpleasantly."Ishalluseitmyselfifnooneelsewantsto."

"Mrs.Chantry—"thegovernessspokerepressively"—theservantshaveinstructionsnottomeddlewiththatroom."

"Whoseinstructions?"askedMirandacoolly.

"ThelateMrs.Chantry's,"MissSimmsreplied,equallycoolly."Nooneenteredthatroomthenexceptbyherexpressinvitation."

"But,"Mirandaprotestedincredulously,"sheisdead!Shehasbeendeadsevenyears!"

"Yes,she'sdead,"saidSimmy,colorlessly."Nowperhapsyouwillexcuseme."

Leftalone,Mirandaexperiencedaswiftwaveofrebellion.DidSimmythinkshecouldtreatherbythesamecontrolledmethodssheusedwiththechild?Andwhatwasallthisnonsenseaboutthewishesofawomanwhohadbeendeadforsevenyears?ShehadasuddenimpressionofGraceLatham'sdeepvoicesayingwithgentlereproof,"Adamfelthiswife'sdeathverydeeply.Anythingthathelpedtoremindhim…"Andthemoodpassed.Shewas,shetoldherself,onlyaguestinherhusband'shouse,andshecouldnotcomplainofmattersthatshedidnotunderstand.

Shewentbacktothedrawingroom,meaningtohaveanotherlookinside,butthedoorwaslockedandsomeonehadremovedthekey.

CHAPTERFOUR

BythetimeAdamreturnedintheevening,Mirandahadtabulatedinhermindthethingsshewishedtospeaktohimabout,butsomehowtheydidnotgetsaid.Adamseemedpreoccupiedandbrusqueandhismannerdidnotencouragesuggestionsthatmightsoundalittlelikeinterferenceonsuchshortacquaintance.

Suchshortacquaintance…Mirandaobservedhimcovertly.Heseemedveryprofessionalinhisdarkclothes,withthegrayinhishairandthedeeplymarkedlinesthatgavehisfacethelookofamucholderman;professionalandnotnearlysoapproachableashehadappearedthatnightofthefair.Shemoveduneasilyandhelookedathersuddenlyoverhispaperwiththatpenetrating,consideringglancethatshewascomingtoknow.

"Youhavetheunusualgiftofknowingwhentorefrainfromchattering,haven'tyou?"hesaid.

"Gentlemendonotliketobedisturbedwhenreadingthenewspaper,"shetoldhimgravely.

Hesmiledandputthepaperdown.

"Verytrue,"hesaid."ButIshouldhavetakenmoreinterestinyourfirstdayatWintersbride."

"Itrainedallday,"shesaid,rejectingthemomentasunpropitiousforthethingsshehadmeanttosay."IlearnedthegeographyofthehouseandMissLathamcametocall."

Hefrowned.

"Oh,yes.Whatonearthpossessedyoutogiveherthatgarbledaccountofthatnightatthefair?"

"Howdidyouknow?"sheasked,withcuriosityratherthandismay.

"Shephonedmeatmyoffice."

"Oh."

"Towarnmetogiveyouahintnottospreadthestoryamongmycolleaguesandpatients."

"Idonotknowyourcolleaguesandpatients,"sherepliedsedately."Anyway,itwastrue,wasn'tit?"

Hedidnotsmile.

"NottheimpressionyougaveGrace.Ihopeyou'renotanenfantterrible,Miranda.Naivenessissotiresome."

"I'msorry,"shesaidmeekly."PerhapsIdidwanttoshockher.Shetreatedmelikealittlegirl."

"Shewasprobablyonlybeingkind,"hetoldhershortly."Pleaserememberthatshe'sanoldfriendandcanbeveryhelpfultoyouinadaptingyourselftoyournewlife."

Shelookedathimunderherlashes.Menwereveryobtuse,shereflectedwithoutsurprise.ItwasGrace,shewassure,fromwhomhehadbeenrunningaway.Didheimaginethatbecausehehadnowsafeguardedhimselfherfeelingswouldimmediatelyalter?

"I'llremember,"shesaid.

Hefinishedinhislecture-roomvoice,"Ientertainandamentertainedverylittle,buttherearecertainpeopleyouwillbeexpectedtomeet.Ihopeyouwillremembernottoindulgeinfairytales.Therehasbeenenoughtalkasitis."

"Youhavehada—difficultday?"shesuggestedtentatively,andhesmiledwithmorenaturalness.

"HumancuriosityisproverbialandIsupposeIaskedforitbykeepingmymarriagesomuchinthedark.I'llhavetoputyouonviewsometime,youknow."

"Isn'tthatwhatyoumarriedmefor?"shesaidpolitely."Asocialprotection—theconventionalwifetobesometimesonview?"

"Thearrangementwastoourmutualadvantage,Ithought,"hesaiddryly."You,Iunderstood,werebadlyinneedofahome."

"Idonotreproachyou,Adam,"sherepliedgravely,"butperhapsyouarethinkingthatyoudidnotchoosesowiselyforyourpartofthebargain."

Heleanedacrossandpattedherontheknee.

"Sillychild,"hesaid,unexpectedlydroppinghisstiffmanner."I'venodoubtitwillallworkoutadmirably.Now,tellme,haveyoumadefriendswithFay?"

"Therehasnotbeenmuchopportunity,"sherepliedevasively."Allthemorningshedidlessonsinthathorribleschoolroom,andafterlunchsherestsandIdonotseeheragain."

"Didn'tyouhaveteatogether?"

"No.MissSimmsdidnotpermitit.Therewas,yousee,alittletroubleatlunch."

Hisdarkeyesrestedonherwithaguardedexpression.

"Oh?Whatsortoftrouble?"

"ShewasdisappointedthatMissLathamdidnotstayforlunch."

"Oh,isthatall?I'mafraidFayisrathergiventotantrumswhenshedoesn'tgetwhatshewants.Iwashopingyou'dbegoodforher."

"Idon'tthinkshelikesme.SheseemsverydevotedtoMissLatham."

"She'llexpectyoutocallherGrace,youknow,"hesaidwithanunexpectedtwinkle,andadded,"Fay'saffectionsareinclinedtobesubjecttoherneeds.TherewasatimewhensheresentedGraceverymuch."

"Whenshethoughtshemighthaveherforastepmother?"askedMirandacalmly,butheonlysmiled.

"Childrengetoddnotions,"hereplied."Whydidyoudescribetheschoolroomashorrible?"

"Well,allthatchromiumfurnitureandthebarsonthewindow,andit'ssmallandgetsnosun…"Herthinhandsbegantogesticulate."Therearesomanyunusedroomsinthehouse,Adam,why—"

Hiseyeswerecoldandguardedagain.

"WeconsiderthisisthebestroomforFay,"hesaidbriefly,andadded,"Ihopeyouwon'tinterferewithSimmy'sroutine,Miranda."

Mirandawassilent,andhesaidwithareluctantsmile,"Simmyhasagovernessymanner.I'mafraidyouratherknockedherendwayswhenIbroughtyouhomelastnight.Shewasn'texpectinganythingquitesojuvenile."

HethinksIamachildstill,shethought,withsurpriseatsuchamisconceptioninamanaccustomedtodealingwiththeillsanddemandsofhumanity.

ButafterdinnerAdamappearedtothinkhehadbeenalittlecasualinhisdealingswithhisnewbride,forhesentfortheservantsandintroducedthemmeticulouslytoMiranda:Nancy,whomshehadalreadymet,andBessie,theparlormaid,andMrs.Yeo.Heapologizedmajesticallyfortheabsenceofthegardenerandofthegirlfromthevillagewhohelpedinthescullery.Thelatterwasveryconcernedatthemomentthatshehadbeencaughtunpreparedandhadnothadtimetochangeintoherhousekeeper'sblack.

"Iwouldhavebeenupbefore,madam,"shesaid,"butIhopeIknowmyplace,andnooneaskedforme."

Oh,dear,thoughtMirandanervously,sheisoffended.Adamshouldhavedonethislastnight.

"Iwouldhavecometoseeyouthismorning,Mrs.Yeo,"shesaid,"butMissSimmsthoughtyouwouldbebusy."

"MissSimmsshouldhavesentforme,"thewomanreplied."SheknowsverywellI'dnotexpecttoseeyouinthekitchen.However,I'msureIwishyoutobeveryhappy,andyou,too,sir."

"Thankyou,"Mirandasaid,thenaddedmorefirmly,"Willyoucomeandseemetomorrowmorningafterbreakfast,please,Mrs.Yeo?Justtodiscussthemealsandanyotherlittlething,youknow."

"Themeals,madam?"Mrs.Yeo'sflatfacewasoutraged."Whenmyladywasalive—begging

yourpardon,sir—themealsandeverythingelsewaslefttome.Neveracomplaintdidshemake,andthehousehasbeenrunthesamewayeversince,isn'tthatright,sir?"

"IfMrs.Chantrywishestoorderthemealsherself,youwill,Ihope,givehereveryassistance,Mrs.Yeo,"Adamsaidpleasantly."Thatwillbeallfornow,thankyou.Goodnight."

"Verygood,sir.Goodnight,sir—madam."Mrs.Yeo'svoicewasexpressionlessandshedidnotlookatMirandaagain.

"Thankyou,Adam,forcomingtomyrescue,"Mirandalaughedwhenthedoorhadclosedonthemall."Sheisverytouchy,isn'tshe?"

"Icoulddonolessthansupportyou,"herepliedalittlecurtly."ButIdon'tadvisepoachingonMrs.Yeo'spreserves.She'sveryjealousofherrights."

"ButIthought—doyounotwantmetotakeanyinterestintherunningofyourhouse?"

"Ifitwillamuseyoutoplayatkeepinghouse,thendon'tletmeorMrs.Yeodiscourageyou,"hetoldhergently."IonlymeantthatIdon'texpectyoutobotheryourheadaboutsuchdullthingsashousekeepingwhenthereisnoneed."

"Thenwhatdoyouexpectofme?"sheasked,tryingtofindsomewayinwhichshemightbeusefulandyetstillpleasehim.

"Iexpectverylittle,"heansweredgravely."Justthecommontolerancerequiredwhentwopeoplehavetosharethesameroof—friendshipifyouwishit.IsthatenoughforyouMiranda,orareyoufindingIdrovetoohardabargain?"

"No,"shesaidashadeforlornly."Itisyouwhogetsolittlefromyourbargain."

"I'mgettingallIaskedforsofar,eventhoughI'mbeginningtofeelI'veaskedfortoomuch."

"Ortoolittle."

Hemoveduneasily.

"Well,let'sagree,shallwe,thatneitherofusdemandtoomuchoftheother?"hesaidwithalittlewarninginflectioninhisvoice."YourjobforthemomentistomakefriendswithFay,andthatwillkeepyouoccupied."

Hetriedtospeaklightly,buthewasawareallthetimethatshewasgivinghimthepoliteattentionofachildwhoisbeingtalkeddownto.

Hesuddenlyheldoutbothhandstoher.

"Forgiveme,Miranda,formyclumsyapproaches,"hesaidwithunexpectedcharm."Ihaven'tgotthehangofyouyet.Wemustgettoknoweachother,mustn'twe?"

Herfacewastenderwithswiftresponseassheputherhandsinhis.

"Ah,yes,Adam,"shesaid."AndIdonotthinkyouclumsy.ItisjustthatyoucannotdecideifIamachildorawoman"

Helookeddownatthefairheadthatbarelyreachedhisshoulder,andhiseyestwinkled.

"Ididn'tmarryyoubecauseIthoughtyouwereawoman,"hetoldherwithgentlemockery.

Sheturnedabruptlyfromhim,withdrawingherhandsfromhisfriendlygrasp,andwouldnotlethimseethathehadhurther.

Asshegotreadyforbedthatnightshecouldhearhimmovingaboutinhisroomnextdoor,andalreadysheenviedhimtheworkthattookhimawayfromWintersbrideallday,andoften,ashehadtoldher,allnight.Andshebegantowonderwhatshewastofindtodowiththeemptyhoursinthisbigsilenthousewhiletheraindroveperpetuallyacrossthemoor.

Therainhadstoppedbythemorning,buttowardeveningthemistthathadbeengatheringalldaybecameathickmoorfogandAdamtelephonedtosayhewouldstaythenightinPlymouth.Mirandadinedaloneinthechillydiningroom,tooshytoaskSimmytokeephercompany,andwhenshehadfinishedshewentupstairstoseeifFaywasasleepyet.AlightshowedunderthedoorandMirandaknockedandwentin.

FayWasinbedreadingapaperbacknovelproppedagainstherknees,andasMirandacameintotheroomshethrustthebookunderherpillow.

"Hello,"Mirandasaid,"IthoughtI'dseeifyouwereasleepyet."

"DidSimmysendyouspying?"askedFay.

"No,whyshouldshe?I'malonetonight,andthoughtIwouldliketohavesomeonetotalkto."Shesatdownonthesideofthebedanddrewthebookfromunderthepillow."Goodness!Wheredidyougetthis?IhavenotseensuchavoluptuousdustcoversinceIhavebeeninEngland."

"Areyougoingtotellher?"

"WhyshouldI?Whatyoureadisnoconcernofmine.Thisnonsensewon'thurtyou,anyway."

"Howdoyouknowit'snonsense?Haveyoureadit?"

"No,butitseemstofollowtheusualpattern—richsuitor,poorheroinedazzledbywealth,andsomewhere,Isuppose,aclean-limbedyoungherotoroundeverythingoffneatly."

"Isthatwhyyoumarriedmyfather?"askedFay."Becausehewasarichsuitorandyouweredazzledbyhiswealth?"

Mirandalaughed."Whatextraordinarynotionsyouhaveaboutyourfather,"shesaid,shuttingupthebookandreturningittoitshidingplaceunderthepillow.

"Adamisacruelman,"hisdaughterremarked.

"Whatnonsense!"Mirandawasstartledinspiteofherself.

"Oh,no,itisn't,"thechildsaidwithanairofconviction."Whenyou'velivedinthishousealittlewhile,you'llsee.Youdon'tlikethehouse,doyou?"

"Well,Ihaveonlybeenheretwodays,andtheweatherhasbeendepressing,"Mirandaansweredevasively.

"That'sright.Theweather'salwaysdepressinghere.Whydon'tyougoaway?"

"Whydoyouwanttogetridofme?"Mirandaretorted.

"Adamisnotforyou,"saidFay,likeacharacteroutofhernovel.

Mirandalookedatthestrange,lovelylittlefacesolikethebeautifulfaceoftheportrait,andsuddenlyshefeltsorryforthechild.Itwasnatural,afterall,thathavingbeenshutawaywithgrown-uppeopleforsolong,sheshouldbepossessiveaboutherfather.

"Youareveryfondofyourfather,aren'tyou?"shesaidgently.

ShefeltshehadbeenslappedwhenFayrepliedwithdispassionatecalm,"No,Ihatehim—andhehatesme."

"Oh,Fay,really!Yourfathermaynotbeabletobewithyouverymuch,butheiscontinuallythinkingofyourwelfare."

"Ishe?"saidFay,andhersmilewasunchildlikeandratherdisturbing.

Mirandafeltashiverrundownherspine.Tochangethesubjectshesaididly,observingthesecondbedintheroom,"Doyounotsleepaloneyetatyourage?"

"No,"Fayansweredindifferently."Simmysleepswithme.Ihavebaddreamssometimes."

"Isee.Well,Ithinkthissideofthehouseisdepressinganyway,anditissofarawayfromeveryoneelse,isn'tit?Ifoundaroominthesouthcorridorthatmusthavebeenanurseryonce,Fay—abig,sunnyroomwithpaintedcupboardsandpicturesofanimals.Wasiteveryours?"

"Yes,"thechildsaidtonelessly,"butI'mnotallowedtogoinitnow."

"Whynot?Itwouldmakeamuchnicerschoolroomthanyourpresentone,andyouwouldbenextdoortoyourfather'sroom."

"Thatwasthereasontheychangedit.Adamcouldn'tbearmeclose."

"Fay,dear,I'msurethatwasnotthereason,"Mirandasaid.

Butthechildcriedwildly,"Itwas,itwas,itwas!AskSimmy—she'lltellyouit'strue!"

"Askmewhat?"saidMissSimms'scoolvoicefromthedoorway."Whatareyougettingsoexcitedabout,Fay?Youshouldhavebeenasleepanhourago.Doyouwanttohaveoneofyournightmares?Really,Mrs.Chantry,thisismostunwise.Iwouldpreferitifinfutureyouwouldsaygood-nighttoFaybeforeI'vesettledherforthenight.WhatdoyouwantMrs.Chantrytoaskme,dear?"

Thebrilliancehaddiedoutinthechild'seyesandshelookedsullen.

"Nothing,"shesaid,dartingaquicklookatMiranda.

"That'snotwhatIheardasIcamein,"Simmysaidplayfully."PerhapsMrs.Chantrycantellme."

"Itwasnothingofanyimportance,"saidMirandalightly,andsawthegovernesscompressherlips.

"Inthatcase,"shesaid,"perhapsyouwouldbegoodenoughtoleaveusnow.It'stimeFaysettleddown."

Mirandawasbeginningtodislikethegovernessandwasnotatallsurethatsuchawomanwastheidealcompanionforadifficult,imaginativechild.Simmy'sdisciplinewasclearlyexcellent,asnodoubt,washerintegrity.ButMirandafoundherdepressing.TherewastoomuchaltogetherthatwasdepressingaboutWintersbride,Mirandathought.

TheclockoverthemantelpiecechimedthehalfhourandMirandaglancedatitwearily.Onlyhalf-pastnine.Butshemightaswellgotobed.

Inherownroomshesmiledasshefingeredthemonogrammedbrushesonthedressingtable.Strange,unpredictableman,shethought,tobesocasualinhisrelationshipwithher,yettoremembersointimateaweddingpresent,andshetracedtheentwinedinitialsM.C.onthebackofthehandmirrorwithtenderfingers,andrememberedshehadnotthankedhim.

Thefollowingdaytheweatherwaslittlebetter.Thefoghadlifted,buttheskywasstillgrayandovercastandraincloudsweregatheringagainoverthedistanttors.

"Ihadbetternotdawdlethismorning,"MirandasaidtoNancywhenshebroughtherbreakfastinthemorning.YoucantellMrs.YeoIwillseeheratteno'clock."

Nancygiggled.

"That'lldrivehermazed,"shesaidwithenjoyment."Notinherblacksthismorning,sheisn't,

andnotexpectingtobesentforagain."

ButMrs.YeowasinherblacksbythetimeMirandawasreadyforher,andtheywentthroughthesamefarceoforderingthemenufortheday.

"Mrs.Yeo,thekeyismissingfromthedrawing-roomdoor,"Mirandasaidattheendoftheinterview."Kindlyseethatitisputbackwithoutdelay.Itisnot,Ithink,theprovinceofMissSimmstolockuprooms."

"Verygood,madam."

Mirandamadeafaceatthewoman'sretreatingback.IfitwasgoingtobeastruggleforsupremacyatWintersbrideshewascertainlynotgoingtogivewaytoMrs.Yeoandherveiledinsolence.

Theuniformityoftheground-floorroomsbegantoworryher,andsheamusedherselffortherestofthemorningshiftingthefurniturearoundandalteringthepositionsofthings.TheluncheongongcaughtherunpreparedandFayandMissSimmswerealreadycomingdownthestairsasshedraggedasmalloaksettletotheothersideofthehall.

"Whatareyoudoing?"askedFayinstantly."Thatsettee'sstoodunderthewindoweversinceIcanremember."

"Well,itisnicetohavechange,don'tyouthink?"Mirandasaid,andthentookthechildbythehand."LookwhatIhavedoneinthisroom—andinthisone.Doyounotthinkitlooksbetter—morelivedin?"coaxedMiranda.

"No,"saidFay,"Idon'tlikechanges."

MissSimms,standingbehindherinthedoorway,remarkedgentry,"DoesMr.Chantryapproveofthis?"

"Isthereanyreasonwhyheshoulddisapprove,MissSimms?"

"No."Thegovernessmerelysoundedthoughtful."It'sonlythatFay'smotherneveralteredanythingandgentlemenaresuchcreaturesofhabit,don'tyouthink?"

ItwasthemostdelicatehintthatshehadbeenpresumptuousandMirandafeltherselfflushing.

"Habitscanbebadaswellasgood,"shesaidshortly,andMissSimmsraisedhereyebrowsatsuchanobvioustruth.

"Oh,quite,"shesaid."ButIthinkwearekeepinglunchwaiting."

Mirandaateherlunch,consciousthatherhandsweredirtyandherfrockcrumpledandsmearedwithdust,andwouldnothavebeenintheleastsurprisedifSimmyhadorderedheroutoftheroomtotidyherself.Shefeltdiscouragedbytheirreceptionofhermorning'sefforts,andalreadyshewasbeginningtowonderifAdammightnotbeannoyedwiththechangesinhiswell-ordered

rooms.

ShetriedtofindsomesubjectthatmightinterestFay,butthechildseemedindifferenttotheconversationandMirandawasleftwiththegoverness'spoliterepliestoherquestions.MissSimmswouldalwaysdohersocialdutybutshewasclearlyusedtolongperiodsofsilenceatmealtimes.Adamhimself,Mirandahadearlydiscovered,wasnotatalkativemanatthetable.Shesupposedthehabitmustbecatchingandthoughtagainthatshehadneverbeforeknownahousewherethehumanvoicewassoseldomheard.

"Willyoutakemeforawalkwhenyouhavehadyourrest?"sheaskedFayastheyrosetoleavethediningroom.

"Alone?"thechildsaidonsuchanoteofsurprisethatMirandalaughed.

"Yes,alone.Ishallnoteatyou,"shereplied.

"Faymeantthatsheisneverallowedoutsidethegroundswithoutme,"thegovernessremarkedquietly.

"Notallowedoutbyherselfatherage!"exclaimedMiranda."Areyouafraidofherlosingherselfonthemoor?"

"Melosemyself?I'mmoorlandbred!"saidFaywithderision."There'snowhereIcouldn'ttakeyouonthemoor,isthere,Simmy,isthere?"

Sheseemedunnaturallyexcitedcomparedwithherapathythroughlunch,andMirandasaidwithmoreenthusiasmthanshefeltfortheproject,"Well,takemethisafternoon.Wehavebeencoopedupinthehousefortwodaysandwecannotstayinforeverbecauseoftherain.Besides,Iwanttoseethecountry."

"MayI?MayI?"Thechildturnedtohergovernesseagerly,hersmallfacebeautifulagaininunexpectedanimation.

Thegoverness'spaleeyesrestedonherfaceforamoment,andthesallowskinseemedtotightenacrosshercheekbones.

"Yes,"shesaidquietly,"Ihavenoobjectionsolongasyoukeeptotheroads.Irelyonyouimplicitly,Mrs.Chantry,nottogoontothemoor."

Thewordshadaslightlysinisterringasthoughtheywereintendedtoconveyawarning,andMirandasaid,"Areyouafraidofescapedconvicts?"

MissSimmssmiledthinly.

"Aftersomuchrainthemoorwillbeverywetandthereisstillalittlemisthangingabout,"shesaidprosaically,andMirandafeltalittlefoolish.

"Yes,Isee,"shesaid."Verywell,wewillkeeptotheroads.Comeandgivemeashoutwhen

youarereadytostart,Fay.Iwillbeinmyroom."

WhenFayknockedonherdooranhourlaterMirandaswungroundonherdressing-tablestoolandheldoutawelcominghand.

"Comealongin,chérie,"shesaid."Iwillnotbelonggettingready."

Faywatchedherasshepulledopendrawers,butshesaidnothing.OnlywhenMirandapickeduponeofthemonogrammedbrushestodoherhairdidsheaskinavoiceofsuppressedfury,"Whyareyouusingthatbrush?"

'Mirandalookedinthemirroratthedark,sullenreflectionthatappearedoverhershoulder.

"BecauseIwanttobrushmyhair,"shesaidreasonably.

"Haven'tyouabrushofyourown?"demandedthechild.

Miranda,accustomedbynowtohersuddenintensityovertrivialmatters,repliedwithoutsurprise,"Thisismybrush.Look,everythingmatches.Thebrushesandmirrorandthelittletrinketboxes.TheywerewaitingformewhenIarrived.Doyounotthinkthey-arepretty?"

"Theyarenoneofthemyours,noneofthem!"Faycried."Theybelongedtomymother—they'veevengotherinitials—M.C.Mrs.Yeosaystheywereaweddingpresentfrommyfather—youhavenorighttousethematall."

Shebegantocry,andMirandaexperiencedsuchasharppangofbitternessthatthepainwasalmostphysical.Shesattherefingeringtheraisedinitialsonthebrush.

"Whatwasyourmother'sname?"sheaskedslowly.

"Melisande."

Sheputdownthebrushwithdistaste,thenlookedupattheweepingchild."Donotcry,Fay,"shesaid."Iwillnotusethemagain.Thiswasyourmother'sroom,Ithink.Iexpectsomeonejustforgottoputherthingsaway.Now,shallwegoforourwalk?"

ButFaydartedawayfromher.

"Ihateyou…Idon'twanttogoforawalk…"shecried,andranoutoftheroom,slammingthedoorbehindher.

Mirandadidnottrytofollowher.Thechild'scrueltywasnatural,butthecrueltyofAdam'sheedlessomissionstruckdeepbyreasonofitsutterindifference.Hadhesolittlesensibility,shewonderedpainfully,thathesawnoneedtoexplainthathisthoughthadnotbeenforher,butforthatotheronewhoseroomshenowoccupied,whosebedshesleptin?Didhenotcarethathisintimategiftstoawomanhehadoncelovedshouldbeusedsocarelesslybyanother?

Hereyescamebacktoherownreflectionandshewassurprisedtoseetearsinthem.

WhyshouldImind,shedemandedangrilyofherstrickenselfinthemirror.Iamnotromantic.

Butshedidmind.Ithadnotbeenentirelyamatterofexpedience,thisstrangemarriageofhers.ShehadacknowledgedfromthestartAdam'sunconsciousattractionforherandshehadnotthoughtthatthetimemightnevercomewhenhewoulddemandsomethingmoreofher.

Itwaslateintheafternoonwhensheleftherroom.MirandathoughtshewouldvisitthedrawingroomandtakeanotherlookatMelisande'sportrait,butwhenshecamedownstairsthekeywasstillmissingfromthelockandthefurnitureintheotherroomshadbeenquietlyrestoredtotheoldpositions.Sherantothebellropeandpulleditviolently.ItwasSimmywhounexpectedlycamethroughagreenbaizedooratthebackofthehalltoaskMirandawhatshewanted.

"Theservantsarebusygettingthetea.Whatdidyouwant,Mrs.Chantry?"shesaid.

"Thefurniture…"Mirandasaid."Ithasallbeenchangedagain.Bywhoseorders,MissSimms?"

Thegovernessstoodpatientlyjustinsidethedoor.TheunaccustomedflushhadfadedandshelookedatMirandanowwithatolerantsmile.

"'Nowyoumustn'tblametheservantsforcarryingonastheyareaccustomedto,Mrs.Chantry,"shesaidinthesoothingtonessheusedwithFay."Mr.Chantryisexpectedhomeanymomentandhewouldnotliketoseethehouselookingupset."

"Thenitwasyou—"beganMiranda,butMissSimmsstartedtowalktowardthestairs.

"Excuseme,please,butourteawillgetcold.Bessiewillbebringingyoursinamoment,"shesaid,andwentonupthestairswithnofurthercomment.

Mirandastoodinthecenterofthehallandhertemperrosewiththetiredexasperationofamuchtriedchild,sothatwhenAdamunexpectedlywalkedinatthefrontdooritwasbothareliefandaninvitationtounconsideredspeech.

"Adam,itisintolerable!"sheexclaimed,herhandsgesticulatingwildly."Theytreatmelikeachildora—anirresponsibleperson!HaveIanypartinyourhomeoramIjusta—astraycatyourescuedandfedandthenforgot?"

CHAPTERFIVE"Dearme!"Adamsaid,lookingathercuriously."Whataveryoddgreeting.BecauseIhavetobeawayfromhomedoesn'tmeanI'veforgottenyou.You'llhavetogetusedtomyabsences,youknow."

Sheknewthathismisunderstandingwasdeliberatebutshewastooangrytobewarnedthatitwasnotthemomentortheplaceforascene.

"Thatisnotthetrouble,"shecried."IwishtoknowifIhaveany—-anyauthorityatallatWintersbride."

"NotwhenyoubehavelikeFay,"heretortedcoolly,andasBessie,carryingtheteatray,pushedopenthegreenbaizedoor,headded,"I'lljusthaveawash,thenI'lljoinyoufortea."

Mirandawanderedslowlyintothesmallstudyandwatchedthegirlsetouttheteathings.Foramomentshewastemptedtoinquirewhohadbeenresponsibleforputtingtheroomsbacktotheiroriginalorder,butsheknewBessiewouldlookatherwithindifferenceandreferhertoMrs.Yeo.

"AreFayandSimmynotcomingdown?"Adamaskedashecameintotheroom.

"MissSimmsaskedtobeexcused,sir,"Bessiesaid."MissFayhashadalittleupsetandMissSimmsthoughtitbesttoremainintheschoolroom."

"Isee,"saidAdam,buthegaveMirandaaquicklookashesatdown,andwhenthedoorhadclosedonthegirl,heremarkedalittledryly,"Thatmakestwoofyou,orhaveyoujustbeenupsettingeachother?"

Mirandabegantopouroutthetea.Alreadyhertemperhadcooled,andshewasawarethatAdamwasnotgoingtobesympathetictodomesticdisturbances.

"IupsetFay,yes,"shesaid."Butitwasreallyyourfault."

"Oh?Howwasthat?"

"Youdidnottellmeaboutthebrushes."

"Thebrushes?"Hefrownedimpatiently.

"Thebrushesinmyroom—thedressing-tableset.TheinitialsweremineandIdidnotknowtheyhadbelongedtoyourwife."

Shespokeasifshedidnotclaimthatpositionforherselfandhiseyesrestedonherwithathoughtfulexpression.

"Isee,"hesaid."Yes,thatwasstupidofme.DidFayobjecttoyourusingthem?"

"Yes,butthatisnatural,isn'tit?"

"Notvery.Shecan'trememberhermother."ItsuddenlystruckhimmatMirandamusthavethoughtthathehadboughtthesetforherandhefrownedagain.

"Itseemedsensibletoleavethemwheretheywereasyouhadsolittleofyourown,butifyoudon'tcareforthesetyoucanreplaceitwithsomethingelse,"hesaid.

Shelookedacrossathimandsmiled.

"Itisofnoconsequence,"shesaid."Thesetisveryhandsomeandexpensive-looking.Ihavemywoodenbrushtouse.Willyouhaveasandwich,Adam?"

Hetookthesandwichandregardedheruneasilyasheate.

"I'mafraid,Miranda,"hesaidinhisdriestvoice,"thedelicacyofthesituationhadneverstruckme.Ithadn'toccurredtomethatsentimentalityhadanyplaceinour—businessarrangement."

Shegavehimawide,composedlookfromunderthethicklashes.Itwasalookhewascomingtoknowandithadbeguntodisturbhim.

"Ofcoursenot,"shesaid."Donotgiveitanotherthought.Themistakewasentirelymine."

Andwhatthedevildoyoumeanbythat,hewantedtoask,butinsteadheinquiredwhyshehadseemedsoupsetwhenhehadwalkedintothehouse.

"Becauseheretheytreatmelikeachild,"sheanswered.

"Soyousaid.Achildandanirresponsibleperson.Areyouanirresponsibleperson,Miranda?"

"Certainlynot.Ionlywantedtochangearoundthefurniture."

Helookedamused.

"Well,whydidn'tyou?"

"Idid,butwhenIcamedownstairsithadallbeenputbackagainandthekeyhadnotbeenreturnedtothedrawing-roomdoor,althoughIhavetoldMrs.Yeo,whoblamesMissSimms."

Theamusementlefthiseyes.

"Ididn'tknowitwaslocked","hesaidbriefly."Butnoonegoesinthere,except,Isuppose,toclean."

"WouldyouobjectifIusedtheroom?"sheaskedhimdirectly.

Hisfacewasexpressionless.

"No,"hesaid."Ihavenoobjection."

'"ThenwouldyoupleasebegoodenoughtogiveMrs.Yeo—orMissSimms—instructions?Theypaynoattentiontome."

Buthisinteresthadgone.

"Youandthestaffmustsettlethesemattersbetweenyourselves,"hesaid."I'mnotconcernedwithhowyourearrangetheroomssolongasyouleavemystudyalone,butifyoutakemy

advice,Miranda,youwon'tupsetMrs.Yeo."

"Idonotwanttoupsetanyone,"Mirandareplied,feelingthatshewasbeingreprovedunjustly."ButMrs.YeowillnottrytobeagreeableandMissSimmsmakesdifficultiesoverthesimplestthings."

"Suchas?"

"AlmostanythingtodowithFay.Itwasafavortobeallowedtogoforawalkwithouther,andeventhenwemustnotgoonthemoor."

"Isee."Hesoundednoncommittal,buthiseyesweregraveasheadded,"Simmymayoftensoundpernicketyandevenunreasonabletoyou,Miranda,butalwaysrememberthatsheknowswhatshe'sdoing.Willyoubearthatinmindinthefuture?"

Shewouldhavelikedtotalktohimaboutthenurseryshehaddiscoveredinthesouthcorridorandsuggestthatthechild'sschoolroombemoved,buthehadnotencouragedheropinionofhisarrangementstheothernightandseemedtohaveadislikeofsuggestionsthatmightalterinanywaythepresentroutineofthehouse.ShebegantothinkthatthetragedyofMelisande'sdeathwasnogreaterforAdamthanitwasforhischildandwonderedwhy,whenhewaspreparedtoremarry,forconventionalreasons,hehadnotchosenGraceLathamlongago.Itwouldhavebeensuchafarmoresuitablearrangement.Butno,shereflectedshrewdly,thatwouldnothavedoneforAdam.Gracewaspliant,andwilling,Mirandawassure,toplaysecondfiddletothefirstwife,butshewouldexpectthenormalfulfillmentofmarriage.WasAdamthentemperamentallycold,orwasheoneofthoserareindividualswho,oncehavinggivenhisdevotiontoonewoman,couldnotcontemplateagainanyintimaterelation'shipwithanother?

AtlastAdamgotupandstretched.Hesaid,"ImustgoupandhaveawordwithSimmynow,thenIhavesomeletterstowrite.I'llseeyouatdinner."

"Areyougoingtosaygood-nighttoFay?"

"No,Idon'tthinkso,"herepliedcalmly."It'snotaninstitutionwe'veindulgedinforagoodmanyyears."

Shegavehimasurprisedlook.

"Butallchildrenliketobetuckedin,"shesaid.

"Dothey?Fayisprobablytheexception,"heremarked,andwentoutoftheroom.

Mirandasighed.ShecouldnotunderstandAdam'sattitudetowardhisdaughter.AttimesheseemedtobehaveasthoughFay'sabsurdclaimthathedislikedherwastrue.Hadtherenever,shewondered,beenacloserrelationshipbetweenthem?

Mirandashiveredasshesatlisteningtotheraindrivingagainstthewindows.Shehadamentalpictureofthehouseasshehadfirstseenitrisingoutofthemistwithitsblind,shutteredlook…Wintersbride…Sheswitchedonallthelights,thendrewthecurtains,shuttingoutthegray

sadeveningthatmadeamockeryofsummer.

Thebadweatherpersisted.Junewasheraldedinwithweepingskiesandthedaysalternatedonlybetweenrainandfog.Mirandafoundlittletodowithhertime.Shedidnotagaintryherhandatrearrangingtherooms,andalthoughthekeywasreturnedtothedrawing-roomdoorshehadnotthehearttoventureinside.AfterthefirstweekshehadabandonedhermorninginterviewswithMrs.Yeo,havingbecomewearyoftherecurrentphrase,"ThefirstMrs.Chantryalwayspreferred—"oreven,"Mrs.Chantrydidnotapprove."Itwasnatural,Mirandasupposed,thatMrs.Yeoshouldresenther.ShehadruledAdam'shouseholdforsevenyearswithoutinterferenceanditwasnottobeexpectedthatshewouldtakekindlytoanewmistress.Butthedayswereveryempty,andMiranda'seffortstogettoknowAdam'schildmetwithlittlesuccess.SometimesshewouldwalktothevillagewithFayandhergoverness,andwhenitwastoowettogooutshewouldvisitthemintheschoolroomandsuggestagame.

MirandasawlittleofAdamatthistime.AnemergencyoperationtookhimintoSomersetforacoupleofnightsandhefrequentlystayedinPlymouthwhenhisappointmentswerebookedlateintheafternoon.HehadprescribedearlynightsforMirandaandtherewaslittlechoiceexcepttoobeyhimandgotobedathalf-pastnine:Onecouldnotreadallday,shethought,andtherewasnothingdomesticwithwhichtooccupyherself.

SometimesMissSimmswouldcomedownafterFaywasinbedandsitwithheruntildinnertime.

Mrs.LathamgaveherpromiseddinnerpartyattheendofJune,andMirandawentuptodressforitwithaslightfeelingoftrepidation.ThiswasthefirsttimeshewastofulfillthetermsofAdam'sbargainandshewasanxiousthathisfriendsshouldapproveofher.Shewasuncertainastowhatshewasexpectedtowearforarathermoreformaleveninginthecountry,andonhearingAdammovingaboutinhisroom,shecalledtohimtocomeandhelpherchoose.

"Whatisit?"hesaid,soundingsurprised.Hehadneverbeforebeenintoherbedroom.

"Pleasecomein,"shecalled."Iamhavingdifficulties."

"Verywell,"hereplied."Openthedoor."

"Itisn'tlocked,"sheshoutedback,andheturnedthehandleandcamein.

"Areyoualwaysastrustingasthis?"heremarkedwithalittleironicaltwisttohismouth.

"Astrustingaswhat?"sheasked,herheadinacupboard;then,assheemergedabruptlyandlookedfromhisraisedeyebrowstotheopendoorbetweentheirrooms,shefeltherselfflushing.

"No,"sherepliedsedately."Butinthiscaseitisdifferent,isn'tit?Thedoorhasneverbeenlocked."

"Hmm,"heobserved,andstoodlookingatherwithaspeculativeeye.Sheworesomebrief

undergarmentthatrevealedmorethanitconcealedandhecrossedtheroomslowlyandplacedhishandsonhernarrowhipbones.

Shestoodverystill,andforamomentshethoughthewasgoingtodrawherintohisarms.Shelookedupathisdarkfaceandeachlinewassuddenlyfamiliar,andshefeltanachingtendernesstowardhimasshewaited.

Buthiseyesbecamecoollyprofessionaloncemoreandallhesaidwas,"You'restillmuchtoothin."

"Yes,Adam,"shesaid,andwriggledoutofhisgrasp.

"Well,now,whatarethedifficulties?"heaskedher,andsheplungedoncemoreintothecupboard,pullingoutdressesandtossingthemathimingreathaste.

"Well,"hesaid,lookingatheroverthearmfulofclotheswitharatheroddexpression,"I'mnotveryusedtoactingasalady'smaid,youknow."

"Butitisonlytochooseforme,"shesaidseriously."Idonotknowifitiscorrecttowearthedécolletage—"herhandsbegantosketchgestures"—orthehighneckorthesleeves."

"Definitelynotthedécolletage,"hesaid,lookingamused."Amodestdinnerdressiswhatisrequired.Whataboutthis?Whiteisverysuitableforthebride'sfirstappearance,don'tyouthink?"

Shelookedatthefrockdoubtfully.Itwasacharmingcreation,butshefeltalittleuncertainofAdamwhenhemaderemarksofthiskind.

"Ifyouthinkso,"shesaid,andhetossedtherestofthedressesontoachair.

"Idefinitelythinkso,"hereplied,andwentbacktohisroom.

Graceandhermotherlivedinanold,convertedfarmhouseontheothersideofShaptavy,andenteringMrs.Latham'slow-ceilingeddrawingroomwithitsbrightchintzesandold-fashionedDresdenchinabric-a-brac,MirandathoughthowmuchpleasanteritwasthanWintersbride.TheroomseemedfullofpeopleandsheexperiencedamomentofacuteshynessasshestoodbesideAdam,acknowledgingintroductions.Theyregardedherwithpolitecuriosity,thesemenandwomenwhohadbeeninvitedtomeether.

Astheeveningprogressed,AdamglancedseveraltimesatMirandawitheyesthatwereamusedandalittlesurprised.ShewasholdingherownnicelywithStokes,whohadadrywitandapooropinionoffemaleintelligence,andoldBenyonwasclearlyverytakenwithher.Thewomen,too,haddroppedtheirearlierreserveandcomplimentedhimonhisyoungbride,andevenMrs.Latham,thoughshecouldnothavebeenbestpleasedattheendofherdaughter'shopes,remarkedalittleacidly,"Anattractiveyoungcreature,mydearAdam,andnicemannersinanageofadeplorablelackofthemintheyoung,don'tyouthink?Butthat'stheFrenchupbringing,I

expect."

Adamgrinned;hewasnotsurprisedthatshewasasuccess.Therewasnotracenowoftheshabbylittlewaifhehadrescuedandmarriedonsuchacuriousimpulse,andherealizedthatshewasbothattractiveandunusualandthatnotoneofthemenpresenttonightwouldhavebelievedorunderstoodthetermsofhismarriage.

HeturnedtospeaktoGrace,awarethatshehadbeenwatchinghimforsometime.

"ItwaskindofyouandyourmothertohelplaunchMirandasosuccessfully,"hesaidquickly,andshesmiled.

"Butofcoursewediditforyou,Adam.Sheissuchachildanditcan'tbeeasytobecomethewifeofanimportantmanwhenonehaslittleornoexperience."

"Sheseemstobedoingallright,"saidAdamalittledryly."Andyou'vealwaysoverratedmyimportance,Grace."

Shesmiledagain,buthereyeswerelessamused.

"Doyouthinkso?Well,Ihopeyou'regoingtobeveryhappy,Adam.Youknowthat'sallI'veeverwishedforyou."

"Yes,Iknow,"hesaid,admiringthepoisewithwhichshehidwhatevershemightoncehavefeltforhim."You'relookingverywelltonight.It'stime,youknow,youemulatedmyexampleandgotmarried.Theremustbemanypoordevilswhohavebeenlivinginhopesfortoolong."

Shewinced.Howclumsymenwere,eventhecleverestofthem,shethoughtwithalittlespurtofanger.Wasitpossiblethathehadneverreallyknownwhatshehadfeltforhim?Hishastymarriagehadcomeasashocktoher,buthischoiceofawifehadwoundedhermorebitterly.AdamChantry,thecool,thelevelheaded,tobecaughtbyaprettylittlegamineyoungenoughtobehisdaughter…

"Youmustn'tbelikeallbridegroomsandtrytoharryyourfriendsintothemarriedstate,"shesaidlightly."Therearestillmenandwomenwhoprefertheblessingsofbeingsingle,youknow."

MirandawastalkingtoDr.Tregellis.Hewas,hehadtoldher,thedoctorpracticingintheneighborhood;heattendedeveryoneinthevillageandWintersbridehadbeenonhisvisitinglisteversinceAdamhadfirstboughtittenyearsago.

"Oh,"saidMiranda,betrayedintosurprise,"thenFaywasnotbornthere?"

"No."saidDr.Tregellis."IfshehadbeenIwouldcertainlyhavebroughtherintotheworld.Butdidn'tyouknowthechildwasbornwhenAdamwaspracticinginLondon?"

"No,"shesaid,"IdidnotknowhehadeverpracticedinLondon.IthoughthehadalwaysbeenhereatWintersbride."

"Oh,dearme,no,"Tregellissaid,lookingatherrathercuriously."Hehadbeenmarriedthreeyearswhenhecamedownhere.Thechildwastwo.He'dhavebeeninHarleyStreetbynowhadhestayed,butit'sthewestcountry'sgain.Yourhusbandisaverybrilliantsurgeon,Mrs.Chantry."

"Yes,"saidMiranda,wonderingwhyAdamhadabandonedLondonforPlymouth."Ithought,somehow…"Shelaughedalittleawkwardly,awarethathemustthinkitoddthatsheknewsolittleofherhusband'saffairs."Ithought,perhaps,Wintersbridewasthefamilyhome."

"Oh,dearme,no,"thedoctorsaidagain."Heboughttheplaceasitstood,lock,stockandbarrel.OldColonelHunter,theoriginalowner,movedout,theChantrysmovedinandhardlyastickoffurniturehadtobealtered."

That,then,thoughtMiranda,explainedthecuriousimpersonalityofalltherooms,buthowhadshelikedit—Melisande,withtheflairforbeautythatherdrawingroombetrayed?

"Oneforgetshowtimepasses,"Tregelliswassayingwithfaintsurprise."ItseemsonlytheotherdaythattheChantrysmovedintoWintersbride,andMrs.Chantry'sbeautywasaninedays'wonder.Peopleusedtolookthroughthegates,youknow,hopingtogetaglimpseofherinthegarden."Foramomenthiseyeswereintrospectiveandalittlesad,thenheaddedratherhastily,"Butthat'sallpasthistoryforyou.Youmusthavebeenababeinarmsatthetime."

"Iwasnine,"saidMiranda.

"DidyouattendMrs.Chantry?"sheasked,moreforsomethingtosaythanbecauseshewascurious.

"Yes,"hereplied,lookingatherratherhard."Poorsoul,whatatragedy,butitwasnoone'sfaultintheend—noone's,youunderstand.MissSimmsblamedherselfbitterly,butshehadnocauseto."

"ButIthoughtFayhadbeensentawayallthetimehermotherwasill.Wasn'tSimmywithher?"

"Oh,dearme,no.ThechildwaswithNanny.MissSimmswasMrs.Chantry'snurse-companion,youknow.SheonlybecameFay'sgovernessafterward.Butsurelyyourhusbandhastoldyouallthis?"

"Itwassolongago,"shesaidevasively."IthinkAdamfeelsthathisfirstmarriagehasnothingtodowithhissecond."

Shebegantodislikethelittledoctor'sprobing,bulginggazeandfeltuncomfortablewhenhesaidwithbluffheartiness,"PerhapsI'vebeentalkingtoomuch,butmeetingyouwasboundtoreviveoldmemories,youknow-,andMelisandeChantrywasthemostbeautifulwomanIeversaw."

MirandawassavedfromareplybyGrace,whosentthedoctortotalktohermotherandsatdownherselfinhisplace.GratefulfortheinterruptionandanxioustopleaseGrace,whoshereallythoughtwaslookingveryhandsome,shebegantoadmirethesapphirependantthatlookedsobeautifulagainstherwhiteskin.

"Itwasleftmebyagreat-aunt,"Gracesaididly."Incidentally,youneverwearjewellery,doyouMiranda?Ihaven'tevenseenyourengagementring.WhatdidAdamgiveyou?"

Mirandasattwistingtheplainweddingringroundherfinger,tryingtothinkofananswer.Gracerepeatedherquestionandtwooftheotherwomenbrokeoffaconversationtodiscussthemoreinterestingsubjectofjewellery.

"Well,I…"Mirandabegannervously.

ThenAdam'svoicesaidfirmlybehindher,"Wehadtosendtheringbackforthesettingtobelookedat.Astonewasloose."

"Oh,whatashame,"sympathizedoneofthewomen."Whatisitlike,Mrs.Chantry?"

"Diamonds,"saidAdampromptly."Iwasconventional,I'mafraid,Mrs.Stokes."

"It'sbeautiful,"Mirandasaid,reliefmakingherunwary."Asquaresolitairewith—withbaguettediamondsoneachside."

"Itsoundslovely—andexpensive,"gushedMrs.Stokes,andMirandabecameawareofAdam'sironicaleyesonher.

"Yes,"hesaiddryly,"doesn'tit?"

Hetookherhomeverysoonafterward,andsittingbesidehiminthecar,shegaveasighofrelief.Shehadenjoyedherevening,buttherehadbeenoneortwoawkwardmomentsforwhichshehadnotbeenprepared.

"DidI—wasI—wellconducted?"sheaskedwiththatoddlittleformalityofexpressionthatshewasapttousewhenshewasnervous.

"Verywellconducted,"herepliedwithasmile."Infact,Miranda,youwereadistinctsuccess.Everyonethoughtyoucharming."

"Andyou,Adam,"shesaidboldlyintothedarkness,"youdidnotfindmecharming?"

"Ididn'tsayso,"hereplied,andtherewasateasingnoteinhisvoice.

Heheardhersighandplacedahandforamomentoveroneofhers.

"Ifoundyouverycharming,mydear,"hesaidgently."DoyouwantmetosayIwasproudofyou?"

"Thatgivesmegreatpleasureifyoumeanit,"shesaid,flushinginthedarkness,andmovedalittleclosertohim."Thankyouforrescuingmeoverthering,Adam.Icouldnotthinkofwhattosay,andeveryonewasstaring."

"Well,it'sapityyourresourcefulnessdidn'tdesertyouforabitlonger,"heremarkedwithhisolddryness."Youalwayshavetoembellishastory,don'tyou,Miranda?Asquaresolitairewithbaguettesoneachside—amostexactdescription.Cartierprobablywon'thavesuchathinginstock."

"Cartier?Oh,butAdam,youdon'thavetobesoliteral.NoonewillnoticenowifIdon'thavearing."

"Ofcourseyoumusthavearing.Youshouldhaveremindedmethatitwaspartoftheconventions.IshallwritetoCarder'stomorrow."

Shewassilent,notknowingwhetherhewasannoyedoramusedoralittleofboth,andhesuddenlyputahandonherknee.

"I'mnotquitesothoughtlessorsoungenerousasyoumustthinkme,"hesaidunexpectedly."There'ssomegoodjewelleryinmysafe,butaftermy—bétiseoverthedressing-tableset,Ihesitatedtoofferittoyou."

Melisande'sjewels…ButMirandahadneverknownher,andalljewels,unlesstheywerenew,hadbeenwornbysomeoneelseatsometimeorother.

"Thankyou,Adam,"shesaidgently."Ifyoudonotmind,whyshouldI?ButIdonotwantto—trespass."

"Whatanicechildyouare,"hesaid,andturnedforamomenttolookatthefair,curledheadsonearhisshoulder.

"Adam,Iamnotachild,"shesaid.ButtheyhadreachedWintersbridenow,andhelaughedashegotouttoopenthegates.

"Aren'tyou?"hesaid."Didn'tyouhearwhatoldBenyonsaid,andTregellisandtheothers?"

Thehouseconfrontedtheminthethindrizzle,blindandshutteredasusual.ThepleasureMirandahadbeenfeelingduringtheeveningdiedassheenteredthesilenthall.

"Goodnight,Adam,"shesaid,andwouldhavegoneupstairs,butheunexpectedlyputahandunderherchin,tiltingherfaceupforcloserobservation.

Shelookedupathim,awarethatthistimehisinterestwasnotwhollyprofessional.

"AmIforgivenforhurtingyouoverthatdressing-set?"heasked.

Shehadnotexpectedthequestionandforamomentshedidnotknowhowtoanswer.Butashegravelywaited,searchingherfacewitheyesthatwerecuriouslyanxious,sherepliedgently,"ItwasnotyourfaultthatIwashurt.Youhadgivenmenoreasonto—misunderstandyouractions."

Hegaveheralonglook.

"Well,I'veorderedanothersetforyoufromAsprey.Faycanhavehermother'swhenshe'solder.Nowgotobedandgetagoodnight'ssleep."

Hedidnotwaitforherstammeredthanksbutturnedhiswholeattentiontolockingupthehouse.

CHAPTERSIXTherewasanotherweekofwetweather.Then,towardtheendofJune,summersuddenlycametothemoor.Itbecamesohotthatthewildponiessoughtshelterinthelanes,andatnightMirandacouldhearthemoutsidethegates,theirunshodhoovesringinginthestillnessastheymadeoffdowntheroad.

Sometimesshewouldexplorethemoorinthecooloftheevening,andonceshegotupveryearlytowatchthesunrisebehindthehutcirclesonSpineyDown.Adammetherinthehallassheslippedintothehouse,andhiseyebrowsrose.

"Hello,you'reupearly,"heremarked,observingwithsurpriseherbarefeetandthesandalsswingingfromonehand.

"Yes,"shelaughed."I'vebeenonthemoor.IhavewatchedthesunriseoverSpineyDownandIamveryhungry."

"Hmm,"hesaidnoncommittally."Well,you'dbetterjoinmeforbreakfast.It'sallready."

Shewasconsciousthathewaswatchingherassheate,hiseyesalittleamused.Shethoughthelookedverydistinguishedinhisprofessionalblackcoatandimpeccablelinen,distinguishedbutalittlealarming.Inthestrongmorninglightthegrayinhisneatlybrushedhairwasveryevident,andhisdarkface,freshfromhisrecentshave,alreadyworeanairoftheshrewd,observantconsultant.Shewasunsurprisedwhenhesaidwithcrispapproval,"Youlookbetter.Alittletoofinedrawnstill,buthealthier.Doyousleepwell?"

"Verywell,thankyou,"sherepliedmeekly,thenhermouthsuddenlycurledupinagrin."Youareveryprofessional,Adam.Doyourpatientsdaretoconfideinyou?"

"NotmorethanisnecessaryforadiagnosisifIcanhelpit,"heretorted.

"Ithink,perhaps,youintimidateyourpatients."

"Youdo,doyou?ButIdon'tintimidateyou,Miranda?"

Didheintimidateher?Yes,shethought,attimes,whenhelookedatherasifshewereatemperaturechartwithwhichhewasnotentirelysatisfied.Shewonderedwhethersheshouldtellhimthis,butintheendsheonlyrepliedalittlesmugly,"Iamnotapatient."

Herepliedwithseverity,"Oh,yes,youare,youngwoman.Thatheartofyoursisn'tallIshouldlikeittobeyet,sonotsomuchofthissunrisewatching,please,andmorerestinyourperfectly

goodbed—andkeepyourshoeson."

"Yes,Mr.Chantry,"shesaid,andhelaughed.

"Youknow—"hestirredhiscoffeeidly,desiringunexpectedlytolingerovertheconversation"—IthinkIshouldhaveadoptedyouinsteadofmarriedyou."

"Why?"

"Well,lookatyou,withyourscratchedlegsandyourhaircurlinglikealamb'sback!AndthatratherdisreputablecottondressnevercameoutofDubonnet'scollection,I'llswear."

Shelookedsurprised.Itwassoseldomthatheappearedtonoticewhatshewore.

"IgotitinPlymouthfortwenty-fiveshillings.Itsavesmygrandones,"shetoldhim."Don'tyoulikeit?"

"Yes,thecolorsuitsyouwellenough,butyoucanalwaysgetthingssentdownfromBrutonStreetonapproval,youknow."

"Verylikely,"repliedMirandaseverely."Butyoushouldnotdiscouragemefromsavingyourmoney,Adam.InFrancewomenaretaughttobethriftywiththeirhusbands'incomes."

"Indeed!"hesaidgravely."Verypraiseworthy,I'venodoubt.Well,atleastI'vebrokenoneFrenchhabitofyoursofwhichIdon'tapprove."

Shelookedalittlealarmed."What?"sheasked,searchinginhermindforFrenchhabitsofwhichtheBritishwouldnotapprove.

"YoueatadecentEnglishbreakfastnowinsteadofthatcontinentalnonsense,"hesaid,andshegiggled.

"Oh,Adam,whatafunnythingtotakesoseriously.Wouldn'tit—"sheleanedacrossthetable,coaxinghimlikeachild"—woulditnotbeniceifinthishotweatherwehadourbreakfastontheterrace?InthesouthofFrancewehadallourmealsoutofdoors,myfatherandI."

Therewasnostalgiainhervoice,andforamomentheexperiencedabriefcuriosityaboutthatotherlifeofhersintowhichhehadinquiredsolittle,butbreakfastontheterracewithMirandadistractinghisthoughtsfromtheirwell-orderedchannels—no.

"Notatallnice,I'mafraid,Miranda,"hesaidbriskly."I'venotimetodallyinthemorningsandIdislikeeatingmyfoodoutofdoors."Heglancedathiswatchandgotupfromthetable."Well,thiswon'tdo.I'maquarterofanhourlateasitis.Bidderwillbewaiting."

TherewerenomoresurprisebreakfastpartiesandhedidnotCatchheragainforsometimeinhercheapcottondressesandnoshoesonherfeet.BythetimehecamebackintheeveningsshehadalreadychangedintooneoftheexpensivedressesfromDubonnet's,andwiththedresswentherpartymanners.Shespokewhenshefeltshewasexpectedto,sensingveryquicklywhenhe

wastiredormerelyuncommunicative.Sometimestheywoulddrinktheircoffeeontheterrace,butitwasthenearestMirandaevergottothealfrescomealsshehadplannedwhenthewarmweathercame.

EvenFayandMissSimmsseemedtoshareAdam's-dislikeofanydeparturefromroutineexceptforpicnics.WhenAdamcoulddispensewiththecar,BidderwoulddrivethemtoSpineyDownorRam'sTor,wheretherewasacaveandafamousviewfromthetop,orevenfartherafieldtoapointwheretheycouldglimpsethesea.Thenhewouldleavethemwiththeirrugsandtheirpicnicbasketsandreturnfortheminexactlytwohours.OntheseoccasionsMirandaandFaywereunexpectedlyunited,forbothdislikedtheexpeditionsandbothwereirkedbythegov-erness'sunobtrusivesupervision.MissSimmsdidnotappeartobewatchingthemasshesatstifflywithherbackagainstaboulder,readingorcrocheting,butiftheywanderedoutofsightshewouldcallthemback.Once,Mirandapretendednottohearand,takingthechild'shand,pulledherdowntohideinthebracken.Simmy,whensheeventuallyfoundthem,wasveryangryindeed.

"Youshouldknowbetter,Mrs.Chantry,thantoplaytrickslikethat,"shesaid.

"Butthereisnoharminhiding,"Mirandasaidreasonably."IoftenusedtohidefrommynursewhenIwassmall."

"Youarenotachildnow,"thegovernessretorted.

Mirandarepliedalittlesharply,forthewoman'sattitudestruckherasridiculous,"Fayisachild,orshouldbe.Ifyouallowedheralittlemorefreedom,MissSimms,shemightreactmorelikeanormallittlegirl."

MissSimms'slipstightenedattheselastwordsandsheglancedquicklyatFay,whogazedwithinterestatMirandaandremarkedwithcomplacency,"ButI'mnotnormal,Miranda.IonceheardAdamtellGraceIwasnotanormalchild."

"You'retalkingnonsense,mydear,"saidSimmybriskly."Youneverheardyourfathersayanysuchthing."

"Oh,yes,Idid.Whatdoesnotnormalmean?"

"Itmeansnotbeinglikeotherpeople,soyouseeyoucouldnothaveheardquiteright."

"ButI'mnotlikeotherpeople,"saidFayproudly."Idon'twanttobe.Iwanttobedifferentsothateveryonewillremembermeliketheydomymother."

"Nowthat'squiteenoughofthisfoolishtalk,"MissSimmssaidquickly,andgaveMirandaawarninglook.

"Mrs.Chantry,"thegovernesssaidassoonasthechildwasoutofhearingrange,"ImustaskyounottomakeremarksofthatkindinfrontofFay,suggestingthatIamresponsibleforher—badbehavior."

"Well,Ithinkyouare,withoutmeaningtobe,"saidMirandacandidly.ItwastimeSimmyrealizedthatMirandaalsowasnottwelveyearsold.

Theywerewalkingbacktotheirpicnicspot,andforamomentMissSimmspaused.

"Youdon'tunderstand,"shesaidquitequietly,anddidnotlookatMirandaasshespoke."Irealizethattoyoumymethodsmayoftenseemold-fashionedandunnecessary,butbelieveme,Iknowwhat'sbestforFay."

"Iwonderifyoudo,"saidMirandaslowly."SometimesIthinkthatyou—andherfather,too—donottreatherenoughlikeanordinarylittlegirl."

"That'samatteryoumusttakeupwithMr.Chantry,"thegovernessrepliedinhercolorlessvoice,andsaidnomoreuntiltheywereinthecar.

ButitwasAdamwhotookthematterupwithMirandaafterdinnerthatnight.

"Iwish,Miranda,"hesaidwithoutpreamble,"you'dtrytocooperatealittlemorewithSimmy.Itdoesn'tmakeherpositioneasier,youknow."

"DoesSimmy,"askedMirandawithaflashoftemper,"havetoreporteverytrivialhappeningoftheday?"

Hestudiedherthoughtfully.

"No,"hesaid,droppinghisimpatience,"onlywhatsheconsidersnecessary.Shethought,asyouhadgivenhertheimpressionthatinyouropinionbothsheandIwereatfaultinourdealingswithFay,itwouldbeaswellifIhadatalkwithyou."

Mirandafeltherselfflushing.

"But,Adam,itisallsosilly,"shesaid."FirstsheisannoyedbecausewehideinthebrackenandthensheisannoyedbecauseIsuggest—quitewithoutrudeness,youunderstand—thatFaywouldbehavemorelikeanormalchildifshewastreatedassuch.Shemakessuchunnecessarysignificancesoutofthemostordinaryhappenings."

Hedidnotmakeanycommentforamoment.Thenhesaidquietly,"Well,Ithinkit'sunwisetoputideasintoachild'shead.Youwillagreethattheminuteyousuggestedshewasnotanormalchildshepromptlyagreedwithyouandfurtherexpressedtheopinionthatshehadnowishtobe.Fayisverysuggestible,youknow.Weallhavetobecareful."

"Well,"saidMiranda,feelinguneasyathisconsulting-roommanner,"ifshereallydidhearyoutellGraceLathamthatshewasnotnormal,theideawastherealready,wasn'tit?"

"Yes,"hesaidgravely."Itwasapitysheheardthat.Onetalkstoolooselythesedaysaboutnormalityandotherclaptrapdefinitions."

"Youwouldn't,"Mirandasaidshrewdly."Adam—sheisnotnormal,isshe?"

Buthewasnotpreparedtoanswerthatquestionwithsuchdirectness."Forheaven'ssake,whatisnormality?"heexclaimed."Areyounormal?AmInormal?Don'twealldifferinvaryingdegreesfromtheacceptedpattern?Yes,Miranda,judgedbytheaveragethird-formstandardofgiggling,basketball-playinglittlegirls,Fayisnotnormal.Butthatdoesn'tmakeherapsychopathiccase."

"No,ofcoursenot,"shesaid,andhesitated.WasthisthemomenttosaywhathadbeeninhermindeversinceshehadcometoWintersbride?

"I'msorry,"shebegan,"ifIhavemadethingsdifficultforMissSimms—orforyou.ButAdam,youareadoctor—doesthetroublenotgodeeper?"

"Whatdoyoumean?"Hisvoicewassharp.

"Ionlymeantthatyoudonotseemveryfondofher,"shesaidgently.

Foralongminutehesatregardingherwithastrangeexpressionthatheldsomethingofironyandsomethingofsadness,too.

"Yes,mydear,that'strue,"hesaidwithunexpectedgentleness."Butyoudon'tunderstand—howshouldyou?Affectionmustbemutual.Therearepeoplewhodon'tunderstandwhatisbeingofferedandit'slessexhaustingtowithdrawthanbeatperpetuallyonalockeddoor."

Shedidnotknowwhattoreply.ShewasnotreallysurewhetherhewasthinkingofFay'sorhisowninabilitytogivewhenhespokeofaffection.

Tearssuddenlystunghereyelidsandshejumpedupandturnedtowardtheopenwindow,seekingtoescapetothegarden.Buthecaughtherhandasshebrushedpasthischairandheldherbesidehimforamoment.

"Lookatme,"hesaidabruptly.

Sheturnedherheadunwillinglyandthelightfromthereadinglampathiselbowslantedacrossherface,betrayingthetearsonherlashes.

"I'vehurtyou,haven'tI?"heaskedhergently."Youdon'tunderstandhalfthetimewhatI'mtryingtotellyou."

Shestoodlookingdownathim,awareofthestrongfingersonherwristandthedisconcertingscrutinywithwhichhisdarkeyessearchedherface.

"If,"sherepliedwithdignity,"youaretryingtotellmethatyoudonotwantmyaffection,youneedhavenofearIwillembarrassyou,Adam."

Hesoundedratherweary.

"No,Iwasn'ttryingtotellyouthat.Ifyouhaveacquiredany—fondnessforme,Icanonlybegrateful,mydear,andhumble,too.Idon'tthinkIcanbeamanwhoeasilyinspiresaffection."

"You!"sheexclaimed,soquicklyandinsuchatoneofdisbeliefthathegaveherasurprisedsmile."Ifyouwouldonlyallow—"

Shebrokeoffwarilyatthelookinhiseyesandloweredherownwhenhesaid,"Iseemtorememberyouoncetoldmethatitshouldnotbedifficulttomakeyourselfloveanymanwhowasreasonablydecent.Doyoustillthinkthat?"

"Pierreusedtosaythereisnosuchthingaslove.Itisonlyamatterofwishfulthinking,"shereplied,andimmediatelysensedthechangeinhim.

"Yes,well,I'mnotparticularlyinterestedinPierre'sopinions,"hesaiddryly."Andyou,Ithink,woulddobettertosticktoyourown.I'mafraidwe'reanunsatisfactorycouple,mydaughterandI.You'lljusthavetomakethebestofus."

"Yes,"shesaid,andgentlywithdrewherhandasshefelthisfingersslackenonherwrist.

"That'sagoodchild,"hesaidabsently,andreachedforabookonthetablebesidehim.

TheywereaskedtodineoutonseveraloccasionsbyAdam'scolleagues,buthewasseldomwasabletogo.Miranda,iftheyaccepted,wentalone,andwonderedwhichboredhermost,themedicalshoptalkthatseemedtopervademostdinnerconversationsorthemenwhotriedtoflirtwithherafterward.

"You'vedoneyourdutynow,"Adamtoldherwithasmileatherdisconsolatefacewhenhepackedheroffforthelasttimewithouthim."Oncewe'vereturnedhospitality,wecanrefusealltherest.Nooneexpectsmetobesocial."

"Wemusthavethemhere?"Mirandaasked,lookingalittlealarmed.

"Ithinkso.I'veneverentertainedatWintersbride,butyoudon'tneedtoworry,Miranda.Mrs.Yeowillseetoeverythingandshe'sanexcellentcook."

Hegaveheralistofgueststhenextmorningand,whensheaskedhimblanklyhowtheinvitationsshouldbeworded,hesaidalittleimpatiently,"CallupGrace.Sheunderstandsallthatsortofthing."

MirandawasloathtodisplayherignorancetoGrace,whowasalwayssoreadywithadvice.ButitwasimportantthatsheshouldnotdisgraceAdam,soshewenttothetelephoneandaskedthegirltolunch.

Gracewascharming.

"Buthowsensibleofyou,Miranda,"shesaidwhenshearrived."Youcan'thavemuchexperienceofthissortofthing,andI'veplayedhostessforAdambefore,youknow."

"Here?"askedMiranda,acknowledgingtoherselfthatGracewouldmakeanadmirablehostess.

"No,nothere.There'sbeennoentertainingatWintersbridesinceMelisandedied,butoccasionallyAdamhadtoreturnhospitalitytothewivesofhisvariouscolleaguesatsomehotel.Iusedtohelphimout.Now,letmeseeyourlist,Miranda,andwe'lldecideonthetableseating."

Gracetookfullcharge.TheorderofprecedencewasexplainedtoMirandaandthetabledecorationsandarrangementoftheroomsdecidedon.GraceinterviewedProut,thegardener,whowasjealousofhisfruitandflowers,andshemadeMirandasendforMrs.Yeoinordertodiscussthefood.Mrs.Yeodidnotappeartobepleased.

"Adinnerpartyhere?"sheexclaimed."There'sbeennoentertainingheresincethatdinnermypoorladygavetheyearbeforeshedied.Youremember,MissGrace?Thatwasanight!"

"Yes,Mrs.Yeo,"Gracereplied,givingheralevellook."Thisisnotthatkindofpartyatall.Mr.andMrs.Chantrysimplywishtoreturnhospitalityinassimpleamanneraspossible.I'msureyou'lldoeverythingtomaketheeveningasuccess."

"Certainly,miss,ifyousayso,"thewomanreplied,ignoringMirandafromthenonward."Willyouleavethemenutome,ordoyouwishtomakesuggestions?"

"Well,IthinkMrs.Chantrywouldliketomakeafewsuggestions,"saidGracetactfully,butMirandadeclinedandGracehastilymadesomesuggestionsofherown.

"Youmustn'tmindher,Miranda,"shesaidalittleapologeticallywhenthehousekeeperhadgone."Shecanbeverydifficult,Iknow,butshewasdevotedtoMelisandeandI'mafraidsheresentsachange.ImustgetAdamtotalktoher.Now,Miranda,Adamwillchoosethewines,ofcourse.IshallbehereshouldyougetintodifficultiesandIshallbeoverinthemorning,ofcourse,todotheflowersandmakesurenothing'sbeenforgotten."

Mirandawasbeginningtofeelruffled.ShelookedGracestraightintheeyeandmadeheronlybidforindependence.

"Ishallopenupthedrawingroom,"shesaid.

AfaintflickerofnegationpassedoverGrace'sfacebutshesaidimpassively,"Isitworthitforoneevening?"

"Itwillnotbeforoneeveningonceitisusedagain,"Mirandareplied."Besides,theotherroomsarenotsuitable.Thewomen,anyway,willexpectadrawingroom."

"Ifit'sweatherlikethisthegardenwillbepleasant."

"ButyoucannotdependontheEnglishweather."

"No,that'strue.Verywell,Miranda,butyouhadbetterletmeexplaintoMrs.Yeo.Adamwillbesuretounderstand."

Mirandahadbeenpreparedformoreargumentonthesubject,andshesaidalittledefiantly,"Adamtoldmelongagothathedidnotobject.ItisMrs.Yeo—andperhapsMissSimms—whomakethedifficulties."

Andyou,shewouldhavelikedtoadd,butGraceonlysaidwithcheerfulfinality,"Well,that'sallrightthen.I'llspeaktoMrs.YeobeforeIgo."

Itwasnot,afterall,averylargedinnerparty.Theywouldseattwelvefordinner.Mirandaenjoyedthefaintairofbustlethepreparationslenttothehouse.ItwashearteningtoseetheimpeccableBessieforgettingsmalldetailsforonce,andevenGrace,arrangingtheflowersandgivingtactfulorderstoMrs.Yeo,didnotdisturbherunduly.ShesatonthestairswithFay,who,pleasedbytheunusualbreakinherdailyroutine,seemeddisposedtobefriendly.Likeacoupleofchildrentheywatchedthepreparations.

"IwishIcouldstayup,"Faysaid,solikeanormallittlegirlthatMirandawarmedtowardher.

"Simmywouldneverpermitit,butItellyouwhat,"shewhispered."Ifyoucanstayawakeyoucanhideinthebendofthestairs;then,whenthemenhavejoinedtheladies,I'llbringyouasmallglassofwineandwewilltoasteachother,yes?"

Thechild'seyeswerebrightwithexcitement.

"Willyou,really,Miranda?"

JustthenGracecrossedthehall,agreatsheafoflupinsanddelphiniumsinherarms.

"I'mreadytodothedrawingroomnow,Miranda,"shesaid."Fay,you'dbettergobacktotheschoolroom,outofeveryone'sway."

"No,"shesaid,"I'mgoingtosithereandtalktoMiranda."

"I'mafraidIneedMiranda'shelp,"Gracesaidcalmly."RunalonguptoSimmy,dear.You'renotwanteddownhere."

Mirandafeltthechildstiffenwith"resentmentatbeingsnubbedandsaidsoftly,"Go—youwillseeitalltonight,remember?"

Withoutfurtherprotest,Fayunexpectedlykissedherandranupthestairs.

"I'mgladtosee,"remarkedGrace,turningtowardthedrawingroom,"thatyouandFayseembetterfriends.Adamwillbepleased."

"Thekisswasnotamarkofaffection,"Mirandagrinned."Itwasasignofherdispleasurewithyou."

"Whatnonsense!"Gracesoundedannoyed."Youknow,mydear,IsometimesthinkyouaretheteeniestbitinclinedtotaketoolittletroublewithFay.Achild'saffectionhastobewon."

Mirandasighed.Itwasnogood,shethought;shewouldnevergetonwithGraceLatham.

"Iwillopenthedoorforyou,"shesaidmeekly."There!Itlooksnice,doesn'tit?"

Gracepausedinthedoorwayforamomentandstoodsurveyingthedrawingroomwitheyesthatheldahintofpain.

"Yes,"shesaidslowly."WhenMelisandewas…ill,shespentallhertimehere."

"Shecouldnotwalkupthestairs?"Mirandaaskedwithsuddenunderstanding."Shehadherbedhere?"

"No,shecouldwalkupstairs,"saidGrace,hereyesfixedontheportrait,"butshelikedtoshutherselfinherewithherchinaandherobjetsd'art.Adamspentamintonthisroomanditwasafitsettingforher."

Mirandafeltsomeofherownpleasureintheroom'sbeautydiminish.InGrace'seyestheplacehadbecomeashrine,andinAdam's…?

"We'dbettergetbusy,"shesaidbriskly,andGracesmiledalittleapologetically.

"Forgiveme,Miranda,"shesaidgently."Theroombringsbackmemories,I'mafraid,butonemustn'tbemorbid,mustone?Now,ifyou'llbringmethebowlsandvasesasIwantthem,I'lltrytoarrangetheflowers."

Miranda,fetchingandcarryingforGrace,gaveMelisande'sportraitarebelliouslookinpassing.Shewasbeginningtodislikethisparagonwhoselegendarymemorynooneseemedabletoforget.

"Notthere,"saidGracesharplyasMirandastoodagreatbowlofgladioliandscabiosaonanEmpireescritoire."Thatalwaysgoesonthepedestalinthecorner.Thefamillevertefortheescritoire—Ihavetherosesready."

"There!"shesaidwhenshehadatlastfinished."Ihopeyouapprove."

Mirandalethereyestravelslowlyaroundtheroom,drinkingintheglowingcolorsofthecarefullychosenblooms,which,shehadtoadmit,broughtoutallthemoresubtletonesofsilkandchinaanddelicatelyinlaidwood.

"It'sbeautiful,"shesaid.

ButherpleasurefadedwhenGraceplacedabowlofcrimsonrosesonthemantelpiecedirectlybeneaththeportrait,saying,"Thisismyowntribute.EnaHarkness.Theywereherfavorites."

CHAPTERSEVENMirandawentupearlytodress.Shewantedtolieforalongtimeinherbathandponderuponherfirstdinnerpartyinherownhouse.

Asshethoughtofwhatshewouldwear,shewishedalittlesadlythatPierrecouldbetheretoseeherinherfineryandlendhisowncheerfulsupporttotheordeal.ShehadwrittentoMichelwhokepttheinnatSte.GiselletoinformhimofhermarriageandtoaskfornewsofPierre,buttherewasnone.MonsieurMorelwasstilltraveling,Michelhadsaidinhisreply,andthevillawassold.ShouldhereturntoSte.Giselle,Michelwould,ofcourse,acquainthimwithmademoiselle'snewsandnewaddress.

Therewasnodiscordanceinthehouse.Fayhadbehavedadmirablyfortherestoftheday.MissSimms,althoughrefusingtodinedownstairs,hadbeengratifiedatbeingasked,andevenMrs.YeohadacceptedMiranda'scongratulationsonherchoiceofcourseswithagoodgrace.Adamhadcomehomeearlyafterteaandbroughtwithhimherring,whichhadcomefromCartier'sthatmorning.Hehadsmiledwhenshehadheldoutherhandandtoldhimthathemustputitonhimself.

"Howmanywomencansaytheyreceivedtheirweddingringtwomonthsbeforetheygottheother,Iwonder?"hehadsaid,slippingitoverherfinger.

Theringhadbeenmadetoorder,afterall—asquaresolitaireandtwobaguettediamonds,justasshehaddescribed.

"Isittwomonthsalready?"

"Itisindeed.Howtimeflies,doesn'tit?"

Hehadseemedgayer,younger,asifforhim,too,theeveningwasanoccasion.

ShechosetheblackdresswiththebouffantskirtandthetightlybonedbodicethathadbeenDubonnet'sspecialpride.Shehadnotwornitbeforeandthefasteningswerecompletelyoutofreach.

"Adam,"shecalled,"comeandhookmeup."

ItwasquickertocalltohimthantoringforNancyandshewasstilltwistingandwrigglinginfrontofthemirrorwhenheopenedthedoorbetweentheirrooms.

Shewaitedwhilehesecuredthelasthookandeye,thenwonderedhowmanytimeshehadperformedthisserviceforMelisande.

"There!Nowlet'shavealookatyou,"hesaid,turningheraroundtofacehim."DoIknowthisone?"

"No,Ihaveneverwornit—becauseofthedécolletage,youknow.Buttonightismoreformal,isn'tit?"

"Youandyourdécolletage!Black'stoooldforyou,mychild."

"Gracesays—"Miranda'svoicewassolemn,buthernosewasalreadywrinklinginmirth"—GracesaysIamtotrytorememberI'mamarriedwomanandthatyouhaveapositiontomaintain.So—wewearblack."

Hewatchedherturningandtwistinginorderthatheshouldadmirethedress.Hehadnotallowedfortheseintimateinterludeswhenhehadsuggestedmarriagetoher,andnotforthefirsttimeoflateheexperiencedasuddendesiretopickherupinhisarms.

"Graceisn'toverblessedwithmuchsenseofhumor,I'mafraid,"hesaid,andMirandapulledaface.

"Shehasamindlikeapudding—anEnglishsuetpudding,"shestated."Thingssinkintoitandnevercomeunstuck."

"PoorGrace!"Helaughed,despitehimself."Still,youknow,she'sagoodfriend,andthatcountsforalot."

"Umm…"ShedidnotwanttodiscussGraceandherobviousgoodqualities."Butyoudolikemydress,don'tyou,Adam?"

"Youlookcharming,"hetoldher,hiseyessuddenlyserious.

"Oh,thankyou.Whatisthetime?IpromisedtoshowmydresstoFay."

Helookedathiswatch."Theywon'tbehereforanothertwentyminutesorso.Waitonemoment,Ihavesomethingforyou."

Shewasstillpreeningherselfbeforethelongpierglasswhenhecamebackfromhisroomandstoodbehindher.

"Willyouweartheseforme?"heasked,andclaspedasmallstringofpearlsaboutherneck.

Shegazed,startledattheirreflectionsinthemirror.Hishandswereonherbareshouldersandhiseyeswerecuriouslyhumble.

"Theyarebeautiful,"shesaidslowly."Arethey—aretheyfromyoursafe?"

"Yes,butthey'veneverbeenwornbyanyonebutmymother.Ishouldlikeyoutohavethem."

"Oh…"Forthefirsttimeshesawhismouthtouchedwithtenderness.Sheturnedwithasoftlittlesighandbeforeshecouldstopherselfhadreachedontiptoetokisshim.Heregardedherwitharatherstrangeexpressionbutsaidnothing,andshespokealittlebreathlessly.

"I'msorry,butforthatIhadtothankyou.Butitcommitsyoutonothing,Adam,I—it's—justthatit'snaturalformetokissanyonewhenI'mpleased."

"Notanyone,Ihope,"herepliedgravelyand,stooping,kissedhergentlyonthelips.

TherewasjusttimetomakeherpromisedvisittoFay,andMirandarandownthecorridors,fleeingfromAdamandfromherownracingheart.

Mirandagreetedherfirstguestswithoutnervousness.TonightWintersbridewasnothostile.Itwasasifforthisoneeveningitsairofsecrecyhadliftedandthesilence,whichhadsooppressedher,wasdispelledbythepleasantmurmurofvoices.IfcuriouseyesturnedtotheportraitofMelisandemoreoftenthanwasquitepolite,onlyAdamnoticedit.

Adam,lookingdownthelongtable,triedtorememberhowmanyofthemhadbeenpresentatthatotherdinnerpartynearlynineyearsago.ArthurBenyon,becauseAdamhimselfhadinsisted,andofcourseGrace.Tregellis,perhaps?No,shehadconsideredtheTregellisesboresandhadnotinvitedthem,therebymortallyoffendingthepompouslittledoctorwhoadmiredhersomuch.

HiseyeslosttheirlookofbroodingintrospectionashewatchedMirandaattheotherendofthetable,sosmall,soveryyoungtolistensosolemnlytosomedry-as-dusttreatiseondiseasefromhernext-doorneighbor.Well,theconventionsweresatisfied.Aftertonighttheycouldreturnagaintotheirisolation.Ithad,perhaps,beenamistaketobreaktheruleofsomanyyears.

,Mirandashepherdedtheladiestothedrawingroomandglancedupatthestairsasshepassed.Yes,Faywasthere.Shecouldjustdiscernasmallfigureintheshadows,peeringoutfrombehindthebanister.Theladieshadalreadydriftedintogroups.TheyweremostlyelderlyandMirandalistenedwithgrowingamazementastheydiscussedtheirservanttroubles,theirhusbands'incomesandevenhispatientswithlightheartedindiscretion.Itwasnowonder,shereflected,movingamongthem,thatAdamneverdiscussedhisworkwithher.

Mrs.StokeswaslookingatMelisande'sportraitwithfrankcuriosity.

"Wasthatthefirstwife?"sheaskedGraceinapenetratingwhisper."Whataravishingface!Verydifferentfromthepresentlittlething,wasn'tshe?Surprisingwhatmenwillmarryensecondesnoces.I'veheard,mydear—"

GracefrownedawarningasMirandajoinedthem,andMrs.Stokes,fluffyandfartoogirlishforherage,begantogush,"DearMrs.Chantry,suchawonderfuldinnerandhowcleveryou'vebeenwithyourflowers—suchgoodtaste."

"Oh,Gracedidtheflowers,"saidMiranda."Shereallyorganizedthedinner,too.Shehas,asyousaid,excellenttaste."

Gracesmiledandmovedaway,andMrs.Stokesloweredhervoice.

"Really?Butisn'tthatratherodd,nowthatyourhusbandhasmarriedagain?Youknow,weallusedtothink—butperhapsIshouldn'tbeindiscreet."

"Yes?"saidMirandapolitely,butMrs.Stokesgavealittletrilloflaughterandpattedhertintedhairself-consciously.

"No,Ireallymustn'tgiveawaystatesecrets.Therewasevidentlynothinginitasthingshaveturnedout,wasthere?Oh,Iseeyou'vegotyourringback—doletmelook.Goodness,thatmusthavecostafortune!Whataluckygirlyouare,mydear.Thewomenhavebeenchasingyourhusbandforyears,youknow."

Itwasarelieftoseethemenagain.Mirandaslippedoutoftheroomastheconversationbecamegeneralagain,andranbacktothediningroom.

AdamandoldArthurBenyonwerestillarguingabouttheefficacyofanewtreatmentforParkinson'sdisease,andthespecialistbrokeofftosay,withawaveofhiscigar,"Ha!Weareabouttobeadmonishedbyyourcharmingwife,Adam.Shehascometotellusthattheladiesaregettingimpatient."

"No,no,"laughedMiranda,pouringalittleclaretintoasherryglass."ButIhaveaprivatedatetokeep."

Shecarriedtheglassintothehall.

"Fay!"shecalledsoftly."Comedown,myrabbit.Hereisyourwine."

Faydescendedtothebottomstair.

"Ithoughtthey'dnevercomeout,"shesaid."Thedressesaren'tverychic,arethey,Miranda?"

"No,buttheywouldkeeptheirbestforgranderoccasions.Now—Iwillhaveasiptotoastyou,andthenyoutakeasiptotoastme."Sheraisedtheglass."Here'stothebeautifulMissChantrywhocannotappearatthepartybecauseshewouldbreaktoomanyhearts!"

Mirandatookasipofthewine,thenhandedtheglasstoFay,who,delightedbysuchaconceitaboutherself,wasabouttoputittoherlipswhenAdam'svoicecutin,sosharplythattheybothjumped.

"Fay!Whatareyoudoing?"

"DrinkingatoasttoMiranda,"thechildreplied,insolencealreadycreepingintoherbrillianteyes.

HetooktheglassfromhersoroughlythatsomeofitscontentsspilledonMiranda'sdress.

"Howdareyougivethechildwine?"hedemanded,roundingunexpectedlyonMiranda."Haven'tyoulearnedyetthatIwillnothavemyordersdisregarded?"

"But,Adam,"sheprotested,utterlybewildered,"itwillnotharmher.InFranceallchildrentakewineasamatterofcourse.Itwasjustalittletreat—anovelty,youunderstand."

"WearenotinFrance,"herepliedicily."Andifyoucan'tbetrustednottoteachFaybadhabitsassoonasSimmy'sbackisturned,thenyou'dbetterkeepawayfromheraltogether."

ThetearsgatheredonMiranda'slashes.Shecouldnotanswerhimwhenhespoketoherlikethis;shecouldonlystandthere,lookingupathiswhite,angryface,whilethehostilityofthehousesettledaboutheronceagain.

Fay,frightened,hadalreadyturnedandfledupthestairs,andMiranda'sheaddroopedtohidehertears.

ArthurBenyon,whowasstandingbehindAdam,clearedhisthroat.

"Ithinkyoushouldexplainyourattitude,Adam,"hesaidquietly.

"There'snothingtoexplain,"Adamreplied."Mirandawilljusthavetogetbetteracquaintedwiththerulesofthishouse,that'sall."

"She'syourwife,remember—notoneofyournurseswhohasbrokenahospitalrule."

Therewasaslightsharpnessintheoldman'svoiceandAdamcontrolledhimselfsufficientlytoreplyicily,"Iapologize,Miranda.You'renottoblame."

"I'msorry,"shewhispered."I—Imustgoandwipemydress."

Sheliftedherfullskirtwithshakingfingersandranawayupthestairs.

Itwas,surprisingly,Simmywhocametoherroom,offeringtohelp.Mirandaturned,preparedforindignantreproaches,butthegovernessonlytookthetowelfromherhandand,kneeling,begantorubthewetpatchonherskirtwithpracticedfingers.

"Dearme,whatapity,"shesaid."Suchaprettydress.Butthestainwon'tshowwhenit'sdry."

"Idonotunderstandwhyhewassoangry,"Mirandasaid,thetearsrunninguncheckeddownherwhiteface."PerhapsIshouldnothaveencouragedFaytocomedownwhensheshouldhavebeeninbed,butIcannotunderstandwhatharmthereisinasmallglassofwine."

"Mr.Chantrywasprobablyupset,"MissSimmsreplied,notlookingup."SomethingofthekindhappenedwhenNannywaswithus."

"Suchastorminateacup,andinfrontofMr.Benyon,too."

"Mr.Benyonmusthaveunderstood.He'sknownusallforalongtime.There!Ithinkthatoughttodo."

MissSimmslookedupandsmiled,andMirandareceivedthestrangeimpressionthat,likethehouse,Simmydidnotalwaysrevealherrealpersonality.

"Simmy,helpme,"shesaidimpulsively,unconsciouslyusingthehousehold'saffectionateabbreviationofthename."SometimesthereseemsmuchIdonotunderstand."

Thegovernessgottoherfeet.

"Iknow,"shesaid."I'veoftenwishedIcouldhelpyou,Mrs.Chantry.I'veseenyoulookatme,thinkingmefussyandold-maidish,andsometimesI'vebeentemptedtogiveyouahint."

"Ahint?Butwhatistheretohintat?"

MissSimmssighed.

"Perhapsnothingthatwoulddoanygood,now.Somuchispasthistory,andnodoubtMr.Chantrythinksthatneednotconcernyou.Youare—forgiveme—soveryyoungtobearotherpeople'sburdens."

Miranda'stearshadstopped.

"Thereis,perhaps,somemysteryaboutthefirstMrs.Chantry'sdeath?"sheasked,tryingtounderstand.

"No—nomystery.Therewasanaccident,"thegovernessanswered,andturnedaway."I'vealwaysblamedmyselfverymuch.That'swhyIamdoublycarefulwiththechild.I'vealwaysbeendeeplytouchedbyMr.Chantry'strustinme,afterNanny'sbehavior."

"WhatdidNannydo?"askedMiranda,andthegoverness'smouthpulleddownalittleatthecorners.

"ShewasdismissedayearafterMrs.Chantrydied.Shewaspossessive,youknow,likesomanyoldnannies,andhadabadeffectonthechild.Otherthingscametolightthatneednotconcernyounow,andshehadtogo."

"Whateverhappened,"Mirandasaidgently,"Iamsuremyhusband'strustinyouwasalwaysjustified,MissSimms."

Foramomentthelong,sallowfacewrinkledwithanemotiontoolongsuppressed,andshesaidalittleunsteadily,"DocallmeSimmyliketherestofthem,Mrs.Chantry,and—thankyouforyourunderstanding.Now—"hervoicebecamefirmagain"—youwillbemisseddownstairs.Dryyoureyesandpowderyournoseanddon'tletthemseeyou'vebeenupset.NowImustgobacktoFayandseethatshegetsofftosleep."

Mirandasmiled."DearSimmy,"shesaid,kissingheronthecheek,"Ishallalwayscometoyouforcounselinfuture."

Shejoinedherguestsinthedrawingroom,sayingdutifullytothefirstpersonshespoketo,"Ispilledsomethingonmydress.Ihadtogoanddryit."Butnobodyhadnoticedherabsence.

AdamseemedperfectlynormalandwasexertinghisnotinconsiderablecharmondullMrs.Tregellis,whoalwayshadsolittletosay.HebrokeoffhisconversationtoaskMirandaifshehadhadanycoffee.Whensherepliedthatshedidnotwantany,hesaidwithhisfamiliarraillery,"Notafraidofitkeepingyouawakeatyourage,areyou,mydear?Well,I'llgetyousomebrandy.Itwilldoyougood."

Shetookthebrandyfromhim,butshewouldnotlethereyesmeethis.Itseemedalongtimeagothathehadreturnedherkissandlookedatherasshehadthoughtamanshouldlookatawoman.

ShestoodaloneforamomentbeneaththeportraitofMelisande,watchingAdamwhilesheletthebigballoonglassrevolveslowlybetweenherhands.

"Youmustn'tlookatyourhusbandlikethat,Mrs.Chantry,"remarkedoldBenyonbesideher."Yourguestswillthinkhebeatsyouinprivate."

Shelookedupathim,laughingalittlenervously.

"Buthowabsurd!Adamwouldneverbeatanyone."

Hestoodlookingdownatherinsilenceforamoment,hisfierceeyebrowstwitchingviolently.Thenhesaid,"Youknow,sometimespeopleactstrangelybecausetheysuppressanemotionorafearfortoolong."

"Yes?"IfhewastryingtoexplainAdam'sdisturbingbehaviour,Mirandathought,hewasnotbeingveryclear.

"HasAdamnevertalkedtoyouabouthisfirstmarriage?"heasked.

"No,butthatisnotsurprising,"sheansweredgently."GraceLathamhastoldmethathewasverymuchinlovewithhisfirstwife.Ithinkhehasnotforgottenher."

HewonderedifsherealizedhowmuchshewasadmittingandforamomenthefeltimpatientwithAdam.Whatrighthadhetomarryamerechildandshutherawayinthisgloomyhouseifhewasnotinlovewithher?

"Well,perhapsI'macynicaloldbachelor,"herepliedgruffly."ButI'veneverbelievedinthislove-of-a-lifetimebusiness.Amancanfallinlovemanytimes,andawoman,too.Somuchdependsonthecircumstances.ButIexpectatyourageyouthinkthat'samostprosaicandunromanticpointofview."

"Oh,no,"saidMirandaseriously."Ithinkitisverysensible.Me,Iamnotromantic."

"You'renot?"

"Oh,no,Ihavethepracticalmind.InFrancetheyhavetheviewthatmarriageshouldbesoundfirst;thenaffection,love,whatyouwill,shouldnotbedifficult."

"Really?"heobservedslowly."AnddidyoutellAdamallthis?"

"Ofcourse—whenhesuggestedthatwemarry.HewouldnothavelikedthatIshouldbeimpractical.Weunderstandeachotherverywell."

"GoodGod!"thespecialistexclaimed,andshelookeduneasilyattheexpressiononhisface.Shehadsaidtoomuch,asusual.

"IthinkperhapsItalktoomuch,"shesaid,loweringhereyes."YouwillpleaseforgetifIhavebeenindiscreet."

Herubbedthesideofhisnosethoughtfully.

"Onthecontrary,youareaveryremarkableyoungwoman,youknow,Miranda—doyoumindifIcallyouMiranda?You'refartooyoungandattractiveformetocontinuetoaddressyousoformally.Youknow,IthinkyouwillbeverygoodforAdam."

"Doyouthinkso?"shesaid."HethinksIamstillachild,youknow."

"Yes,Iknow.He'sprobablyveryconsciousofthosenineteenyears'difference,mydear."

"Butyoudonotthinkmeachild,Mr.Benyon,andthereismuchmorethannineteenyears'difference."

Hesmiledalittlewryly.

"Verymuchmore,butwhenoneisoldone'svaluesalter.Ageissomuchamatterofmentality,don'tyouthink?Yourhusband'saverylonelyman,Miranda."

Herbigeyeswidened,andinthatmomentshewaswhollychildlikeassheansweredingenuously,"Ishe?IthoughtitwasIwhowaslonely,forIhavenooneofmyown,andhehasFay,eventhoughhedoesnotseemtobeveryfondofher."

Heconsideredherthoughtfully,puffingonhishalf-finishedcigar.Thenhesaid,hiseyesgoingtotheportrait,"She'stoolikehermother.Shemustbeaneverpresentreminderofthingshewouldratherforget."

Sheshivered,andtheoldmansaidsoftly,"Youneedn'tfearaghost,Miranda.Youareyoungandfreshanddelightfullyuninhibited.That'swhyIthinkyou'llbegoodforAdam."

Shelookedawayfromtheportraitandsaidslowly,"Butyousawhowhelookedatmeonthestairs—asifhecouldhavestruckme."

ButAdam,Benyonknew,hadnotseenMirandawithhismind.Hehadbeenbrutallyremindedofthatotherdinnerpartysolongago,andhehadseenonlythechildbroughtbackintothehouseagainsthisorders,standingonthelongtableinthecandlelightwhileMelisande,beautiful,arrogantandexcitedbythelaughterofherguests,heldagoblettothebaby'slips.

"Well,youmustdooneoftwothings,mydear,"hesaidbriskly,"Youmustaskhimforan

explanation,oryoumustforgetitcompletely.Ineithercaseyoumustforgetit.Idoassureyouthatlittleincidenthadnothingtodowithyou."

ButshedidnotfinditeasytoaskAdamforanexplanation.Whentheirguestshadgonehesenthertobedatoncewiththeobservationthatshewaslookingmuchtootiredandwashedout.Whenshelingered,searchingforwordsintowhichtoputherquestion,hetouchedhercheekwithgentlebutrestrainingfingers.

"Yourpartywasagreatsuccess,Miranda—thankyou.AndIwanttoapologizeforthatunforgivablelittlesceneearlier.IshouldnothavespokentoyouasIdid."

"Whywereyousoangrywithme?"sheasked.

"BelievemeIwasnotangrywithyou—oronlyindirectly,"hesaid,andhiseyeswereveryweary."Youwerenotinanywaytoblame."

"Thencanyounotexplain?"

"Thefaultliesinthepast.Ithasnothingtodowithyou.Forgetmyrudenessifyoucan,andremember,ifitmeansanythingtoyou,youwillalwayshavemygratitudeandadmiration."

Theratherformalphrasinghadachillysoundandshesaidwithashiver,"IdonotthinkIwantadmirationorevengratitude.Botharecoldthingsbythemselves."

Hesmiled.

"Foolishchild!Gotobedandtosleepandforgetmyclumsyattemptstomakeamends."

"Adam—"shesaid,instinctivelyreachingoutahandtohim,butheonlysmiledagainandturnedaway.

"Goodnight,"hesaid."Anddon'thurryupinthemorning."

"Goodnight,"sherepliedandwentslowlyupthestairs.

Julywasadullmonth,Mirandathought,asthedayswentbyandshewasmuchalone.SometimesshethoughtthatAdamdeliberatelyshuthimselfawayfromher.Hewasverybusyandwasbeginningtolookstrainedandoverworked,buthewouldnotyetaccedetoArthurBenyon'ssuggestionthathetakeaholiday.ToholidayabroadwithMirandaandencountertheintimaciesandsnaresofsmall,overcrowdedhotelswouldbetocourtdisaster.Itwasbecomingincreasinglyplaintohimastheweekswentbythatthechildnolongerlefthimunmoved.Buthadhetheright,hereflectedwearily,tobreaktherulesthathehimselfhadlaiddownjustbecauseshemightbegenerousandhe,despitehisearlierconviction,wasstillamanofnaturalappetites?

Hewastootiredmentallytodomorethanpushtheproblemasideforthemoment,butlaterhe

wouldhavetogetaway.

Itwasbeginningtoworryhimalittlethathewasobligedtoleavehersomuchalone,buthewasrelievedthatsincethenightofthedinnerpartyFayhadappearedtohavedroppedherearlierhostilityand,indeed,hadveeredtheotherway.HegaveMiranda,however,onewordofwarning.

"Don'tgettoofondofher,"hesaid."Fay'saffectionsareverycapricious."

"Perhaps.Butyousee,Adam,shedoesnothavetotalktomeasagrown-up.Thatmakesadifference."

Hesmiled.

"Yes,Iratherhopeditmight.Well,I'mdelightedthingsareworkingoutbetter,butdon'ttrustFaytoofar,mydear."

Herforeheadwrinkled.

"Nottrusther?"sherepeated."Whatastrangethingtosayofyourownchild."

"Perhapsitis,"herepliedgravely,"butIknowherratherbetterthanyoudo.You'reaniceperson,Miranda,andIwouldn'tlikeyoutobehurt."

"Ithink,"shesaidgently,"itistheoneswhodonottrustenoughorgiveenoughwhogethurt."

"YouthinkI'mhardandundemonstrativewithFay,don'tyou,Miranda?"hesaid.

Shesmiledathimapologetically.

"Ithink,perhaps,youdonotunderstandherverywell."

"Iunderstandheronlytoowell,"herepliedwithacertainharshness,thenhisfacesoftenedassheturnedherheadaway.

"Loveherifyoumust,"hesaidwithgentleness."Perhaps,afterall,you'rewhatsheneeds."

ButSimmydidnotencourageintimacybetweenMirandaandthechild.SheonlysmiledalittlesecretlywhenthesubjectwasmentionedandsuggestedthatMirandafindherselfsomeusefuloccupation.

"ButIamnotallowedtobeuseful,"Mirandacomplained."Youwouldthink,wouldyounot,thatinthisbighousetheremustbeaplaceforme?"

"Yes,I'mafraidWintersbridemustseemlonelytoyou,"Simmysaid,busywithhercrocheting."Youshouldgetawaymoreoftenandseepeople.WhynotpersuadeMr.ChantrytoletyougouptoLondonforafewdaysanddosomeshoppingandgotoatheaterortwo?"

Mirandalookedsurprised.

"But,Simmy,whatshouldIdoinLondonallbymyself?"

"Haveyounofriends—girlsofyourownagewhomyouknewbeforeyourmarriage?"

"No,"saidMirandasimply."IwastoobusyearningmylivingwhereandhowIcould.Myonefriend,Pierre,isinEuropesomewhere,andsincemyfatherdied,Ihavelosttouch,youunderstand?"

"Yes,Isee.Thisfriendyouspeakof—youwerefondofhim,perhaps?"

"Oh,yes.PierreandIwerebroughtuptogether.Heisverycheerful—verycharming.IowemuchtoPierre."

"Indeed?"Thegoverness'seyesheldacuriousexpression."Youmustmisshim.Doeshenotwritetoyou?"

"Thereisnonewsofhimyetforhetravelsstill.Butoneday—yes,Iwillseehimagain."

"ThenIshouldbecareful,Mrs.Chantry,"Simmysaid,andadded,asshesawMiranda'sforeheadwrinkleinperplexity,"Ionlymeantthatoldfriendshipscanbemisunderstood,butI'msureyourealizethat."

MirandawasalittlepuzzledbythisconversationandlaterwonderedifSimmyhadspokentoAdam,forafterdinnerthatnightheaskedhersuddenlyifshewouldcaretogoawayforafewdays.

"ButwherewouldIgo?"sherepliedreasonably."I'mafraidIhavenofriendsofmyown,Adam,anditwouldnotbepracticaltowasteyourmoneyinahotelallbymyself."

"Well,that'saverylaudableattitude,"hesaidwithratherdryamusement."Butquiteunnecessary,Iassureyou.IhavequiteacomfortableprivateincomeapartfromwhatIearn,youknow."

"Haveyou?"shesaidwithpoliteinterest."Ididnotknow."

"Well,runuptotownandbeextravagant,"hesaidwithavaguefeelingthathehadbeenneglectingher."Buyyourselfsomefripperiesandseethesights.Doyoulikethetheater?"

"Oh,yes,butnotalone.Oneshouldhavesomeonewithwhomtolaughandcry."

"Well,then,takeGrace,ifyou'venofriendsofyourown."

Mirandalookedathimunderherlashes.

"IdonotverymuchwanttogoawaywithGrace,"shesaid."Isitthatyouwishmetogoaway,Adam?"

"Notifyoudon'twantto,"herepliedalittleimpatiently,"butSimmyseemedtothinkachangewoulddoyougood.I'msorryyoudon'tcaremoreforGrace,Miranda.She'sabitoldforyou,perhaps,butshe'sbeenverykindandhelpfulsinceyoucamehere,Imustsay."

"Yes,"saidMirandadutifully.Hadhereallythought,then,thatGracewouldsulkandparadeherdisappointmentforhimandeveryoneelsetosee?

"Youdonot,Ithink,understandwomenverywell,"shesaid,aridhelookedsuddenlytired.

"Perhapsyou'reright,"hesaidshortly."Infact,accordingtoyou,Iunderstandverylittle—aboutmydaughter,forexample,andpresumablyaboutmyyoungbutcriticalwife."

"Youarelaughingatme,Ihope?But,Adam—ifyouwishtomakeareturntoGraceforherkindnesstome,IwillwillinglygowithhertoLondonasyousuggested."

Heruffledherfairheadwithacarelessgesture.

"No,youconscientiousgoose,"helaughed."InanycaseitwasyourpleasureIwasthinkingofratherthanhers.Butifyouprefertostaywitharatherneglectfulanddull-wittedhusband,Ishouldn'tbeanythingelsebutflattered,shouldI?"

"Yes,"shesaidwithgraveconsiderationwhichalwaysamusedhim,"IthinkIwouldprefertostaywithyou."

CHAPTEREIGHTHedidnotsuggestagainthatMirandashouldgoawaywithGrace,buthetriedhimselftosnatchadayoffwhenhecouldandtodevisesomeoutingforher.SometimestheywouldgotoTorquayandhavelunchattheImperialandlookattheshops.

Mirandawastouchedbyhiseffortstopleaseher.Sheknewthathemustbegrudgethewastedhours,butwhenshesuggestedasimpleoutingnearerhomeheoverruledher.

"Youdonothavetodothis,"shetoldhimonce."WecouldtakeapicnicperhapstoSpineyDownorwalkbytheriverandpickwatercress,andyouwouldnotneedtowasteawholeday."

"Nonsense,"hereplied."Youneedtakingoutofyourself."

Mirandasighed.Tolookatshopsandeatexpensivefoodyoudidnotwantwasnotbeingtakenoutofyourself,shethoughtwithacertaindespondence.

"Youdon'treallymuchcarefortheseexpeditions,doyou,Miranda?"heaskedastheydrovehome.

"Butyes,itisverykindofyoutogiveupadayto—tolookatshops,"sheprotestedquickly.

"Honest,now."

Sheloweredhereyes.

"Well,perhapsnotverymuch.YouseeIdonotwanttobuyanything."

Helaughed.

"Ithoughtallwomenlikedwindowgazing,"hesaid."Well,we'llhavetothinkofsomethingelse."

Hewas,sheknew,relievedbytheliftingofthatparticularobligation,butasJulydrewtoacloseandthehospitalwasshortstaffedwiththecommencementoftheholidayrota,thepicnicsandothersmallrelaxationssomehownevermaterialized.

Seeingthathisunavoidablepreoccupationwithothermatterswasbeginningtoworryhim,MirandatriedtopleasehimbyaskingGracetothehouseandacceptinginvitationstolunchortea.Butshedidnotmuchenjoythesevisits.GraceandhermotherwerebothinclinedtoquoteMelisanderathertoooftenandMirandahadlittletosaythatwouldinteresteitherofthem.

"Isuppose,"shesaidtoSimmyafteroneofthesevisits,"Iamunreasonable,butIdogetsotiredofhearingoftheperfectionsofthefirstMrs.Chantry."

MissSimmsregardedherdispassionately.

"MissLathamwasverydevotedtoher,"shesaid."Shedoesnotmeantomakeunflatteringcomparisons."

"Butshedoesallthesame,andsodoesMrs.Yeo.Evenyou,Simmy,mustthinkinyourheartthatIamabadsecondchoice."

Simmy'ssmilewasalittleenigmaticasshereplied,"Youshouldnotbesofanciful,Mrs.Chantry."

Mirandasighed.Shehadnotthequalitiesforthemakingofagrandedame,shethoughtwitharegretfulshrug;peopledidnotrespecther.Butthereseemedlittleshecoulddoaboutit.

WiththebeginningofAugustthehotweatherreturned.Dayafterdaytheskywasanunbrokenarcofblue,meetingtheshimmeringhorizonofthemoor,andtheRiverScawwasameretrickleofwaterundertheoldclapperbridge.

Itwastoohot,Simmysaid,forpicnics,butMirandalikedtowanderbyherselfupthebedoftherivertotheshallowpools,whichstillheldsufficientwater,andlookforwatercress.Shewasheditfromthestreaminwhichitgrew,andateitonbiscuitsfilchedfromthedining-roomsideboardwiththeguiltyknowledgethatAdamwouldnotapprove.

ShewassorryforAdaminhiscorrectstiffcollar,shereflected,asshelayonherbackinthecoolbracken,watchingalarksoaringaboveher.ShewonderedifAdamwouldbecomeadifferentpersonwerehetoidleinthesun,cladinafadedcottonshirtwithnobuttons.Wouldhespeakthenofthethingshenevertoldherorliecontentathersideinthebrackenwhileshetickledhisnosewithastalk?ButthatshesupposedwasbeingfancifulandneitherSimmynorAdamwouldapprove.Shecouldnot,anyway,imaginehimdivorcedfromhisprofessionalattire,andperhapsthetransformationwouldnotsuithim.Hewasfastidiousabouthisclothes,andevenduringweekends,whenheinspectedhisgarden,hestilllookedwhathewas—adistinguishedprofessionalmanwithlittletimefordalliance.

"AndI,"shesaid,indulginginheroldhabitofthinkingaloud,"havetoomuchtime,andtoolittlecompany."TheFrenchwereright.Marriageshouldbetakenseriously,andiftherecannotbeaffectiontherecanatleastbechildrenandthefirmrockofmutualunderstanding.Whatthoughts,shereprovedherself,foronewhoisscarcelyabride.ButthensherememberedthewayAdamhadlookedatherwhenshehadthoughtlesslykissedhimonthenightofthedinnerparty,andnoddedherheadgravely.

"Heisnotsocoldashelikestothink,thatone,"shesaid.

Thefollowingdaystartedbadly.Adamhadnotcomehomethenightbefore,andMiranda,whosecustomitnowwasontheseoccasionstohavealightsupperbroughttoheronatray,wasinMrs.Yeo'sbadbooks.

"Themasterhasgivenexpressordersthatmealsshouldbeasusualwhenhe'snothere,"shesaidinanaggrievedvoiceattheendofalistofsmallcomplaints.

"Icannotfeel,"saidMiranda,tryingtospeakamiably,"thatMr.ChantrymindswhatIeatorwhereIeatit."

"Ifyouwillpardonme,madam,"thehousekeeperretorted,"themasterwasmostinsistentthatIsawtoityouhaveaproperdinner.Besides,it'sbadforthemaids.Bessieisgettingslack."

"But,Mrs.Yeo,"Mirandapleadedhumorously,"whyshouldIsitallaloneinthatdismaldiningroomforhoursjusttokeepBessiebusyhandingmedishesIdonotwant?"

"I'msorryyoufindthediningroomdismal,madam.Inmylatelady'stime—"Mrs.Yeobeganstiffly,butMirandainterrupted.

"Don'tsayit!"shecried."Don'tsayit,Mrs.Yeo,orIshallscream!"

Thewoman,offended,lefttheroomwithoutanotherword,andMirandachidedherselfforherimpatience.Butshewasnotfeelingwell.Shehadfeltshiversalongherspineeversinceshehadgotupthatmorningandherheadfeltheavy.Shesupposedshemusthavecaughtachill.Simmy,too,wasnotfeelingwell.Shehadaheadacheandannouncedherintentionoflyingdownfortheafternoon.

"WhenFayhashadherrestshecanplayinthegarden,"shesaid."You'llkeepaneyeonher,

Mrs.Chantry,won'tyou?"

MirandadidnotatallwanttokeepaneyeonFay,butitwassoseldomthatSimmyeverclaimedanytimeforherselfthatsheagreedatonce.Theyhadteainthegardenbythemselves,butFaygotstungbyawaspandbythetimethismishapwasdealtwiththeywerebothhotandcrossandstickywithjam.

"Whatshallwedonow?"Faydemandedwhentheyhadbeenindoorstowash.

"Oh,chérie,canyounotamuseyourselfforalittle?Ihaveaheadache,"Mirandasaid.

"That'sjustanexcuse,likeoneofSimmy's,"thechildreplied."Allgrown-upssaytheyhaveaheadachewhentheydon'twanttodosomething."

"ButIreallyhave—oh,well,whatwouldyouliketodo?"

"Let'sgoupthelaneandlookforwildstrawberries."

"YougoandI'llstayquietlyhere."

Fay'seyeswerereproachful.

"YouknowI'mnotallowedoutsidethegroundsalone,"shesaid,andherlipstrembled.

"Oh,verywell,mycabbage,I'llcome."

ItalwayssurprisedherthatFay,sodifficultinotherways,wasobedienttorulesthatcouldsoeasilybebrokenwithoutmuchharm.Shehadonlytoopenthegates,whichwereneverlocked,andwalkout,justasshehadonlytoentertheforbiddenroomsinthehouse,butsheneverdid.

Theypokedaboutinthehigh,dustybanksforstrawberries.Theydidnotfindany,butMirandapickedupayoungsparrowthatwaslyingonthesideoftheroadandstoodlookingdownatthebirdcompassionately.Itseyeswerealreadyglazing,andalthoughitfluttereditswings,itlaywithoutprotestinherhand.

"Whatisit?"Fayaskedexcitedly,slippingdownfromthebank."Whathaveyoufound,Miranda?"

"Look,alittlebird.Itisdyingfromthedrought,I'mafraid.Wewilltakeithomeandseeifwecansaveit."

"Letmeholdit,"saidFay,andMirandalaidthesparrowcarefullyinthechild'shands.

Faystoodlookingdownatitforamoment,herfacecuriouslylovelywithanunfamiliarexpressionoftenderness.Then,withasudden,passionategesture,sheflungthebirdintothebracken.Theshockwassosudden,thechangefromonemoodtoanothersostartling,thatbeforeshecouldstopherself,Mirandahadslappedthechildacrosstheface.

"Whydidyoudothat?"shedemanded,whitewithanger.

Faybegantocry.

"Ididn'twantyoutohaveit,"shesobbed."Itwouldhavebeenyours,notmine,andyouwouldhaveloveditmorethanme."

"Thatwouldnotbedifficult,"retortedMiranda."Icannotlovealittlegirlwhoiswantonlycruel."

Shepickedupthebird,butitwasdead,andshelaiditgentlybackinthebracken.

"Itwould,perhaps,havediedanyhow,butyouhavekilledit,"shesaid.

Thechildlookedfrightened.

"Don'ttellSimmy,Miranda.Ididn'tmeantokillit."

"Didn'tyou?"

"No,no.Youhitme,Miranda.Simmy'sneverhitme."

"Whatapity,"saidMirandacoldly."Gobacktothehousenow,wearenearlyatthegates.Iamnotcominginforalittlewhile."

"WillyouhatemenowlikeAdamdoes?"

"Adamdoesnothateyou,andIdonotexpectIshall,either.Ishouldnothaveslappedyou,Fay,butIthinkperhapsithasnothurtyou.Nowgobacktothehouse.Itmustbenearlyyourbedtime."

Fay'stearsstopped.ShelookedatMirandaalittleuncertainly,then,withoutprotest,walkedquietlybacktothegates.

Mirandasatinthebrackenbesidethedeadbird,feelingverysick.Herheadwasthrobbingviolentlynow,andtheeveningheatseemedtogrowmoreintense.Shesatthereforalongtime,unwillingtoreturntothehousewhosehostilityseemedsuddenlytomenaceher.Thenthefirstrollofthunderinthedistancesentherwearilytoherfeet.

Itmusthavebeenlaterthanshehadsupposed,forAdamhadalreadyreturnedandwascomingdownthedrivewaytomeether.

"Whathaveyoubeendoingwithyourself?"heaskedastheymet.Hetookaquicklookatherface."You'vegotatemperature,andaprettyhighoneatthat."

Heplacedahandonherforeheadforamoment,thenhisfingerswentautomaticallytoherpulse,andsheburstintotears.

"Mydearchild!"hesaidandwithoutfurthercomment,pickedherupandcarriedherintothehouse.

Hecarriedherintohisstudyandputherinhisbigleatherchair,thenopenedthedrawerinwhichhekepthisthermometer.

"Whydidshekillthebird?"Mirandasaid.

Hepausedintheactofshakingdownthethermometertoasksharply,"Whokilledabird?"

"Fay.Itwasdyingofthirst,Ithink,andIwasgoingtobringithometomakeitwell,andshethrewitdownanditwasdead."

Heputthethermometerdownonhisdeskandcameandsatonthearmofherchair.

"Youshouldn'thavebeenoutinallthisheatwhenyouweren'tfeelingwell,"hesaid,soundingunsurprised.Heputanarmroundher."You'vehadashock,haven'tyou?Nowperhapsyou'llunderstandwhyI'veneverallowedFaytokeepanimals.YearsagoshehadakittenandSimmyhadtogetridofitin—ratherunhappycircumstancesonetimewhenIwasaway."

"Butwhy—why?"

"Jealousy—aformofmisplacedaffection.Didshethinkyouweregoingtomakeapetofthebird?"

"Idon'tknow.ShesaidshedidnotwantmetohaveitbecauseIwouldloveitbetterthanher."

"Yousee?ItriedtowarnyouaboutFay,Miranda,butIthinkyouonlythoughtIwashardandunfeeling.Heraffectionsareunbalanced—shecan'thelpit.Arthursaysit'snothingtoworryabout,butwehavetobecareful.".

"Mr.Benyon?"

"He'sanervespecialist,youremember.He'skeptaneyeonFayeversincehermotherdied."

"Yes,Isee.Whydidyounottellmeofthisbefore?Iwouldhaveunderstoodyousomuchbetter."

"Wouldyou?IsupposeIshouldhaveexplainedaboutFaywhenIaskedyoutomarryme,butIdidn'twantyoutogettheideathatshewasabnormal.She'snot,youknow.Justhighlystrungandbadlyadjustedatpresent.That'swhyIleavehertoSimmy.Anyeffortsofminetoestablishanormalrelationshiponlyupsether."

Sheheardthewearinessinhisvoiceandsaidgently,"Youhavetriedtoloveher,Ithink.Didshehurtyou,Adam?"

"Oh,yes,"herepliedalittlebitterly,"I'vehadmydaylikeeveryoneelse.ButIwasthefirsttofallfromgrace,yousee,andachild'slostaffectiontakesalittlegettingusedto."

AtthatmomenthewasnolongerthecoldlyprofessionalAdamChantryconcernedonlywiththefactthatshehadatemperature.Hewasthemanwhoheldherheartwhetherhewisheditornot,themanwho,despitehisself-sufficiency,neededcomfortasbadlyasdidsheherself.Itseemedthemostnaturalthingintheworldtoscrambletoherkneesandwindherarmsaroundhisneck.

"I'msorry,"shesaid,weepingafresh."I'msosorryforyour—disappointment.Itissolonelywithnoonetolove."

Itwassolongsinceanyonehadaskedanythingofhimbuthisprofessionalskillthathehadforgottenthefelicityofbeingneeded,andasheheldher,weepingagainsthisbreast,theunfamiliarthoughtstruckhimthatperhapshestillhadsomethinglefttogive.HerememberedMirandaoncesayingtohim,"Childrenneedaffection,Adam,ortheygetsick."

"Don'tfeellonely,mydear,"hesaid,hisfingersgentlyexploringthehollowatthenapeofherneck."I'mnotverygoodathandlingmyhousehold,I'mafraid,butI'llalwayslistenandtrytounderstand.Now,wemuststartbeingsensible.Iwanttotakethattemperatureandgetyouofftobed."

ThestormhadbrokenasAdamfinallyshookdownthethermometerandreturnedittoitscase.

"Nervousofstorms?"hehadasked."It'soverRam'sTorway,Ithink,andwillprobablypassusby."Sheshookherheadandheobservedherwithacriticaleye."You'vegotaprettyhighfever,youngwoman.Ifyou'renotbetterinthemorningI'llgetTregellistocomeinandhavealookatyou."

"IdonotwantDr.Tregellis,"shesaidtearfully.

"Whynot?"

"Hedoesn'tlikeme."

Helookedsurprisedbutonlysaidevasively,"Well,we'llsee."

Heexaminedhercarefully,thensentheruptobedwherehefirmlykeptherforseveraldays.Atfirstshehadnotbeenconsciousofverymuchexcepttheacheinherbonesandtheshiveringfitsthatcuriouslymadeherhotinsteadofcold.ShewasawareofAdaminandoutoftheroomandofthefirmnessandcoolnessofhishands,andsherememberedhimsaying,justbeforeshedroppedofftosleep,"I'mleavingthedooropen.Ifyouwantanythinginthenightyouhaveonlytocall.Ishallprobablycomeandhavealookatyou,anyway."

Whatdoor,shethought,confused.Butmuchlateronshewoketofindhimstandingbyherbedinhisdressinggown.Therewasalightinhisroomandthedoorbetweenwasopen.

"Oh,thatdoor,"shesaid,andsmiledathimsleepily."Whatisthetime?"

"Nearlyhalf-pastthree.Aretheachesanybetter?Good.Well,we'lljustseewhatyourtemperatureisdoingnow,thenyoucangobacktosleep."

Afterthatfirstnightitwasonly,Adamsaid,amatterofrestandcare.Abadchillcombinedwithmentalshockcouldproducesymptomsquiteasalarmingassomethingmoreserious.

SimmybroughtFaytoseeheroneafternoon.Thechildstoodjustinsidethedoorway,staringatherwithbigeyes.

"Comeandsitonthebed,myrabbit,"Mirandainvited,butFayonlyadvancedtothemiddleoftheroomandcontinuedtostandtheresilently.

"Itisusualtoaskaftertheinvalid'shealth,"Mirandasaid,smilingather.

MissSimmsturnedtoFayandsaid,inhercolorlessvoice,"IthinkyouhaveanapologytomaketoMrs.Chantry.Don'tyourememberwhatItoldyoutosay?"

"I'msorryImadeyouillandI'msorryforthepoorlittlebird,"Faysaidglibly.

Mirandalookedatthegoverness.

"Simmy,doyoumind?"sheaskedgently."IthinkFaywillhavemoretosayforherselfifyouleaveus."

ForamomentMissSimmsmadenomovetogo,andMirandathoughtshewaspreparingoneofherquietrefusalstorelinquishauthority.

"Mr.ChantrygaveordersthatIwasnottoallowyoutobeupsetinanyway,"MissSimmssaidthen.

"Didhe?Well,IseenoreasonwhyFayshouldupsetme."Mirandawassmilingbutfirm."Donotworry,Simmy.Iwillsendherbacktoyouinalittlewhile."

"Verywell,Mrs.Chantry."Simmy'slong,sallowfacewasclosedandshutteredagain,butbeforeshelefttheroomshegavethesilentchildawarningglance."RememberwhatItoldyouFay.Yourfatherwillbesuretoaskhowyoubehavedwhenhecomeshome."

"Whatdidshetellyou?"Mirandaaskedidly,whentheywerealone.

"ShesaidAdamwouldsendmeawaytosomethingcalledareformschoolifIupsetyou,"Faysaidsullenly."Aplacewheretheyonlyhavewickedchildren—liketheprisonatPrincetown."

SomethingcoldtouchedMiranda.Sherememberedthatthechildinventedstoriestothepointoflying,buttherewasaringoftrothinthisstatementthatwasdisturbing.Beforeshecouldreply,Faycriedsuddenly,"DidIreallymakeyouill,Miranda?WouldIhavebeenresponsibleifyoud-died?"

"No,ofcoursenot,"Mirandasaidswiftly."Igotachill.Iwasnevergoingtodie,mysilly

cabbage."

Thechild'sfacecrumpledasthetearscame,andMirandaheldoutherarms.

"Come,"shesaidsoftly,andFayrantoherandflungherselfweepingacrossthebed.MirandaheldhercloselyandforthefirsttimeshefeltthatFaywasjustanormallittlegirlbesetbytheexaggeratedfearsofchildhoodandseekingreassuranceinachild'snaturalway.Thiswasnottheusualscenetoattractattention.Thechildwasgenuinelyupset,andwhenhertearssubsidedintosniffsshelookedatMirandawithshycontrition.

"Now,"Mirandasaid,wipingthewetlasheswithacornerofthesheet,"youwilltellmetruthfully—didSimmyreallysaythatyourfatherwouldsendyouawaytothisplaceyouspokeof?"

"Oh,yes,"saidFay.

"ButAdamnevertoldyouso,didhe?"

"N-no."Faysoundeddoubtful."ButhemusthavetoldSimmy,mustn'the?"

"No,mylittleone,neverwouldhesuggestsuchathing.Reformschoolsareforcriminals,notforlittlegirlswhoarenaughtyandsometimestelllies.Yourfatherwouldnotevenletyougotoaniceschool,wherechildrenmakefriendswithotherchildren,forfearyouwouldnotbehappy."

"SimmysaidIwaswickedtokillthebird."

"Notwicked,Fay—unkind,thoughIdonotthinkyoumeanttobe."

"No,no,Ididn't."Thechild'seyeswereafraid."Ididn'tmeantobeunkindtothekitten,either,butSimmysaidIwas."

"Thekitten?"

"ThekittenNannysentmeonce.Simmytookitaway."

Mirandarememberednow.

"Whathadyoudonetothekitten?"sheaskedgently.

"Nothing.Ilovedit.IcalleditNannybecauseshegaveittomeandonedayIdresseditinmybabydoll'sbonnetandlongclothesandSimmysaidIwascruel.ShesentitawaybeforeAdamcouldcomehomeandpunishme."

"Isee,"saidMirandaslowly,andatthesamemomenttherewasaknockonthedoor.Withoutwaitingforareply,thegovernessslippedquietlyintotheroom.

"IsaidIwouldsendFaybacktoyouinalittlewhile,Simmy,"Mirandasaidalittlesharply.

MissSimmslookedatthem,herpaleeyesobservingMiranda'sheightenedcolor,thechild'stear-stainedface,andthehuddledlittlepicturetheypresentedinthedisarrangedbed.

"Ithinkit'stimeItookthislittlegirlaway,"shesaidsmoothly."Youlookveryflushed,Mrs.Chantry.HasFaybeenmakingupfairytalesforyou?"

"Fairytalesarenottrue,"saidMiranda,givingheralevellook.

Simmyrepliedinherexpressionlessvoice,"Exactly,butwebothknowwhatlittlepeopleare,don'twe?Youshouldberesting,Mrs.Chantry.Comealong,Fay."

Thechildslippedoffthebedwithoutaword,butsheturnedandgaveMirandaonequickkissbeforejoiningthegoverness.Foramomenttheystoodtheretogether,andMirandalookedatSimmy.Shewaslikethehouse,Mirandathoughtuneasily.Herfacehadthesamesecret,shutteredlookofWintersbrideonthatgray,mistyeveninginMay,andsherememberedthatoncebeforeshehadthoughtthat,likethehouse,Simmydidnotalwaysrevealhertruepersonality.

"Comeandseemetomorrow,chérie,"shesaid,ignoringthegoverness."WewillplanalittletreatforwhenIamwell."

Faydidnotanswer,andMissSimms,smilingpolitely,shepherdedheroutoftheroom.

WhenAdamcametoseeMirandathatevening,hefrownedashelaidahandonherforeheadandobservedthebrightnessofhereyes.

"You'reoverexcited,"hesaid."IshallhavetotellSimmytokeepFayawayuntilyou'refitagain."

"No,no,"shesaidquickly,catchinghishand."Iwishtospeaktoyouaboutthat,Adam.IthinkitisSimmywhomakestroublebetweenyouandFay.Shetellsorimpliesthingsthatarenottrue."

"Nonsense,"hesaid,andsatdownonthesideofthebed."Simmyhasalreadyspokentome.ShegatheredthatFayhadbeenupsettingyou."

Mirandagaveanangrybounceinthebed.

"Faydidnotupsetme,"shesaid."ButSimmyhasbeenputtingideasintoherhead.Shemakesyououttobeamonster—abogeyman.Doyouknowthatshetoldthechildyouwouldsendhertoareformschool?Isitanywonderthatshecannotloveyou?"

"Miranda,mydear,"hesaidalittlewearily."YoushouldknowbynowthatFayinventsthings.IknowverywellSimmyneversaidanythingofthesort.Isitlikely,now?"

"Faywasnotinventing,thistime,"Mirandasaidstubbornly."Shewasjustanormallittlegirlfrightenedbybogies.And,Adam,thatstoryaboutthekitten—IdonotknowwhatSimmytoldyou,butitwasnottrue.Allchildrendresstheirpetsupindolls'clothes—thatisnotcruel."

"IsthatwhatFaytoldyou?"

"Yes,andIbelieveit.Youwerenotthere,sohowdoyouknowwhatwasthetruth?"

"Mydearchild,whatreasonwouldSimmyhaveforlying?"

"Idon'tknow.ButIdoknowsheiskeepingFayfromyou.Sheusesyouasathreat—abogeyman,asItoldyou.ShewouldnotevenleaveusalonetogetherthisafternoonbecauseshewasafraidImightlearnsomething."

Hisfingerswentautomaticallytoherpulse.

"Thiswon'tdo,"hetoldherseverely."Ifyou'regoingtoreactlikethistoFay'svisitsthenImustforbidherthisroomuntilyou'rewellagain."

"No,"shesaid.

Helookedatherflushedfaceandbegantospeakreasonablyandpatientlyasifshewasastubbornchild.

"Miranda,dear,believeme,thisisn'tthefirsttimeFayhasinventedstoriesforgulliblelisteners.She'strieditonGrace,whowastoosensibletopaymuchattention.Youareyoungandmoreeasilyswayed,butSimmyhasn'tbeenwithmealltheseyearsfornothing.Irelyonherimplicitlyandifithadn'tbeenforhermypoorlittledaughterwouldhavebeenmoreofaproblemthansheis.Now,I'mgoingtogiveyousomethingtomakeyousleep,andinthemorningyou'llseethingsintheirrightproportionsagain."

Thedaysdriftedbylazily,andMirandaenjoyedherrestinbed,forhereshewassafefromWintersbrideandthatothersecretlifethehousewouldnotreveal.

"I'vebeenthinking,"Adamsaidtheeveningbeforeshewastogetupforthefirsttime,"wouldyoulikemetotakeyouawaysomewhereforabit?"

Shelookedsurprised.

"Mr.Benyonhasbeentalkingtoyou?"sheasked.

"Hethinkswebothneedaholiday.Howdoestheideaappealtoyou?WemighttrythesouthofFrance."

"Ofcourse,ifyouwouldlike,"shesaidpolitely.

Heobservedherthoughtfully.Herespectedheruncharacteristicallyguardedreticence,forhadnothehimselfdealtinthesamecommodityforyears?Itwashisownfaultifsheadheredsoliterallytothetermsoftheirmarriage,andhewasbeginningtosuspectthatonlyafoolwouldhaveimaginedthatsuchanarrangementwasfeasible—afoolsuchashimself,andaveryyoung

girllikeMirandapersuadingherselfandhimthatshewasnotromantic.

"Whatareyousmilingat?"sheaskedhim.

"You.Youareratherabsurd,aren'tyou?"

"Idonotthinkso,"sherepliedwithdignity."IcannothelpitthatIamnotverytallandwearingnoshoesand—"

"No,butthatisn'tquitewhatImeant.However—shallwehaveourholiday,orshallIdoasIhadoriginallyintendedandrunuptoScotlandbymyselfwhenIcansparethetime?"

"Iwouldlikeverymuchtocomeawaywithyou,"shesaidalittleshyly,andwonderedwhether,shouldtheybothbefreeofWintersbrideandallitsignifiedforawhile,hemight,perhaps,findanaturalneedforher."Whencouldwego?"

"ItdependshowI'mfixed,"hesaidvaguely."Inthemeantimeyoumustbuildyourselfupandnottaketoomuchoutofyourself."

Shelookedathimsittinginthecircleoflamplightbyherbed—athisgrayinghair,thestronglinesofself-discipline,andthedarkeyesthatcoulddwellonherwithaninterestthatwascoldlyprofessionalbutcouldalsobetender—anditseemedalongtimesincehe,astranger,hadbroughthertohishomewithsuchlittlethoughtastotheconsequences.

"Whydidyoumarryme?"sheasked,andheraisedhiseyebrows.

"Isthisyourfamoushabitofspeakingyourthoughtsaloudorisitaseriousquestion?"heasked.

Shelookedathim"underherlashes.

"Alittleofboth,Isuppose.IthinkwhatIreallymeantwaswhydidyouchoosemewhenyoudidnotknowanythingaboutmeandonlythoughtofmeasachild?"

Heconsidered,wonderingalittlehimself.Hesupposedthatthepiquancyofthatfirstmeetingmusthaveunconsciouslyinfluencedhim.Atthetimeshehadseemedachild,alittlewaifwhocouldnotbeabandonedtoaworldinwhichshehadnoplace.Butwasthis,alongwiththefactthathehimselfneededawife,theonlyreasonhehadmarriedher?

"It'shardtosaynow,Miranda,"herepliedslowly."Animpulse,shallwesay?Awayoutofbothourdifficulties?ButnowIthinkyoushouldsettledownforthenight.Inadayortwo,whenIseehowmuchI'mcommittedtoinmyprofessionalengagements,"we'llmakeplansforgoingaway.Goodnight."

Hestoodforamoment,lookingdownather,thenunexpectedlystoopedandkissedherontheforehead.

Buttheplanswerenevermade.Adamwasapologeticbutsaiditwasimpossibleforhimtogetawaythatmonthoreventhenext.Mirandawasdisappointedbutunsurprised.Shehadnotreallyexpectedthathewouldtakeheraway.Thenextmorning,however,therewasapackageonherbreakfasttrayandNancywasgreatlyimpressedbythelargecut-glassbottleofperfumethatMirandaunwrapped.

"Oh,my!"sheexclaimed,touchingitwithreverence."'Tisaproperjobandnomistake.Isitfromthemaster,ma'am?"

"Yes,"Mirandasaid,fingeringAdam'scard.

Nancywentbacktotheservants'hall,warmwithapproval.Thatwasmorelikeit,shetoldBessie,thinkingofthosepillowsontheotherhalfofthebigbedwhosespotlesscoversshechangedeachweekbecauseMrs.Yeowouldhavebeenafterherifshehadn't.ShelikedMiranda,whotreatedherasanequalanddidnotputonairs.

Mirandaletherbreakfastgetcoldassheadmiredherpresent.Noonehadevergivenherperfumebefore,anditwasaluxuryshehadnotbeenabletoaffordforherselfpriortohermarriage.AndalthoughAdamwasnowgivingheragenerousallowance,ithadneveroccurredto-hertobesoextravagant.

Shepickedupthecardagain.Onthebackofithehadwritteninevidenthaste,"Foracharmingyounglady,whomIhatetodisappoint."

Hadhemindedthepostponementofhisplansafterall?Didheperhapslacksufficientencouragementtobreakdownsuchreservesashemightfeelinviewoftheirmutualbargain?

"How,"shedemandedaloud,"doesoneencourageamanwhoseonlyinterestinbodiesishowtocarvethemup!"Andshebeganrecklesslytosplashperfumealloverherperson:behindherears,inthethinhollowofherthroat,inthecurveofherelbowsandbetweenherslightbreasts.

"There!"shesaid,flingingherselfbackinthebedandstretchingluxuriously."NowIsmelllikeademimondaine."

WhenAdamcamehomethateveningsheranacrossthehalltomeethimandstoodontiptoe,offeringhimthetopofherheadtosmell.

"AmInotafineladynow?"shelaughed."See,Ihaveitbehindtheears,onthecrownoftheheadand—oh,everywherepossible.Canyousmellit,Adam?"

"Ishouldthinktheycouldsmellitintheservant'shall,"heobserved,likingthefeelofhersoftcurlsunderhischin.

"Thereistoomuch?"sheaskedanxiously."Ithas,perhaps,gonetomyheadalittle.Yousee,Ihaveneverhadperfumebefore."

"Ithascertainlygonetoyourheadinmoresensesthanone,"hereplied,buthisvoicewasindulgentandheunexpectedlydroppedalightkissonthetopofhercurls"I'mgladyou're

pleased,Miranda.I'mratheraneglectfulhusband,I'mafraid."

"Oh,no,"sheprotested,shocked."Youhavegivenmearing,astringofpearls,anewtoiletset,andallmyexpensiveclothes.Howcanyousayyouareneglectful?"

Hetouchedhereagerfacewithtenderfingers.

"Youareaverydelightfulrecipient.Imustdoitmoreoften,"hesaidgently,andthoughtofMelisande,whohadtakengiftsforgrantedandassessedthemonlyfortheirworth.

ToMirandaitwasaneveningdifferentfromanyother.Adamforoncehadforgottenhiswork,orperhapshewasmakingaspecialefforttopleaseher.Hewas,sheknew,atoninggracefullyforthepromisehecouldnotfulfil,andshewascontenttoforgetthehintsofSimmyandArthurBenyoninthepleasureofsuchunusualintimacy.

Howcharminghecouldbewhenhetookthetrouble,shethought,hereyeswatchinghimlovinglyacrossthedinnertable;howattractivehishairwas,shininglikefrostinthecandlelight.

"Didyougograyveryyoung?"sheinquired,desiringtoknowallthesmall,unimportantthingshenevertoldherabouthimself.

"Prettyyoung,"herepliedwithasmile."Itrunsinmyfamily.Domygrayhairsdismayyou,Miranda?"

"Oh,no,"shesaid."Itisverybecoming,andalsomostdistinguishedinyourprofession.Tellmeofwhenyouwereaboy,Adam.Wheredidyoulive?Hadyoubrothersorsisters?"

Heglancedacrossatheralittlewryly.Marriedfortwomonthsandshehadstilltoaskhimforthesimpleinformationoffirstacquaintance!HetoldheralittleabouthisboyhoodinCumberland.Hisfatherhadbeenadoctor,practicinguntilthedayhediedbecausehelovedmedicine,althoughtherehadBeennoneedforsuchselflesshardworksincehehadmarriedarichwoman.Therewerenootherchildren,andlater,whenAdamhadfinishedhistrainingandwishedtospecialize,hismother'sdeathhadmadeitbothpossibleandeasytobuildareputationwithoutthecustomarypinchingandslogging.

"Iwasoneoftheluckyones,"hetoldMirandawitharatherbitterlittlesmile."BythetimeIwastwenty-eightIwaswellonmywaytobeingestablishedinmyprofessionandhadawifeandachildandarosyfuturepredictedbythehigh-ups.Itjustgoestoshowthatyoushouldnevertemptprovidence."

"Howdidyoutemptprovidence?"sheasked,alittleafraid,forsomereason,oftheanswer.

Butheonlyreplied,withthebitternessstilltouchingthecornersofhismouth,"IfIhadn'thadaconsiderableprivateincomeIcouldneverhaveaffordedtomarryattwenty-sixandthingsmighthave'beenverydifferent.Butthatappliestoanything,doesn'tit?"

Shehadcometolikethelittlepaneledroomwheretheyusuallysatafterdinner,butinthebrighterglowofelectricity,theatmosphereseemedsubtlytochange.Adamwasalreadylooking

athiswatchandsayinghehadworktodo,andsheknewthatverysoonhewouldretiretohisstudyandshewouldnotseehimagain.

Sheslippedahandthroughhisarm.

"Nottonight,"shepleaded."Youaretired.Stayherewithmeuntilbedtime,orwalkwithmeinthegarden."

Helookeddownather,surprisedandalittletouched.Itwasthefirsttimeshehadevertriedtodetainhim.

"I'mafraidyoumustfindtheeveningsdull,"hesaid.

"No,no,theothersIdonotmind,buttonightisdifferent.Youaredifferent."

"AmI?Andyou,I'mbeginningtosuspect,areabitofaminx."

"Aminx?Oh,no.Aminxcanalwaysgetwhatshewants.HowcanIkeepyou,Adam?Byflattery,bytears?ButyouwouldnotliketearsandIwouldnotdaretoflatter.Willyousniffmeagain,please?Ithinktheperfumemustbewearingoff."

Shehadofferedhimthetopofhercurlsagainandheregardedherwithanoddexpression.

"Isitpossibleyouaretryingtoflirtwithme,Miranda?"heasked.

Shelookedupathim.

"Yes,"sherepliedwithfirmness.

Hiseyebrowslifted,atriflesardonically.

"Thatmightberatherdangerousinthecircumstances,"hesaidsoftly."I'mfleshandblood,youknow,inspiteofourplatonicagreement."

"Ouragreementwasofyourmaking,"shesaid,theheavylashesveilinghereyes.

"Yours,too,remember.Westruckabargain,Miranda,butifyoutrymetoohard,oneofthesedaysyou'llhavetotaketheconsequencesandhowwouldyoulikethat?"

Sheslidherhandstohisshoulders,butshewouldnotmeethiseyes.

"Icannotknowbeforehand,canI?"shesaid.

Heputahandunderherchin,forcinghertolookathim,andshesawthatalthoughthequizzicalsmileremained,hiseyesweregraveandsuddenlydemanding.

"IfIthought—"hebegan,thenthetelephonestartedtoringinsistentlyinhisstudy.

"Damn!"heexclaimed,andwentoutoftheroomtoanswerit.

Mirandawaited,herhandspressedtocheeksthatweresuddenlyhot.Hewillthinkmeshameless,shethought,thenrememberedthelookinhiseyesandwasafraidandgladatthesametime.

Themomenthereturnedsheknewthathereveningwasover.'"Thatwasanemergencycallfromthehospital,"hetoldher."Ihaven'ttimetochange.BeagoodgirlandphoneBidderwhileIcollectmythings."

Shewasconsciousofhimmovingabouttheroomasshemadethecall.Drawersopenedandshut,hiscasesnappedto,andhewasready.Shewentwithhimintothehall,Foramomenthebecameawareofher,ofhowsilentandsmallshewasasshelistenedforthecar.

Heruffledherfairhair.

"Savedbythetelephone!"hesaidwithalittlequirkofhumor."Youmighthavehadanarrowescape,mychild.Don'tdoitagain."

Hewasgonebeforeshecouldmakeanyreply.

CHAPTERNINEMirandaawokethenextmorningwithasenseofloss.Theeveninghadbeensoexceptional,sosweettothinkbackon,andthetelephonecuttinginuponthatstrangenewintimacyhadleftherwithoutcourageforthefuture.Couldamood,sofragile,berecaptured?Hadshethecouragetoofferagainwhatmightnotbewanted?SherememberedArthurBenyon'swords:"Yourhusbandisaverylonelyman."

Adam…SherememberedhowhehadsmiledandcalledherastrangechildwhenshehadquotedtheBibleuponlearninghisChristianname,andsherememberedagainherownvoicesaying,"AndtheLordGodsaid,Itisnotgoodthatthemanshouldbealone;Iwillmakehimahelpmeetforhim…"

Mirandastretchedherslenderarmsaboveherhead.Godhadmadeher,shethoughtsoberly,not,perhapsinthesamelikenessthatHehadcreatedMelisande,butfairenoughtosufficeaman'sneeds.WasitnotEvewhohadofferedtheappletoAdam?Wasitnot,asPierrehadoncesaid,thewomanwhoshouldcommandthesituation?

Themorningpassedpleasantlyinsolitaryidleness,andMirandaselected,withgreatcare,aposyforAdam'sroom.Shelingeredlovinglyovereachbloom,arrangingandrearrangingtheminthefamillevertebowlshehadstolenfromthedrawingroom,thenshecarriedthebowlupstairsandintoAdam'sbedroom.

Mirandaputherbowlofflowersonthedressingtableandthereshesaw,tuckedintoacorneroftheframeofthemirror,asmallsnapshot,theonlyincongruousdetailinthewell-orderedroom.Itwasasnapshotofherself,andMirandastaredatit,touchedbythecurlingedgesandabsurdly

gratefulforthatunexpectedevidenceofsentimentinAdam.Shetouchedthephotographwithgentlefingers,setitmorefirmlyinitsplaceandwentsoftlyfromtheroom.

Shewasattheheadofthestairswhensheheardthetelephonering.ItwasquickertogobacktoAdam'sbedroomwheretherewasanextension,thantohisstudy,butevensoshewastoolate.

"Ithinkshemustbeout,"Simmy'squietvoicewassaying,andMirandathoughttherewasahintofdisappointmentinAdam'sreply.

"Oh,verywell,don'tbother.JusttellherI'msorrybutIcan'tgethometonight.I'llcallagaininthemorning."

"Adam,wait—I'mhere,"Mirandasaid,buthehadhungupandsheheardthesoftclickofthereceiverbeingputdowninthestudy.

Disappointment,sharpandirrational,drovethetearstohereyesandsherandownthestairs.SimmywasjustcomingoutofAdam'sstudyandbeforeshecouldspeak,Mirandacriedangrily,"WhydidyousayIwasout?Yousawmegoingupstairswiththatbowlofflowersnottwentyminutesago."

MissSimmslookedather,herpaleeyesexpressionless.

"Idon'trecollectseeingyou,Mrs.Chantry,"shereplied."Inanycaseitwasnotimportant.Mr.Chantrywasonlycallingtosayhewouldnotbehometonight."

"Thatisnotthepoint,"saidMiranda,rememberinghowmanytimesSimmyhadtakenmessagesandnottroubledtofetchhertothetelephone."Iwishedtospeaktomyhusbandasithappens,andyouknewverywellIwasonlyupstairs,"

Afaintsmiletouchedthegoverness'sthinlips.

"MydearMrs.Chantry,whyshouldIwishtopreventyoufromspeakingtoyourhusband?"

"Idonotknow,"Mirandaanswereduncertainly."Butithappenstoooften.Infuturewillyoubesokindastotakethetroubletolookformefirst?"

Almostforthefirsttimesinceshehadknownher,Mirandasawthefaintcolormountunderthetiredskin.

"I'mnotaservant,Mrs.Chantry,"Simmysaid."ThelateMrs.Chantrywouldneverhavedreamedofspeakingtomelikethat."

"Idaresaynot.Butyou,"observedMirandawithsuddenshrewdness,"wouldneverhavedreamedoftreatingherlikeaninconsequentchild."

Astrangeexpressioncrossedthegoverness'sface.

"Aninconsequentchild…"shesaidslowly,almostasifshewastalkingtoherself."Yes…that's

whatshebecame…achildwhoreliedononeperson…"SheraisedhereyesandlookedstraightatMiranda."No,Mrs.Chantry,itwasnotherhusbandshereliedon,itwasme,"shesaidwithanoddlittleringoftriumph,andwentquicklyupthestairs.

Mirandastoodquitestill,lookingafterher.Therewasachillinthehouse,andwatchingthethin,drabfigureofthegovernessturningthebendinthestairswithoutabackwardglance,MirandahadthestrangeimpressionthatSimmywasWintersbride,cold,secretandhostile,andthechildinherbarredschoolroomandevensheherselfwereprisoners.

"Simmy!"shecalledrunningtothefootofthestairs."IwouldliketotakeFayforapicniclunch—justthetwoofus.Willyoutellhertogetready?"

ForamomentshethoughtMissSimmswasgoingtorefuseoutright,butsheonlysaid,"Verywell,Mrs.Chantry,"inatight,repressedvoiceandwentonupthestairs.

Itwasapleasantpicnic,andforthefirsttimeMirandasawFayasadifferentchildfromthedifficult,self-centeredyoungcreaturewhohadtobetreatedsocarefully.Awayfromthehouseandthegovernessshewasjustanormallittlegirldelightedwithanunexpectedtreat.ShesplashedhappilyintheriverandplayedgamesofMiranda'sinventionwiththeshycuriosityofachildwhohaslackedcompanionshiptoolong.

"Wouldyouliketogotoschool?"Mirandaaskedidly,asexhaustedandcontenttheylayontheirbacksinthecoolbracken.

"Yes,"saidFayunexpectedly."ButSimmysaysAdamwouldneverallowit.Iusedtobegivenbooksaboutgirlswhohadmidnightfeastsandsavedthehonoroftheschool.Theywereexciting."Itsoundedoddcomingfromachildwhohidnovelettesunderherpillowandtalkedsooftenlikeasophisticatedadult."Simmysaysthosebooksaren'ttrue.Shedoesn'tallowmetoreadthemanymore."

"TheyareastrueasthestoriesNancybringsyou,"Mirandasaid."WewillgotoPlymouthtogetherandbuysomemore,yes?"

"Itwouldn'tdoanygood,"Fayreplied,ticklingMiranda'snosewithapieceofgrass."Besides,Idon'tthinkIwouldlikeschool,really.BidderdroveustoPrincetononceforapicnicandSimmyshowedmetheprisonandsaidschoolwouldbejustlikethat."

"Simmytoldyouthat?"exclaimedMirandasharply."But,Fay,thatisnottrue.Youshouldaskyourfatheraboutthesethings."

"Adamdoesn'tlikeme,"thechildsaid,butshespokewithlessconvictionthanusual."Simmysayshecan'thelpit.Iremindhimtoomuchofmymother."

Hadthegoverness,thoughtMirandaindignantly,deliberatelysetouttoturnthechildagainstherfather?ItwasbeginningtolooktoherverymuchasifAdamwasbeingusedasthefamiliarbogeymanoftradition.

"Listen,myrabbit,"shesaid."Itistrueyouarelikeyourmother,butitisnottruethatyour

fatherdislikesyou.Itishe,Fay,whothinksyoudislikehim.Youhavenot,Ithink,beenverykindtohim."

"Youcan't,"saidFaywithinnocentconviction,"beunkindtogrown-ups."

"Youcanbeunkindtoanyone,chérie—oftenwithoutknowingit,"Mirandasaid."YouwereunkindtomewhenIfirstcamehereandwantedtomakefriendswithyou."

"Youaren'texactlyagrown-up,"Faysaidslowly,"butIdidn'tknow,then.SimmyhadsaidthatAdamhadputyouinmymother'splaceandwouldloveyoubetterthanme."

"But,"saidMirandagently,"ifyoudonotwantyourfather'slove,whyshouldyoumind?"

Thechildlookedpuzzled.

"Idon'tknow,"shesaidonanoteofsurprise."IonlyknowwhatSimmytellsme."

"That,"saidMirandawithacertaingrimness,"becomesveryevident.Listen,mycabbage,donotbelieveallthegoodSimmytellsyou."

"Youmeanshetellslies?"

"No,no—butshe,perhaps,misunderstands.Whenyouarepuzzled,askme.Iwillalwaysexplainthetruth."

"Yes,Miranda.I'msorryIwasunkindtoyou.Iloveyouverymuchnow,thoughSimmysaysIonlythinkIdo."

Mirandagavethechildaquickkissandwastouchedtofeeltheeagerresponsefromthewarmyounglips.

"Aslongasyouthinkyoudo,thatiswhatmatters,"shesaid."Now,wewillfindsomeflowersandthenwemustgohomefortea.Iwillbeintrouble,youknow,forIhavekeptyoufromyourafternoonrest."

"WhydoesSimmynotallowyoutogotoShapTor?"Mirandaaskedcuriouslyastheypausedtowatchaherdofponiesgallopovertheshoulderofthehill.

"Idon'tknow,"Fayreplied."Once,Nancytookme,andSimmywasveryangry.It'salovelyplaceforhide-and-seek,too.Thequarryechoes."

"Wewillgobyourselvesonedayandplayhide-and-seektogether,"saidMiranda.

Butthedayendedbadly.Theywereverylatefortea,andSimmymetthem,whiteandangry,andorderedthechildtobedassoonasshehadhadhertea.

"Butwhydoyoupunishher?"Mirandaaskedindignantly."Shehasnotdonewrong."

"Itisaprecaution,notapunishment,"MissSimmssaid."Shehasmissedherrestandgotoverexcitedandweshallprobablyhaveascene.Fay,don'thangaroundMrs.Chantry'sneckinthatsillyfashion.Shedoesn'tlikeit."

When,later,MirandawentupstairstoFay'sroomshewasmetbySimmy,whosaidshedidnotwishthechildtobedisturbed.

"Ihavehadadifficulttimewithher,"shesaid,herbacktothecloseddoor."ShehassettleddownnowandIthinkitunwisetodisturbheragain."

Mirandalookedathersteadily.

"Verywell,"shesaid,"butdonottrytosetFayagainstme,Simmy.Sheisanaturallyaffectionatechild,andyou,Ithink,donotlikethat."

Aflickeroftheoldmaliceshowedforaninstantinthegoverness'seyes,butsheonlysaid,"Ishouldnotdreamoftryingtosetthechildagainstyou,butyoumustrememberI'vewitnessedtheselittle—crushes—before.Youaretheonewhowillgethurt,Mrs.Chantry,notFay."

"Asherfatherwashurt?"askedMirandagently.

Thesallowfaceseemedtogrowlonger.

"Thepositionthereisunfortunate,Iadmit,butunderstandableinthecircumstances.Thechildisheartbreakinglylikehermother.Everytimehelooksather—but,forgiveme,Ishouldnotbesayingthattoyou.Mr.Chantrymustsurelyhavegotoverhisfirstwife'sdeathsincehehasmarriedagain."

Therewasahintofmockeryinhercolorlessvoice,andMirandafoundherselfflushing.

"Wewerenotdiscussingmyhusband'sfeelingsaboutmarriage,"shesaid."IwastryingtosaythatIfindFayisverysuggestible,andIthinkyouhavenotalwaysbeen—wise—inyourcareofher."

AslightsmiletouchedSimmy'slips,asifsherecognizedanadversaryanddidnotdenyherownintentions.

"Youareveryyoung,Mrs.Chantry,andonlylatelycomeamongus,"shereplied."ButmayIsaythatit'snotaltogetherwisetoputfoolishideasintothechild'shead.Asyousayyourself,sheisverysuggestible.Goodnight."

Adamtelephonedafterbreakfastandshethoughttherewasadifferentnoteinhisvoice.

"IwassosorryIwaskeptlastnight,"hesaid,andsheknewthatforhim,too,theinterruptionhadbeenadisappointment."I'llbehomeearlytomakeup.Whatwouldyoulikemetobringyouforapresent?"

"Apumpkin,"shesaid,laughingsoftly."ApumpkinandsixwhitemicetocarryusawayfromWintersbride."

"DoyouwanttobecarriedawayfromWintersbride?"heasked,lingeringwithunusualtoleranceovertheabsurdconversation.

"No,"shesaid."Notsolongasyouarethere.IamdeterminednowtobecomeaminxandgetwhatIwant."

"Areyou?"Therewasalittlepause."Well,Igaveyoufairwarningtheothernight.Youmustmakeyourselfresponsiblefortheconsequencesofanyill-consideredactiononyourpart."

Hewaslaughingather,butshethoughthewaswarningher,too.

"Yes,Adam.ItoldyouIhavethepracticalpointofview,"shesaiddemurely,andgiggledsuddenly."SimmysaysImustrememberyouarefartoobusytowastetimewithunimportantchatter.Areyouinthemiddleofaconsultation?"

"Hardly!Well,Isupposewe'dbettertakeSimmy'sadviceandhangup.Miranda—"

"Yes?"

"Shallwe—makeitacelebrationtonight?"

Shecuppedherhandslovinglyaroundthereceiverandhervoicewassuddenlyseriousandalittleshy.

"Yes…"shesaid.

"Thenwearyourprettiestdress.Goodbye,darling,"hesaid,andhungup.

Mirandastoodwiththereceiverstillinherhands.Darling…hehadnevercalledherthatbefore…Howstrangethatitshouldimmediatelybringhimsoclose.

Beforesheputthereceiverbackshethoughtsheheardthefaintclickoftheextensionbeingreturnedtoitsrest.Hadsomeonebeenlisteningin?

ItwasahappydayofgrowinganticipationforMiranda."Makeitacelebration,"hehadsaid,soshespentthehoursarrangingthetinydetailsthat,toher,shouldmarkaspecialoccasion:lavishflowerdecorationsforthetable,theSevresdinnerservice,theWaterfordglass,andacarefullychosenmenuwiththeappropriatewines.

"Wereyouexpectingcompany,madam?"Mrs.Yeoinquired,eyeingthepreparationsinthediningroomwithsurprise.

"Onlymyhusband,"saidMirandashyly,andunexpectedlyandastonishingly,Mrs.Yeosmiled.

"Well,Imustsaythat'snicetohearwhenaladytakestroubleoverhergentleman,"shesaid,andlookedatMirandawiththefirsthintofapprovalshehadeverallowedherself.

"Mrs.Yeo—"encouragedbythewoman'sunusualfriendliness,Mirandagrewbold"—Iamaverygoodcook,youknow.WouldyoumindverymuchifthisafternoonIpreparedsomelittleFrenchdishes?Icould,ofcourse,dosoifIwish,butIwouldlikeyourpermissionfirst,andIwillnot,Ipromiseyou,makedisorderinyourkitchen."

ShewaitedbreathlesslyforMrs.Yeo'sshockedrefusal,butthehousekeeperregardedherwithacertainsurprisedindulgenceandsaidmildly,"Well,Itakeitverykindlythatyoushouldaskme,madam—veryhandsomeindeed—notlikesomeIcouldmention,inandoutofmykitchenwithneveraby-your-leaveandtakingthisandthatfortheschoolroomwithoutaskingifitcanbespared.I'venoobjectiontoyoutryingyourhandatalittlecookingnowandthen."

"Thankyou,Mrs.Yeo,"saidMiranda,feelingratherbewildered.

HadSimmyandMrs.Yeohadwordsthatthehousekeeperwassuddenlysoobliging?ForthefirsttimeitoccurredtoherthattherestofhisstaffmightnotshareAdam'sownbeliefinthegoverness'sintegrity,andshewarmedtowardthehithertoobstructiveMrs.Yeo.

MirandahadneverenjoyedanafternoonatWintersbridesomuch.Unliketherestofthehouse,thebigkitchenwasbrightandfriendly.Selectingheringredientsandcookingutensilswiththeprecisionofageneralplanningamaneuver,shewasremindedoftheolddayswhenshehadcookedforherfatherandPierreandbeenawardedunfailingpraise.

Fay,havingbeeninformedprivatelyofwhatwasgoingon,camedowntohelpandthrustinquisitivefingersintobowlsandsaucepans.Mirandatiedapronsaroundbothofthemandthekitchenrangwiththeirlaughterwhilethesummerrainbeatagainstthewindows,apleasantandfittingaccompanimenttoanoccupationthatkeptthemallindoors.

TheyhadallforgottenSimmy,andwhensheappearedinthekitchenatteatime,havingsearchedthehouseinvain,Mirandafeltboundtoaskhertojointhem.

MissSimmsstoodsurveyingtheprepareddisheswitheyebrowsthatslowlyrose.

"Dearme!"sheremarked."Italllooksverylavishandextravagant.Isthisaspecialoccasion,mightIask?"

"Yes,"saidMiranda,wipingastreakofflourfromherflushedface,tooexcitedtoremembertheunpleasantnessofyesterday."Itisaspecialoccasionforme.Acelebration."

"Oh?Well,Ihopeyoureffortswon'tbewasted,"thegovernessreplied,andMirandawassurethenthatSimmyhadbeenlisteningontheextensionthatmorning."Comealong,Fay,dear.Youmayeatyoursconesintheschoolroom."

"But,Simmy,wearehavingteahere,"saidFay."Kitchentea,Mirandasaid,withNancyandthegirl,andBessieistohaveatrayintheservants'hallbecauseshe'stoogrand."

"Thatinitselfisaveryfoolishideatoputintoalittlegirl'shead,"MissSimmssaidtonooneinparticular."You'vehadenoughexcitementforoneafternoon,dear.Rememberhowyesterdayended.Youdon'twantmetoaskyourfathertokeepyoualtogetherintheschoolroomifyoucan'tbehave,doyou?"

Mirandasupposedtheensuingstormoftearswasinevitable,andshewonderedalittlecuriouslyhowSimmyenjoyedbeingaperpetualcauseofgriefinthelittlegirl.Thenhereyeswidenedassheobservedthegoverness'sfaceandrealizedthatshedidenjoyit.

Simmy,aswasherwontonsuchoccasions,waitedimpassivelyforthestormtosubside,andinthemiddleofitallMirandarushedtoolatetotheovenanddiscoveredthatFay'ssconeswereburnedblack.

"Ah,chérie,quelledomage!"Mirandaexclaimed,Frenchcomingquickesttohertongueinthefaceofcatastrophe."Youcannotletyourattentionbedistractedwhenyouarecooking,orsuffertheinterruptions.Nevermind,myrabbit,wewillmakesomemoreanothertime,andnexttimeyouwillwatchthemandwewillnotallowtheinterruptions."

"Well,Mrs.Chantry,"saidMissSimmsinacuriousvoice."Youcertainlyhaveastrangewayofupholdingauthority.I'mafraidIshallhavetospeaktoFay'sfatheraboutcertainlittlematters,afterall—infact,assoonashereturns."

Mirandalookedather."Ifyou,"shesaidveryquietly,heedlessofthepresenceofNancyandthegirl,"upsetmyhusbandunnecessarily,Simmy,Ishallhavenohesitationinwarninghimthatyoulistentohisconversationsonthetelephone."

Foramoment,Simmy'spalelashesflickeredwithsomesignofemotion.Thenshesaidinacolorlessvoice,"Whataveryextraordinarysuggestiontomakeinfrontoftheservants,Mrs.Chantry.Comealong,Fay.Wewon'twaitfortheteatrayunderthecircumstances.Nancycanbringitupwhenit'sready."

"Well,beggarme!"exclaimedNancyassoonasthedoorhadclosed,forgetting,intheexcitementofthemoment,thatshewasnotathomewithherfree-spokenfamily."Doshereallylistenin,ma'am?"

"Yes,"saidMirandaangrily,"I'msureshedoes."

"Oh,mydearsoul!Fancyyou'mtellingherinfrontofmeandthegirl.Her'llnotforgetthat."

"No,Isupposenot,butit'stimeMissSimmsunderstoodthatallinthishousearenotfooledbyherlittleways."

MirandahadceasedtothinkofNancyasthemaidwhobroughtherbreakfastupeachmorning.Theywerejusttwoyounggirlsunitedinacommoncause.

"Hasiteverstruckyou,Nancy,thatFayisonlysillyanddifficultwhenMissSimmsisaround?"sheasked,beginningtountieherapron.

Nancyconsidered,herheadtooneside.

"NowIcometothinkonit,you'mright,"shesaid."ThoughMissSimmsalwayssaysit'sothersthatupsetsMissFayandher'stheonethathastosufferforitafterward.Idon'tknow,I'msure.Sinceyou'mcomeher'sanicerlittlegirl,Iwillallow,butMissSimmsdon'tlikeherawayfromtheschoolroomforlong."

"AreMrs.YeoandMissSimmsnotgoodfriends,then?"

"Well,Iwouldn'tsaythat,buttheywasbothhereinthelatemistress'stime,yousee,andIreckontheyboththinktheyhavetheirrights.There'salwaysbeenabitoffeelingbetweentheschoolroomandtheservants'hall."

"Yes,Isupposetherewouldbe.WhathappenedtoNanny?"

"Nanny?"Nancylaughed."Oh,her'slongbeforemytime.Leftunderacloud,Ididhear,butnooneseemstorightlyknow—itwasabravelittlewhileago."

"ButMrs.Yeowouldknow,wouldn'tshe?"

"Yes,Isuppose.Buther'snotonetochitter."Nancysuddenlyrememberedthegirl,silentandopenmouthedwithafinetaletotakebacktothevillagethatevening.

"Youstartclearingupthislitter,"shesaidsharply."Anddon't'eegetscrannyideasbecausethemistresschoosestobeabitfreewithhertongue."

ShegrinnedapologeticallyatMiranda,andstartedtogettheschoolroomtrayready.

Mirandadidnotstopforteainthekitchenafterall.ShewantedtorecapturethedelightsofanticipationthatSimmyhadsonearlydestroyed,andshewantedtomakesurethatshewasthefirsttogreetAdamonhisreturnandsopostpone,ifshecouldnotevade,thegoverness'ssmallthreattoherhappiness.

Shehadherbathearlyandspentalongtimeselectingadress.Intheendshechosethesimplegraychiffonwiththecherrysashbecauseshehadwornitonherweddingnight.Sheslippedonherring,claspedthepearlsaboutherneckandfinallytouchedherskinwithperfume,carefulnottooverdoitthistime.

"Iamdeckedwithhisgifts,"shesaidaloud,hereyessuddenlygrave."AndI—whatgiftshaveI?"

Theanswerwasstillunclear,buthermouthwastouchedwithashyardencyandtothis,atleast,sheknewtheanswer.

Imustbebold,shethought,butnotdemanding…Amustbewiseandinviting…andImusthavethecouragetopersuadehimshouldhestillthinkofher…Forifitistrue,asItoldhim,thatitis

notdifficulttoloveanymanwhoisdecent,canthatnotbetrueforhim,also…?

Shegaveherselfalittleshakeandrandownstairstothediningroomtoputthelasttouchestothetable.

Althoughitwasnotyetseveno'clock,theeveningwasdark.Asmallwoodfirehadbeenlightedinthestudybecause,Mirandahadthought,firelightisromantic,andwhenweleavethecandlesinthediningroomwewillnotturnonthelights.

Shedidnothearthecar,butasofttaponthewindowpanemadeherjump,andsheturned,alittlestartled,tolookoverhershoulder.Aman'sfigurestoodoutlinedagainsttheearlytwilight,andsherantounlatchtheFrenchwindowsandlethimin.Sheflungopenthedoors,thenstoodstaringincredulouslyatthemanwhosteppedinside.

"But—butitcannotbe!"shestammered,asifshehadherselfconjuredupadreamfromtheshadowsandfirelight.

"Butyes,itisI,chérie,andIwillsayfirstofallthatitisoftheinconveniencemostunnecessarythatyouliveinthemiddleofamoor,"hesaid,andnowsheknewhewasreallyPierre,complainingofinconveniencesasifshehadseenhimonlyyesterday.

"Pierre…Pierre…"shecried,halflaughing,halfcrying."Icannotbelieve…oh,youaresowet!"

Sheshutthewindowswhilehetookoffhisraincoat,flingingitwithhisoldcarelessnessinaheaponthefloor.Thenheswitchedonthelights.

"Now,"hesaid,surveyinghercritically,"letmelookatmylittleMiellewhohasgrownupandfoundherselfahusbandwithoutconsultingheroldfriend.Tréscharmante,mapetite…afinegown…jewels…abighouse…butyouhavenotchanged,Ithink."

"Andyou,"shesaid,watchinghimwitheyeshungryforarenewalofherhappychildhood,"youhavenotchangedeither.Oh,Pierre…"

(

Sherantohimandthrewherarmsaroundhisneck.

"Ithasbeensolong,"shesaid."AndIthoughtyouhadforgottenme.Pierre—whereisMarguerite?"

"Marguerite?Stillinthechateauwithherfamily."

"Thenyoudidnotmarryherafterall?"

"No,herparentswouldnotpermit.TheymarriedherofftotheComtedeVilboisandtheyallliveenfamilleatthechâteau."

"Thatfunnylittlemanwiththetic?Oh,poorMarguerite—shethoughtyouweresuchabeau

garçon."

Heheldherawayfromhimforamoment.

"Butyou,myrabbit,youdidnotwait,"hesaid,andhereyeswidened.

"Foryou?But,Pierre,itwasyouwhoalwayscounseledmetobepractical."

"Yes,yes,Italkedtoomuch.Butnow,wemeetforalittlemoment,yes,andthingsareastheywere."

Evenasshekissedhim,sheknewthatforher,thingscouldneverbeastheywere.Circumstances,lifeitself,hadchangedsincethosecarefreedaysinFrance,andwhileshewelcomedPierre'sreturnwiththeinnocentgladnessofherchildhood,hewasnolongerthelovedone,theonlyfriend.

"Yousmellasyouneverdidinthoseotherdays,"hewassaying,withlaughterinhisvoiceasherubbedhischeekagainsthers.

"Theperfumeyoucaredaboutwasfishandpaint,"shesaidand,pullingoutofhisarms,sawAdamstandinginthedoorway.

Shewasstilltoolostinoldmemoriestobewarnedbytheexpressiononhisfaceashestoodthere,watchingthem.Sheonlyknewthatherewastheperfectreunion,herhusbandandherchildhoodfriend,andshestretchedoutahandtohim.

"Adam,isitnotwonderful?"shesaid."ThisisPierre,ofwhomIhavesooftentoldyou.Andyousee,hehadnotforgottenmeasIfeared,andhedidnotevenmarryMarguerite.Pierre—thisismyhusband."

TheyoungmanlookedwithfrankcuriosityatthemanMirandahadmarried,andalthoughPierrecameforwardatoncewithgracefulapologies,Adamhadseenthelookofsurpriseinhiseyes.

"Youwillforgiveme,m'sieur,forarrivingsounexpectedly,butIsailfromPlymouthtomorrowandIhadawishtoseemylittlefriendagain,"hesaid,andbowedpolitely.

"Ihaven'tthepleasureofknowingyourname,buthowdoyoudo?"saidAdaminanexpressionlessvoice.

"Morel,"Pierresaid,bowingagain."PierreMorel."

"Butyouwill,naturally,callhimPierre,"brokeinMiranda."Andhewillstaythenight,ofcourse,willhenot,Adam?"

"Ofcourse,"saidAdam,afteraslightpause."Nowifyouwillbothexcuseme,Iwillgoandchange."

Pierremadeasmallgrimace.

"Heisnotpleased,thegoodhusband,"hesaid,andMiranda,releasedfromtheoldspell,facedrealitywithasenseofdismay.ThatitshouldbethisofalltimesthatPierreshouldchoosetovisither—thatonsuchaneveningtheincalculableshouldhappen!

"ItisbetterthatIshouldgobacktoPlymouth,hein?"Pierreasked.

"No,no,"shesaidquickly."Youcannotsleepinastrangehotelwhenthishouseisatyourdisposal."

ItwasanunhappyeveningforMiranda.ThedinnershehadplannedwithsuchcareseemedonlytoemphasizeherrelationswithPierreasheheapedlavishpraiseuponeachcourseandremindedherofpastfestivitiesofSte.Giselle.

"Youhavemarriedwell,m'sieur,'hetoldAdam."Forifallelsefailsyouhaveawifewhoisachefandthatoilsthedomesticwheelsofthepooresthovel,n'est-cepas?"

"Adamhasneversampledmycookingbefore,"Mirandasaid,andlookedacrossatherhusbandforawordofpraise.

Adam,whohadraisedhiseyebrowsattheSevresdinnerserviceandabundanceofflowers,merelysaid,"Ihadnoideayouweresoexpert,Miranda,butwasallthisadditionaleffortreallynecessary?"

Shefeltlikeareprovedchild,andafterthatitwasnaturaltoturntoPierreforallthenewsshewassoanxioustohear.

Adamlistened,watchingMirandainthecandlelightandobservingwithbroodingeyestheprovocativetrickshehadofwrinklinghernoseasshespokeandtheunconsciousplayofherexpressivehands.HewasthinkingofSimmy,whohadsmiledknowinglyatthenewsofPierre'sarrivalandhadremarked,"Sothatexplainsallthefussandfestivity.Mrs.Chantrysaiditwasacelebration—aspecialoccasion—butofcourseasshehadnotmentionedsheexpectedaguest,Icouldnotunderstandthereason."

Hehadaskedheronimpulsetojointhemforcoffee,notbecausehewantedher,butbecausethesightofMiranda'schildishfaceturnedtoPierreinsoftoblivionofhisownquietpresencemightbecomeunbearable.Hewatchedthem,andtheangerstilllaydeepbeneathhissuavemannerashepicturedagainthatlightedwindowandthetwoofthemframed,asinastageset,ineachother'sarmsforanywhocaredtosee.

TheyhadtheircoffeeinthelittlestudyandMirandawasmadeuncomfortablebySimmy'sunexpectedpresence.ShedescribedatlengththetroubleMirandahadtakenwithherpreparationsfortheevening,andwhenMirandaremarkedrathershortlythatshedidnotevenknowPierrewasinEngland,letaloneabouttovisitWintersbride,sheonlysmileddiscreetlyandreplied,"Well,atanyrateit'snicetothinkyoureffortswerenotwasted,afterall,isn'tit?"

Onlyshe,thoughtMiranda,wouldnoticetheimpertinencebehindthegoverness'sremarks;onlysheknewhoweasilySimmy'sdesiretospoiltheeveninghadcomeabout.

PierresoughttosoftenmatterswithaffectionateanecdotesofMiranda'schildhood.

"Shewasaromantic,thatone,"hetoldAdam,shakinghishead."Alwaysthegrandpassion,thesingleheart."

"Really?"saidAdam,raisinghiseyebrows."Shehasalwaysinsistedshewasnotromantic.Indeed,Iunderstoodhertosayonseveraloccasionsthatyouhadtaughtherthattheheadrulestheheart—veryadmirable."

"O-ho!"exclaimedPierre."Soyoulistenedtomeafterall,didyou,Mielle?ButthatisveryflatteringthoughIdonotquitebelieveyouwouldchangesofast.Isitthatm'sieur,too,isnotromantic,andyouhavebeenmarried—howlong?Twomonthsonly?Oh,no,m'sieur,that,Ithink,istheBritishreserve!"

"Verylikely,"remarkedAdamdryly."Youareastudentofpsychology,perhaps?"

"Iamastudentofnothing,butIamFrench,"repliedPierreairily."Iliketoobserve."

"YoudonothavetobeFrenchtodothat,Mr.Morel,"MissSimmssaidmildly,andMiranda,wishingtheconversationwouldchange,toldhimalittleseverelynottobeabsurd.

Helookedacrossather,hiseyestwinkling.

"Youcallmethat?Iknowtoomuchaboutyou,mapetite,tobetreatedtothehighEnglishhorse.YouarestillthelittleMiellewhoranbarefootoverthesandswithmeatSte.Giselle.Marriagehasnotchangedyou,chérie."

Sheflushedunaccountably,awareofAdam'seyesonherface,andSimmyaskedif"honey"wasatermofendearmentinFranceasitwasinAmerica.

"No,no,itisanamewegaveherforhercoloring,youunderstand.Alovename,youcallit?"

"Anickname,Ithinkyoumean,"saidSimmy,glancingatAdam."Personally,Ihavealwaysthoughtnicknamesrathersillyandundignified."

"ButMielleisnotdignified,"Pierreretorted,unabletoresistshockingthestiffEnglishgoverness."Sheisanenfantterrible,abreakerofhearts,asIshouldknow,andherinnocenceisvery,verymisleading."

Simmylookeduneasy,butAdamsaidinanexpressionlessvoice,"Yes,innocencecanbemisleading.Willyouhavesomemorecoffee,Simmy?"

ButtherewasnostoppingPierre,whothoughtitnobadthingthatthestiffEnglishhusbandshouldbemadeawareofhiswife'scharmsthroughtheeyesofayoungerman.

"Innocencecanalsobebeguiling,"hesaid."Thefreshnessofyouth,unspoiled,clear-eyed—isthatnotwhatallmendesire?Hélas,youthwillnotwait!Didyounot,Mielle,atonlysixteen,

promisetowaitforme?But,no—youruntoEnglandandmarryagentlemanmuchmoredistinguished."

Miranda'shandshookasshepouredoutsomemorecoffeeforherself.

"Youaremonstrous,"shesaidcalmly."Youknowverywellthatwasafamilyjoke.Besides,youintendedtomarryMarguerite,whichwasverypracticalandquiteunderstoodOnlyIthinkshewasverysensiblenottohaveyou."

"Yousee—alwaystherapontheknuckles,"PierresaidtoAdam."Sheneverwouldstandanynonsense,ourlittleMielle."

AndsoitwentonuntilAdamexcusedhimselfwithhisusualpleaofwork.Mirandalookedathimwithsuddenlystrickeneyes.

"Willyounotstayforalittle?"sheasked.

Hissmilewassardonicashereplied,"Ithinknot.YouandMr.Morelwillhaveplentytodiscussthatcanbeofnointeresttome."

"Well,"saidSimmyplayfullyasthedoorclosed,"Ican'thaveyouthinkingI'vebeenleftasachaperon,Mrs.Chantry,soifyouwillbothexcuseme,Iwillgotomyroom."

"Thatwasmosttactfulofallconcerned,"observedPierrewhentheywerealone,butMirandalookedathimwithtroubledeyes.

"Youshouldnothavetalkedlikethatinfrontofthem,"shesaid."Adamwillnotunderstandandthegovernesswillmakemischief."

Theamusementlefthisfaceandhegaveaquickfrown.

"Thismarriage,isitnothappy?"heasked.

"Oh,yes,yes.ButAdamis—different.Hehasnever,Ithink,learnedtoplayaswedo.Heworksveryhardandhasbeenaloneformanyyears."

"Butthatisnotrightforyou,mylittleone.Youareyoungandshouldbecheerful.Howisitthatyouchooseamanwithgrayhairswhoshutsyouupinthemiddleofamooranddoesnotknowhowtolaugh?"

"Ihad,"saidMirandawithacertainasperity,"littlechoiceatthetime.Ihadnomoney,nojobandIwasill.Wemetbychance.Besides,youdidnotwriteandyouhad,Ithought,madethemarriageofconvenienceyourself."

Heshotheranamusedglance.

"SoIsetyoutheexampleandyoumarrytherichwidowerwhomyousayyoumeetbychance?Youtakeagambleandvoilà,youwinthelottery,mylittleinnocent.Doesthatcontentyou?"

Shelookedathimunderherlashes.

"Youhavenot,perhaps,allowedthatIalsofoundAdamveryattractive,"shesaid.

"So?Wellthatatleastisgood.Butyourhusband—doesheloveyou,chérie—doeshemakeyouhappy?"

Shesighed.

"Iamatadisadvantage,yousee,"shesaid."Hewasdeeplyinlovewithhisfirstwife,andhehasnotyet,Ithink,gotoverherdeath."

"Butwhat,"askedPierre,gentlymocking,"hasadeadwomangotthatyouhavenot?"

"Shewasverybeautiful,"Mirandasaid."Come—Iwillshowyou."

Sheledthewaytothedrawingroomandswitchedonthelights.PierrestoodforalongtimelookingupatMelisande'sportrait,andMirandawatchedhim,tryingtoreadtheexpressioninhisface.

"Doyounotagreeshewasbeautiful!"sheaskedatlast"Asyouareanartistitisafacethatshouldappealtoyou."

"AsanartistthereissomethingIdonotlike,"hereplied."Sheisbeautiful,yes,butitisthebeautédudiable."

"Itisstrangeyoushouldsaythat,"saidMirandaslowly."ForIfeelsheishostiletome—sheandthehouse."

Helaughedandpinchedthelobeofherear.

"Whatfoolishnessisthis?"heexclaimed."Sheisdeadandherghostcannotharmyou."

"Itishardtofightaghost,"shesaid,andPierretookherchinbetweenhisfingerandthumb,tiltingherfaceupward.

"CanitbethatyoulovethisstrangeEnglishmanwhoissomuchtoooldforyou?"heaskedonanoteofsurprise.

"Yes,Pierre,"shesaidwithasigh,andthoughtoftheeveningasitmighthavebeenandwishedhimathousandmilesaway.

"Thatis,ofcourse,different,"hesaidsoftly,andfelthershiver.

"Youarecold?Youdonotcareforthisroom,naturally.Letusgo,"hesaid.

Butbackinthestudythefirecouldnotwarmher.Therainhadstopped,butmistclungtothe

windowsandthehousewassilent.

"Willyoumindverymuch,Pierre,ifIgotobed?"shesaid."Tomorrowwewilltalk,buttonight—well,Iamtired."

Itwasearlyyet,andAdam,sheknew,wouldnotbeupforsometime.Sheundressedslowly,tirednowwiththesick,flatlassitudethatcamefromdisappointment.Beforeshegotintobed,sheopenedthedoorbetweenthetworooms,thenlaylisteningtotheowlsandwaiting.

Itwaslatewhensheheardhimcomeup,andhereyeswereheavywithsleepdenied.Adamstoodforamomentinthedoorway,andashereachedoutahandtoclosethedoor,shesaid,"Pleasecomein."Sheswitchedonthelightbythebedasheslowlycrossedtheroom.

"Ithoughtyouwerestilldownstairswithyouryoungman,"hesaid.

"No.Ihavebeenwaitingforyouforalongtime,"shereplied,proppingherselfonherelbow.

"Waiting?"Hisvoicehadacuriousring."Didyouwanttoseemeaboutanything,Miranda?"

"OnlytosaythatIwassosorryPierreshouldhavechosentonight."

"Tonightoranyother—where'sthedifference?"

"Because…"Butshecouldnotgoonanyfurther,andsaidinstead,"YoudonotmindthatPierreishere?"

Heregardedherwithanoddexpression."IsthereanyreasonwhyIshouldmind?"hesaid."Though,sinceyouaskme,Miranda,itwouldhavebeen—usual,shallwesay,totellmehewasexpected."

"But,Adam,Ihadnoidea.Indeed,Ithoughtthatwhenhetappedonthewindowitwasyou."

"Haveyoueverknownmetaponwindows?"

"N-no—buttonightwasdifferent."

"Yes,itwas,wasn'tit?TheSevresdinnerservice,thetabledecorations,andthoseveryFrenchdishesthatyoubadtakensomuchtroubleover.I'vecertainlyneverknownyoutobeinterestedincookingbefore."

"ButAdam,thatwas…"Suddenlyshedidnotfinish.Ifhewassoblindthathecouldnotsee,ifhewouldlistentoSimmy'sinnuendoesandbelievethem,thenthefrailbondbetweenthemwastooweakforunderstanding.

"Iamsorrythatyoudonotwelcomemyguest,"shesaid,notlookingathim."ButIdidnotinvitehimtonight."

"Isee.Butyoudidn'ttellmeyour—friendshipwiththisyoungmanwassoclose."

"Youdidnotaskme,"sherepliedgently."YouhavealwayshadverylittleinterestinmylifebeforeImetyou,Adam."

Hismouthtightened.

"Andyouthinkthatbythetermsofourmarriage,Ishouldnotinquiretoomuchaboutoldfriendships?"

Shelookedathimunderherlashes.

"Well,doyouthinkyoushould?"shesaiddeliberately."Itisyourownaffairifyouchoosetothinkillofme,Adam,butyoushouldnotbeillogical.IwouldnotmakeasceneifyouhadachèreamieinPlymouth,whereyousooftenspendthenight."

"Wouldn'tyou,Miranda?"

"No.Me,Iamlogicalanddonotexpectamantobe—tobecelibateinallhishabits."

"Anddoyouapplythattowomen,too?"

"Whynot?Itisunreasonabletoaskofonewhatonemaynotofanother."

Hewassuddenlyviolentlyangry.

"Ifyou'retryingtotellmethatyouconsideryourselffreetoamuseyourselfinthatsortoffashionyouhadbettershedsomeofyourFrenchideas,"hesaid."Itmaybeillogical,asyouliketocallit—itmayevenbedamnedunfair,butwhateverthetermsofourmarriage,Idon'tchoosethatmywifeshouldseekconsolationelsewhere.Doyouunderstand?"

"Yes,Adam,"shesaidandlaybackonherpillows,verystill."Youwouldnot—"hervoicewasalmostawhisper"—youwouldnotthinkof—alteringtheterms?"

Hestoodlookingdownather,handsthrustdeepinhispockets,buttherewasnotendernessinhissuddensmile.

"Thatisalwayspossible,"hesaid,"butinthemeantimeyou'dbettertaketolockingyourdoor.FleshandbloodtakeslittlecountofcontractsorobligationsiftriedtoohighlyandIdon'tthinkyouwouldcareforamarriageconsummatedinthatspirit,Miranda."

"No,"shesaid,turningherfaceawayfromthelight."Ishouldnotcareforitatall.Goodnight,Adam."

Hestoodforamomentlonger,lookingdownather.Angerandevenjealousywerefightingagainstaninstincttotakeherinhisarms,buthedidnotseethetearsonherlashesandpresentlyhebadeherabriefgood-nightandwentbacktohisroom,shuttingthedoorbehindhim.

CHAPTERTENMirandawassurprisedtofind,thenextmorning,thatAdamhadcanceledhisappointmentsfortheday.

"Youarestayingathome?"shesaid,puzzledbysuchanunusualprocedure.

"Doyouobject?"heaskedalittleironically.

"Ofcoursenot,but—"

"Thisisn'talast-minutedecisioninordertokeepaneyeonyourguest,youknow,"hesaid."UnfortunatelyIhadalreadymademyarrangementsbeforecominghomelastnight."

Thecolorcreptunderherpaleskin,forshesuddenlyknewthat,justasshehadplannedtheeveningasaspecialoccasion,sohadhecontributedhisportionandtakenadayofftopleaseher.

"Whatwouldyouliketodo?"sheaskedalittlehelplessly,buthissmilewasbitter.

"Youneedn'tworryaboutme,"hesaid."Ishallbeout.IdidunderstandMoreltosayhewasleavingforFrancetoday,didn'tI?"

"Yes."

"AndI'msureyou'dliketogoandseehimoff."

"Yes,"shesaidagain,andwasgladwhenheshuthimselfintohisstudy.

Pierrewastosailintheafternoonsotherewaslittletimeleftinwhichtohearallthenewsshehadlongedfor.Ithadstoppedraining,buttheskywasstillovercast,andsheandPierrewalkedinthegrounds,wanderingdownnarrow,sunlessalleysshadowedbyhighbanksofrhododendrons.

Onceheturnedandfacedhersuddenly,sayingwithunaccustomedseriousness,"Iamnothappyaboutyou,petite.Thislonelyhouse,thesedark,drippingwalks—theyarenotthebackgroundforyou."

"Theydonotalwaysdrip,"sherepliedwithgraveconsideration."Whenthereissunthegardenisbeautiful."

"Butinthiscountrythereisnotmuchsun.Mielle—wewillnotlosetouchagain,hein?Shouldyoueverwantme,Iwillcome."

Hetouchedhercheekwithhisbrownfingers,andpresentlyMirandasuggestedthattheyreturntothehouse.

MirandawasgladwhenitwastimeforPierretoleave.Nowthatthefirstdelightatseeinghim

hadpassedsherealizedthatforhertoomuchhadchangedsincethosecarefreedaysatSte.Giselleandthereseemednothingmoretosay.Shewouldalwayswelcomehimasalinkwithherchildhoodandherfather'sbelovedmemory,butherwayoflifewasnolongerhis.

ItwasrainingagainwhenBidderbroughtthecartothedoor.Miranda,sittingsilentlybesidePierre,lookedoutatthesadexpanseofmoorandwishedthatshe,too,hadremainedbehind.Atthepiershestoodintherain,watchingtheseagullswhileshewaitedforPierretogothroughtheformalitiesofembarkation.Therewas,hetoldher,adelayinsailingandtheymightaswellgoonboardandhavesomecoffee.Shefollowedhimupthegangway,glad,whenshegottheretofeelthecheerfulwarmthofthesaloon.

"Ishouldhavemarriedyou,"hesaidabruptlyjustbeforethelastvisitors'bellrang.

Shetriedtolaugh.

"Oh,Pierre,itwouldneverhavedone,"shesaidgently."Wearealikeandyetnotenoughalike,andI—IhavefoundwhatIwanteventhoughtoyouitmayseemstrange."

"Itseemstomeofthestrangest,"heretortedwithalittlesmile."Well—goodbye,mylittlebrideofwinter.Donotletthefrostsnipyourblossoming.Goodbye…"

Hekissedhergently,thenstoodbytheship'srailandwatchedhersmallfiguremoveoutofsightdownthegangway.

AdamhadlunchedwiththeLathams,buthehadknownlongbeforeheleftthatitwasamistake.Heshouldhaverealizedthatnewstravelsfastinavillage,andGraceandhermotheralreadyknewthatMirandawasentertaininganattractivevisitorfromFrance.Mrs.Lathampliedhimwithcuriousquestionsand,nevernotedforhertact,remarkedthatshehadheardbeforetherehadbeensomeyoungmanabroadforwhomthechildhadformedanearlyattachment.DidAdamthinkitwisetoencouragetheseromanticfriendships?

"Youmustn'tmindmother,"Gracesaidwhenshegothimalone."Shelikestobelievetheworstofpeopleinthenicestpossibleway.Still,forallthat,it'sprobablyagoodthingtheyoungmanisreturningtoFrancetoday.Peoplecan'thelpgossipingand—well,littleMirandaissuchachild,isn'tshe?"

"Whatyou'rereallytryingtosayisthatI'mfartoooldforherandshouldn'tbesurprisedifshefindsyouthmoreattractive,"hesaidbluntly.

"Well,"sherepliedgently,"thereisabigdifference,isn'tthere?Andthenyouaresolittleathome."

"Sopeoplehavebeentalkinganyhow,havethey?"

Shemadealittledeprecatinggesturewithherhands.

"Butsurelyyoumusthavebeenpreparedforthat,"shesaid."Yoursuddenmarriage,nopreparation,nohoneymoonandachildyoutreatmoreasadaughterthanawife."

"Yes,Isee.IsupposeImustberatherblind."

Shelookedathimandhesawagaininhereyesthestirringofthatoldemotionthathadmainlyprecipitatedhissecondmarriage.

"Adam—we'resucholdfriends.I'veneverunderstoodthismarriageofyours.Whydidyoudoit?"

Hisansweringregardwassteady.

"Itdoesn'toccurtoyouthatImightbefondofMiranda?"heasked,andshemovedimpatiently.

"Oh,fond—ofcourseyou'vegrownfondofher,butyoudidn'tloveher.Andwhy,ifyouwantedastepmotherforFay,didyouhavetochoose—sounwisely?Shemarriedyouforahome,Adam,notoutofanysenseofaffection.Doyoureallyimaginethatifsomeoneyoungerandmoreattractivecomesalongshewon'tleaveyouaseasilyasshemarriedyou?"

"Grace,please—"hesaidquietly,andgotup."Iknowyou'reonlytalkinglikethisoutofasenseoffriendship,butdon't,mydear.EvenwithyouI'mnotpreparedtodiscussallthecircumstancesofmymarriage.Ishouldn'thavecomehereinmypresentmood.Forgivemeandpleaseforgetsuchgossipasyoumayhaveheard.Rumor,youknow,isveryseldomtrue."

Hegotawayassoonashecould,afraidforonemomentthatshewouldbebetrayedintodeclaringherownfeelingsforhim.ButashedrovebacktoWintersbridethroughtherain,histhoughtswerecloudedwithbitterness.Forthegossipabouthismarriageheknewhehadonlyhimselftoblame,butaboutthetruthofMiranda'soldattachmentforPierrehewasonlyjustbeginningtowonder.Bymarryingherhadhecheatedheroutofhernaturalrighttohappiness?Didshereallythink,asshehadsaidlastnight,thatitwasunreasonabletodemandfidelityinamarriagesuchastheirs?

Theyhadbeensoneartofulfillment,andevenifshedidnotlovehim,hethoughtthatshehadwantedhim.But,watchingherwithPierreandrememberingthatframedpicturetheyhadmadeinthelightedanduncurtainedroom,hewasbitterlyconsciousofhisownfailure.

HewentuptotheschoolroomwhenhegothometoseeFay.Here,too,hehadfailed,hethoughtwearily,observingthenervous,half-frightenedglancethechildgavehimbeforeshereturnedtoheroccupationofbuildingahousewithcards.

ThechildwentonstackingthecardswithgreatcareandexactitudeandAdamwatchedher.PresentlyFaylookedupandsaidwithalittlerushofwords,"Mirandasaysyoucanstopherdoingthingsshewantsthesameasyoucanstopme.StophergoingtoFrance,Adam—pleasestophergoingtoFrance."

"Whatareyoutalkingabout,mydear?Mirandaisn'tgoingtoFrance,"hesaid.

"Truly?"Therewasdoubtinthechild'svoice.

"Truly.WhenshecomeshomeI'lltellhertocomeupandsaygood-nighttoyou,shallI?"

"Yes,please."

HelefttheschoolroomwithgrowinguneasinessandknockedonSimmy'sdoorandaskedherifshewouldcomedowntohisstudyforafewminutes.

"Sitdown,Iwanttotalktoyou,"hesaidwhenshearrived."I'malittleworriedaboutFay,Simmy.SheseemstohaveanotionthatMrs.Chantryisgoingaway.Wasanythingsaidinyourhearingthatcouldhavegivenherthatidea?"

"Oh,Ithinkshehadplannedtovisitheroldhomelateron,"Simmyrepliedlightly."SheandMr.MorelspokeofitinfrontofFayafterlunch."

"Isee.DoyoulikeMr.Morel,Simmy?"

MissSimmshesitated."Doyouwantmetobefrank?"sheasked.

"Naturally."

"Well,he'sverycharming,ofcourse,likesomanyFrenchmen,but—Idon'tthinkIwouldaltogethertrusthimand—Ithoughthimalittlefamiliar,evenforanoldfriend."

Hiseyesregardedhergravely.

"Didyou,Simmy?"Adam'shands,claspedbeforehimonthedesk,tightenedsuddenly."Peoplegetstrangenotions,sometimes,"hesaidexpressionlessly."Mr.Morelisanoldfriend—almostlikeabrother.It'sperhapsnaturalthat—strangersmightgetthewrongimpression.Ihopeyou'llmakethatclearifthereshouldbeanytalkintheservants'hall,Simmy."

"Butofcourse.PoorlittleMrs.Chantry—she'sbeenlonely.Itdidonegoodtoseeherpleasure.Allthepreparationsandexcitement—itwaslikewatchingayounggirlgettingreadytowelcomeherfirstsuitor.Weallnoticedit,andIwishnowIhadnotbeenalittlesharpwithheroverthechildishlittleaccusationandspoiledherpleasure."

"Whataccusation?"Adamasked,hisfacehardandgrim.

"Oh,justafoolishideashehadthatIlistenedintohertelephoneconversations.Iwouldnothavepaidanyattention,ofcourse,ifIhadnotbeenaccusedinfrontoftheservants."

"Whattelephoneconversationisthissupposedtohavebeen?Iranghermyselfinthemorning."

"Shedidn'tsay,butlater,whenMr.MorelarrivedandIrealizedhow—well—theykneweachother,Ihadanideashemighthavebeentalkingtohimandwas,perhaps,alittleembarrassedbythepossibilityofbeingoverheard."

Heleanedbackinhischair,rubbinghiseyesasifhewassuddenlyverytired.

"Yes,well,keepthatideatoyourself,Simmy.Wedon'tknowthatit'seventrue,"hesaid."Mrs.Chantrysaid,ifyouremember,thatshehadnotexpectedMr.Morel."

Simmy'spaleeyesregardedhimthoughtfully.

"Ofcourse,it'spossible,"sheconceded."Butthenwhyallthepreparations,thespecialdinner?Ithink,myself,thatMrs.Chantryexpectedtheyoungmantodinneronlyandthatiswhynomentionwasmadeofhisstayingovernight.Shemayhavethought—forgiveme—thatyouwouldnotapprove,sinceitseemsclearthatshewasfondofhiminthepast.Theyarebothsoveryyoung,aretheynot?"

"Yes,theyareveryyoung,"saidAdamwearily,andlookedathiswatch."Isthecarnotbackyet?Theboatshouldhavesailedtwohoursago."

"ShallIseeforyou?"

"No,don'tbother.Ifthey'renotbackinhalfanhourI'llcallBidder'squartersandseeifthere'sanynews.Thesailingsmayhavebeendelayed."

ButMirandahadreturned.Shehadslippedinquietlybythegardendoorandhadbeenintimetooverhearmostoftheendoftheconversation.ThedoorofAdam'sstudywasajaranditwaseasytodistinguishtheirvoices.Shestood,unconsciousofdeliberateeavesdropping,awareonlyofthecleverplausibilityofthegoverness'ssuggestions,andthebitterwearinessinAdam'svoiceasheanswered.ForamomentshewastemptedtoconfrontthembothandaccuseSimmytoherfaceofmischiefmaking,butwhatrealexplanationcouldshegive?Simmyhadadmittedherremarkswerebasedonsupposition.Shehadonlytowithdrawthem,leavingbehindtheinevitableharmshehaddone,andunderthosewatchful,calculatingeyesshedidnotcaretopleadforAdam'sunderstanding.Sheturnedinsteadand,fleeingsilentlyupthestairstoherownroom,flungherselfonthebedandwept.

Adamwasforthemostpartarationalman,ashiscallingdemanded,andhedidnotreallybelievethatMirandahadrunaway,butheadmittedtoreliefwhenBidderinformedhimthatthecarhadreturnednearlyanhourago,andwentuptohisroomtochangefordinner.

Hestoodforamomentbeforehisdressingtable,lookingatthelittlesnapshotwiththecurlingedges,andhiseyefellonMiranda'sposy.Ithad,hesupposed,beenthereyesterday,butintheshockofotherhappeningshehadnotnoticedit.Thisunfamiliarattention,then,hadatleastbeenforhimandnottheguest,andthethoughtcrossedhismindthatSimmycouldhavebeenmistaken.HerememberedhisownwordstoMirandaonthetelephonethatmorning."Shallwemakeitacelebrationtonight?"hehadsaid.Miranda'spreparationscouldwellhavebeenforhim,ashywayofbiddinghimwelcome,awishtomarktheoccasionasdifferent.Herememberedhispromisetobringherapresent.Well,hehadbroughtthepresentbuthadnevergivenittoher,andonasuddenimpulseheslippedtheleathercasecontainingthecharminglittlejeweledwatchhehadfoundforherintohispocketandtriedthedoorbetweentheirrooms.ItwaslockedforthefirstandonlytimesincehehadbroughthertoWintersbride,andwithachillathisheartherememberedhiswordsofthenightbefore,"You'dbettertaketolockingyourdoor…fleshand

bloodtakeslittlecountofcontractsiftriedtoohighly…"andtherestofthathard,bittersentence.

Hehesitatedforamoment,thenwentoutintothecorridorandknockedontheotherdoorofherroom.Atfirsthethoughtshewasnotthere,forupongettingnoreplytohisknock,heopenedthedoortofindthecurtainswerealreadydrawnandtheroomwasinsemidarkness.Thenhesawherinahuddledlittleheaponthebedandheswitchedonthelight,revealingherdistressasdeliberatelyashewouldhaveexposedadiseaseinapatient.

Sheblinkedpainfullyinthestronglightandhesawthehavocgriefhadmade,theswollenlids,thestrainabouttheunsteadymouth,thedefenselessunhappinessthatshewastootiredtohidefromhim.

"Youmindedhisgoingsomuch?"heasked.

Shewastoochokedwithtearstoanswer.Indeed,hedoubtedverymuchifshehadheardwhathesaid,andalthoughhecrossedslowlytothebedhedidnottouchher.

"Poorchild,"hesaidcompassionately,"Ishouldneverhavemarriedyou,shouldI?"

Shewastootiredtoplaceanyotherconstructiononhisremarksavetheonethathehimselfregrettedhismarriage.Shecouldnottellhimthatitwasforhimsheweptandthewholesorryfailureofherunwantedovertures.Sheonlythoughthelookedatherwiththewell-disguiseddistastewithwhichhewouldbreakthebadnewstooneofhispatients.

"Iwillgoawayifyouwishit,"shesaid.

Hiseyescontinuedtowatchher,probing,dissecting.

"Doyouwanttogoaway—backtoFrance,perhaps?"

"Ifyouwish,"shesaid,andsuddenlyhewasangry.

"No,Idon'twishit,"hesaidinahardvoice."AndIdon'tthink,whenyoucometoyoursenses,youwillwishit,either."

"IheardwhatSimmywassayingtoyou,"shesaid."Sheisverycleverattwistingthetruth."

"Andwhatisthetruth,Miranda?No,perhapsyouhadbetternottellme.Asyouyourselfsaidlastnight,bythetermsofourmarriageIshouldnotinquiretoocloselyintooldfriendships.Well,we'llletthatpassforthepresent,butwhateverthetruthofthematter,thefactremainstherehasbeengossip,andalthoughIrealizethatIaskedforagreatdealofitbymarryingso—unsuitably—thethingisdoneandwemustmakethebestofitforthetimebeing."

"YoualsothinkIamunsuitable?"shesaidinatiredvoice.

"Iwasreferring,naturally,tothedifferenceinage,"herepliedsmoothly."Now—formyownshortcomingsIapologizeinadvance.IrealizethatI'mtoooldforyou,thatsaddlingyouwithadultproblemswashardlyfair.Butevenso,youhaveabetterlifenowthanifyouhadn'tmarried

me,anduntilsuchtimeaswecanthinkofanalternativesolutionwemustjustgoonasbefore.Onething,atleast,neednolongertroubleyou.Iwill,ofcourse,respectthetermsofourcontracttotheletter.Thereisnoneedforyoutolockyourdoorinfuture."

Shesaidnothing,butturnedherfaceawayfromthelightandhisownsearchingregard;andpresentlyhegottohisfeet.

"I'llhaveatraysentuptoyou,"hesaidmorekindly."Icandinealonetonight."

"Adam…"shesaidashepreparedtoleaveher.

"Yes?"

"I'msorryifIhavecausedgossip."

"We'vebothcausedgossip,ifthat'sanycomforttoyou,"hesaid."Weare,Ifear,intheeyesofouracquaintances,anill-assortedcouple,butdon'tletthatworryyou.IratherfancythatIamtheonetobecensuredformarryingagirlnearlyyoungenoughtobemydaughter.Wouldyoulikemetomixyouasedativebeforeyougotosleep?"

"No."

"Well,gettobedearly.Goodnight."

AdamremainedinPlymouthfortherestoftheweek,andshewasgratefulfortheperiodofreadjustment.Withhonestfortitudeshepackedawayhershort-livedhopesanddreams.Sheknewthateventhoughhecouldnotloveher,therewouldcomeadaywhenhewouldneedher,becausenonormalmanofAdam'sage,shebelieved,wouldchoosetobecelibatefortherestofhislife.Andsheknewthat,whenthattimecame,shewouldhavegatheredcourageenoughtoforgetherownprideandacceptwhatlittlehehadtooffer.Inthemeantimeshewashisguestandmustmakenodemandsuponhistimeandprivacy.Septembersawtheendofsummer.Miranda,staringoutoftherain-washedwindowsdayafterday,thoughtofthewinterahead.Winter…Wintersbride…therewouldbenomoresunnydaysbytheriverandthegardenwouldhavelostitswarmthandcolor.Therewouldonlyberainanddriftingleavesandthesilent,shutteredhouse.

Shenolongerusedthedrawingroom,whichbelongedsoindisputablytoMelisande.Shewould,shethought,takeovertheoldnurseryforherownusebeforethewintercame.

ShementionedthemattertoMrs.Yeo,wholatelyhadseemedsomuchmorecooperative,butthehousekeeperlookeddoubtful.

"Well,Idon'tknow,madam,"shesaid."Idon'tthinkMissSimmswouldlikeit."

"MissSimms?Whathasitgottodowithher?"askedMirandawithsurprise."Theroomisneverused."

"Well,Idon'trightlyknow,butitwasMissSimmsgotMr.ChantrytochangeMissFayoverandgetallthatuglymodernstuffdownfromLondon.IalwaysthoughtshenevercouldabidethenurserybecauseitusedtobelongtoNanny."

"Well,sheisnotgoingtolockupthenurseryassheoncelockedupthedrawingroom,"saidMiranda.

Simmydidnotopenlyobject,butshemadedifficultiesoverwhatfurniturecouldbesparedfromotherroomsandfinishedbysayingthatshedidnotwishFaytousetheroom.

"IfImakeitintomysittingroom,"Mirandasaid,"sheshallcertainlyuseit.It'samuchmorecheerfulroomthantheschoolroom,whichgetsnosun."

"Ithinkyoualreadyknowwhytheroomswerechanged,"Simmysaid.

Mirandarepliedquietly,"IknowyouwerejealousofNanny'sinfluence,andIamnotsurenowthatyouwerenotalsoanxioustoremovethechildasfaraspossiblefromherfather."

Simmy'seyebrowslifted.

"Really,Mrs.Chantry,isn'tthatalittlefanciful?"shesaid."ItwasMr.Chantryhimselfwhocomplainedofthenoise."

"Whatcausedthosescreamingfitsinthefirstplace?"askedMirandashrewdly.Butthegovernessonlysmiledalittlemockingly.

"Ididnotfrightenherintothemifthatiswhatyoumeantoimply,"shesaid."Byallmeansusethenurseryifyouwish,Mrs.Chantry,butpleaseallowFaytoremainwhereshe'sbestoff—inherownwingofthehouse."

Itwasdifficultnow,Mirandafound,togetFaytoherselfforanylengthoftime.ThewetweatherkeptthemallsomuchindoorsthatitwasnotpossibletoavoidSimmy'swatchfuleyeforlong.

Mirandaknewnowthatthegovernesswastryingtobreakthechild'saffectionforher,justasshewasconvincedthatthesamethinghadsomehowhappenedinAdam'scase.Lookingbackonthevaryingincidentsthathadinvolvedthelittlegirlindispute,Mirandabegantoreceiveaclearerandclearerimpressionofdistortion.AlthoughAdamalwaysinsistedthatFaycouldnotbetreatedentirelyasotherchildren,wasitnotactuallySimmywhohadsuggestedinthefirstplacethatshewasnotnormal?SimmyhadsomehowgotridofNannyandafterwardmadeherownrules,anditwasSimmywhoforsomanyyearshadfosteredthechild'sdislikeforherfatherbyadvisinghimnottoforceheraffections,andbyusinghisauthorityasathreatforpunishment.

ShetriedononeoccasiontotalkthematteroutwithAdam,buthegaveherratheranoddlookandsaid,"Youshouldn'ttrytogetyourownbackonSimmy,Miranda.Youprobablymisconstruedtheconversationyousounfortunatelyoverheard.Shewasonlydoingherduty,youknow."

"Tosuggestwhatwasnottrue?"shesaid,surprisedthathehadreopenedthesubjectaftersolong.

"Well,"herepliedmildly,"trueornot,Idon'tknowthatshewasimplyinganythingverywrong.I'mafraid,asshesaysherself,youdon'tcareforherverymuch,butthoughshemakesallowancesforyou,youarenotsogeneroustowardher,areyou?"

Yes,thoughtMirandabitterly,Simmywasexpertatadministeringherownparticularbrandofpoison.ItwasuselesstotrytoenlistAdam'ssympathywithouttangibleproofofguilt.EvenwhenshequotedthingsthatFayhadtoldher,hewouldmerelyraisehiseyebrowsandreply,asifwearyofthewholesubject,"Mydearchild,asI'vetoldyousomanytimes,Fayinvents,butImustaskyounottoencourageherbylettingherthinkyoubelieveher."

"Idobelieveher,"Mirandasaidgravely."Ithink,Adam,sheisaverytruthfullittlegirlandwhatyouhaveoftenthoughtwerelieswerenotsoatall."

Foramomenthelookedasiftheideawasworthyofmorecarefulconsiderationthanhehadgivenitbefore,thenhesighedandsaidmorepatiently,"Iwouldliketobelieveyou,Miranda,butSimmyhasknownthechildallherlife.Imustrespectherexperienceandtheevidenceofmyowneyes,mustn'tI?"

"TheevidenceofyourowneyesisonlywhatSimmyhasshownyou,andFay'sowndislike—which,youknow,Adam,isreallyfear,Ithink."

"Butwhyshouldshebeafraidofme?I'vealwaystriedtobepatientandgentlewithher."

"Yes,whyshouldshebeafraid?Becausesomeoneencouragesher—because—"

"Oh,Miranda,please!"Hesoundedimpatientagain."Ihopeyouaren'tsillyenoughtosuggestsuchthingstothechildherselforIshallhavetoagreewithSimmythatyouaren'tverygoodforher."

"IsthatwhatSimmysays?"askedMiranda.

Buthedidnotanswerdirectly,andsaidinstead,"Believeme,Miranda,IamnotungratefulforyourinterestinFay,andIamdelightedand,Iadmit,alittlesurprisedthatheraffectionforyouhaslastedsolong.Butdon't,asaresult,disregardSimmy.Shereallydoesknowwhat'sbest."

No,thoughtMiranda,shewouldneverdisregardSimmy;rather,shewouldwatchmorecarefully.Itwasplaintoherthatthegovernesswasuptoheroldtricksoftryingtoweanthechildaway,butthistimesheshouldnotsucceed.Miranda'sjudgmentwasnot,asAdam'shadbeenatacriticaltimeinhislife,cloudedwithdoubts,andshenolongerbelievedforonemomentthatFaywasanythingmorethanaperfectlynormallittlegirlwhohadbeenthevictimoftoomuchcareandsupervisionandthepredatoryinstinctsofapossessivewoman.

Asshebeganthefirstpreparationsforturningtheoldnurseryintoasittingroomforherself,shethoughtmoreandmoreaboutNanny.What,wonderedMirandawithincreasingcuriosity,hadNannydonethatAdamshoulddismisshersosummarilyayearafterMelisandedied?

ButshedidnottrytotalktoAdamagain,andindeedtherewaslittleopportunity,forhewasawayagreatdeal.Heseemedlikeamachinethesedays,unsparingofhimselforhissubordi-nates,anditwasnotsurprisingthatwhenhecamehomeitwassimplytoeatandsleep.Sometimesshewatchedhimalittlewistfullyashesatoppositeherintheeveningsreadingorjustrelaxedinachairwithhiseyesclosed.Thenhewouldlooktiredanddisillusionedandratherolderthanhisage,andshehadtorestrainanimpulsetoputoutahandandtouchthegrayinghairwithlovingtenderness.

ArthurBenyon,ononeofhisrarevisits,hadtoldherthatifAdamdidnotrelaxhewouldbreakdown.ThenBenyonhadlookedatherratherhard,asifhethoughtthatsheherselfmightbethecauseofsuchpreoccupationwithwork.

"He'stakingonmoreandmoreandit'snotnecessary,"hesaidgruffly."Youshouldgethimtogoforaholiday,Miranda.Ican'tpersuadehim."

"CananyonepersuadeAdamtosomethinghedoesnotagreewith?"sheaskedalittlesadly.

"Well,youshouldbeableto,youngwoman,ifnooneelse,"hereplied.

Heshotherapuzzledglancewhenshesaid,"Ileastofall."

HetackledAdambeforeheleft.

"Noman'sindispensable,notevenyou,Adam,"hesaid."Miranda'sbeginningtolookpeaked,too.Takeherabroadwherethere'ssomesun.Doyoubothgood."

"Ajointholidaywashardlyinouritinerary,"Adamsaidwithaquirkofthelips,andwasnotpreparedfortheoldman'sexplosiveretort.

"Damnitall,man,whatdoyoumean?Youdidn'thaveahoneymoon—well,takeonenow.YouoweMirandathat,youknow."

Ahoneymoon…whatastrange,incongruousthingtoowetoMiranda.Hiseyesweresardonicashereplied,"Doyouthinkso?"

Benyonasked,withthebluntnessofaprivilegedfriend,"Whatsortofsillymessareyoumakingofyourmarriagethistime?"

Adamwasstartled.Wasthestrangenessofthesituationsoapparenttoothers?

"Ihardlyknowhowtoanswerthatone,Arthur,"hesaidalittleawkwardly.

Thespecialistretorted,"Well,I'llansweritforyou.Forsomereasonbestknowntoyourself,Ithinkyou'veembarkedononeofthesehighfalutinbusinessarrangementswithyourwife.What'sthematterwithyou,man?Iusedtothinkyou'dfallinlovewiththatcharminglittlegirldespiteyourself.Haven'tyougotMelisande'spoisonoutofyoursystemyet?"

"GoodGod,longago!"

"Well,then,what'swrongwithyou?Andwhatdoyouimagineyou'redoingtoMiranda?"

"Youdon'tunderstand,Arthur,"saidAdamwearily."Andit'stoolongastorytogointonow."

CHAPTERELEVENAtthebeginningofOctober,galesbegantosweepacrosstheAtlanticandMirandahadherfirsttasteofwhatroughweatheratWintersbridecouldbelike.Alldayandallnightthewindlashedagainstthehouseandraindroveinangrysquallsacrossthemoor.

"Isitoftenlikethis?"askedMiranda,whowashelpingSimmytostuffupaholeinapaneofglassthathadblowninattheendofthenorthcorridor.

"Mostofthewinter,"Simmyreplied."We'rehighuphereandgetthefullforceofallthebadweather."

"Itisrathereerie,"Mirandasaid,andthegovernesssmiled.

"You'llgetusedtoit,"shesaid,addingobliquely,"Andifnot,there'salwaysthelateMrs.Chantry'sremedy."

"Herremedy?Butshewasill—shediedhere."

"Yes,shediedhere,andperhapsthat'saremedy,too,"saidSimmy,andtherewassomethingalittlefrighteningaboutthelong,sallowfaceturnedtowardherinthegloom.

Mirandaexperiencedasuperstitioussenseofdread.Thegoverness,sheknew,wasonlytryingtofrightenher,butwhatwasthemysteriouscomplaintwhichhadkeptthelovelyMelisandeaprisonerandfinallykilledher?

"Simmy—wasshe—wassheperhapsalittlemad?"sheasked,hereyeswide.

MissSimmsbegantosweeppiecesofglassneatlyintoadustpan.

"Whatismadness?"shesaidwithalittlesmile."Onlyabrainlessstablethanothers—likelittleFay's,forinstance."

"Youarewicked!"exclaimedMiranda,horrortouchingherforamoment."Ifhermotherwas—deranged,itdoesnotmeanthatthechild—"

"Doesn'tit?"saidSimmy,andasagustofwindcamehowlingdownthecorridorandallthelightsinthehousewentout,Mirandaturnedandfled.

Shesataloneinthedimlibrary,listeningtothewind,andsomeofherfearsreturned.

Whathadthegovernessbeensuggestingupthereinthedarknorthcorridor?HaditnotbeenplainthatshewaswarningMirandaofsomeunsuspectedsecretthatcouldeffectthemall?SolostwassheinconfusedreflectionthatshedidnothearAdamcomeinandjumpedwhenhesuddenlyspoketoher.

"Hello!Havethelightsgoneagain?"hesaid,andashesawherinvoluntarymovementandthecolordrainfromherface,heapologizedforstartlingherandcametowarmhishandsatthefire.

"CanBidderfixtheplanttonight?"sheasked.

"Ishouldhardlythinkso."Heglanceddownatherquickly,thenstoopedandtookherwristbetweenhisfingers.

"Yourpulseisracing,"hesaid,lookingathermoreclosely."Hassomethingupsetyou—orfrightenedyou?"

Yes,shehadbeenfrightened—sofrightened,shenowknew,thatbeforeshecouldstopherselfshehadsaid,"Adam,Ihaveneverasked,butnowyoumustpleasetellme—wasyourfirstwifemad?"

"GoodGod!Whatmakesyouaskathinglikethat?"heexclaimed.

"ItwasSimmy,"Mirandasaid."ShehintedthatFay—Adam,isittrue?IthinkIhavearighttoknow."

Foramomenthedidnotspeakandtheterriblebitternessinhisfacemadeherafraid.

"No,it'snottrue,"hesaidatlast."Butyouhave,asyousay,arighttohetruth,Miranda.Ididn'tthinkanold,rathersadstoryconcernedthepresent,butperhapsIshouldhaveexplainedafterourdinnerparty,whenmybehaviormusthaveseemedsostrangetoyou."

Hermindwentbacktothatnightandshesawagainthechildinherlongbluedressinggown,Adam,whiteandangry,snatchingtheglassofwinefromherhand,andoldArthurBenyonlookingonandsaying,"Ithinkyoushouldexplainyourattitude,Adam."

"Oh!"shesaid,suddenlyunderstanding.

"Melisandedrank,"hesaidharshly."Ibroughtherhere,hopingtocureher,butafterthefirstfewmonths,wehadtogiveoutthatshewasillandconfinehertothehouseandgrounds.Wetookeveryprecaution,butsomehowshemanagedtogetholdofthestuff,andintheend—Idon'tsupposeyou'veeverknownanincurabledipsomaniac,Miranda,andIhopeyouneverwill.It'sthemostsoul-destroyingthingIknowof—tohavetowatch,monthaftermonth,suchbeautyaswasMelisande'sdisintegrateintototalruin,toseemindandwillpowerweakensomuchthatonlyonepitiablecravingremains,andbeabletodonothing."

"Oh…mypoorAdam…"shesaidverysoftly,andhadapoignantlyvividcomprehensionofwhatthosemonthsmusthavedonetoAdam,helpless,despiteallhisskillforothers,tosavethe

onewomanheloved.

"Faywassentaway,ofcourse,withNanny,andSimmylookedafterMelisande—shewasusedtothesecasesandshewasfondofher.Evenwhenshe—turnedagainstme,Simmycouldalwaysmanageher."

"She,too,turnedagainstyou?"

"Oh,yes,butthat'snatural,youknow.Iwasthepersonresponsibleinhereyesfordenyingherwhatshewanted.ThoughSimmyblamedherselfatthetimefortheaccident,itwasreallyamercifulrelease."

"Oh,yes—theaccident?DidshenotthendiehereatWintersbride?"

"No.SheslippedoutonedaywhenSimmywasresting.Theyfoundheronthemooratthebottomofanoldmineshaft.We'llneverknowifshejumpedorfell,butthecoronerbroughtinaverdictofaccidentaldeath."

"Howterrible!"

"Terriblebutmerciful,"hesaidsternly."Shemighthavelivedonforyears,anincurablewreck.Shewasmyfailure,Miranda."

Shesatverystill,wantingtotakehiminherarmsbutknowingthathewasthinkingonlyofthedeadMelisande,whomhehadsomehowfailed.

"Onecannot,"shesaid,seekingtherightwords,"givemorethanonehas.Youdidnotfailher,Adam—shecouldnothavewantedyourloveenough,Ithink."

Helookedatherthen,along,curiouslook,whichheldbitternessandregret.

"Butyousee,"hesaidslowly,"Ididn'tloveher.Thatwasmyfailure."

"Youdidn'tloveher?"repeatedMirandastupidly.

Hestoodbythetable,hisprofileclearandsharpagainstthedimmedglobeoflight.

"Passionisnotlove,Miranda—don'teverconfusethem,"hesaid,andshethoughttherewasahintofwarninginhisvoice."MelisandewasbrilliantandbeautifulandIwasveryyoung,butpassionisdemandinganddoesn'tlast.HadIlovedhershemightnothavedesiredothermenand,failingthat,thefinalsolace.Onecan'tknow."

Shelockedherhandsfiercelyroundherkneestopreventthemfromreachingouttohim.ItwasplainnowwhatMelisandehadbeen.

SlowlysomethinginMirandawasreleased.Shenolongerneededtofightadeadlovethathadneverexisted,andshecouldnothateapoorghostwhosebeautyattheendwasgone.ButtherewasstillsomethingofMelisandethatcouldworkdestruction,andMirandasprangtoherfeetand

rantoAdam.

"Whydoyoustayhere?"shecriedurgently."Whydoyoubringyourchildupinthis—thisunhappyhouse?"

"Don'tyourealizeyetthatI'mtryingtosafeguardFayfromhermother'sinheritance?"hesaid."Fayishermotheroveragain,passionate,unstableinheremotions,withthesamearrogantbeauty."

"No,youarewrong,"Mirandasaid."Adam,listentome,Ibegyou,anddonotsay,asyoualwaysdo,thatFayinventsorthatIamfanciful.Simmywishesyoutothinkthesethings.ShewishestokeepFayfromyou.Ihaveheardher,Adam—IhaveheardhersuggestedtoFaythatyouaretobefeared,thatyoudonotwishtobebotheredwithher.YouhavereliedonSimmyforsolongthatyoucannolongerseethatthingscouldbedifferent.Today,shedeliberatelytriedtomakemebelievethatMelisandehadbeen—deranged,thatFaymightalsobeaffected."

Hehadturnedupthelampagainwhileshewasspeaking,andasthelightgrewslowlybrighter,shesawinhisdarkfacethefirstsignsofdoubt.Heputhishandsonhershoulders,andhiseyessearchedhers,probing,demanding.

"Doyourealizewhatyouareaccusingherof?"heasked.

"Yes,"shereplied,hereyesclearandsteady."Simmywantspower.Sheispossessiveandseesherpositionthreatenedwitheachfreshmoveyoumake.Ifthechildlovesyoushewillbenormalwithyou,ifsheistreatedlikeotherchildrenshewillprovetobejustastheyare.Yoursecondmarriagehasalreadythreatenedherauthority,thoughshehasdoneherbesttotreatmealwaysasachild.IfFaygrewupassheshould,goingtoschool,makingfriendsthattookherawayfromhere,whatwouldSimmy'spositionbe?Shewouldleavewhenthetimecameandherserviceswerenolongerneeded.Butasthingsare,sheishereforlifeifsheisclever,soshecannotaffordtomissasinglechanceofassertingherauthorityorofmakingmischief.Idobegofyou,Adam,tothinkaboutwhatIhavesaidandtoobserveforyourself.Doyounotseethatitispossibleyouhavebeenwrong—thatinyourdaughteryoumayhavetheanswertowhatyouthinkofasyourfailure?"

Shefelthisfingersgriphershoulders,andhisvoicewassuddenlyharshashereplied,"IfIthoughtyouwereright,"hesaid."IfIthoughttherewasthesmallestchanceyoucouldberight…butSimmy…itsoundsincredible…"

"Thinkback,Adam.WasFayanordinary,naturalchildallthetimeNannyhadher?"

"Yes.Ididn'tseeagreatdealofher,ofcourse,whilehermotherwasill,butlater—shewasveryfondofNanny,youknow.I'mafraidNanny'sgoingwasthecauseofthechild'sdislikeforme."

"Whydidyoudismissher?"

"Hishandsdroppedfromhershouldersandheturnedaway.

"Wediscoveredshehadbeenresponsibleforbringingdrinkintothehouse.Shewasn'tentirely

toblame,Isuppose.Melisandehadalwaysbeenabletogetaroundher,andshewasuneducatedandobstinateandprobablydidn'trealizetheharmshewasdoing.ButofcourseIcouldn'tkeepheronforFay."

Mirandawrinkledherforehead.

"Andthiswasawholeyearafteryourwifedied?Wasthatnotratherstrange?"

"Notreally.Simmyhadknownforsometimebutdidn'twanttodistressme.ItwasonlywhenthetimecameforhertoleaveherselfthatshethoughtIoughttoknowNannywasn'taltogethertrustworthy."

Miranda'ssilencemadehimturntolookatheragain,andsomethinginherfacemadehimexclaimquickly,"Butthat'sunthinkable!"

"Isit?"saidMirandagently."ButdoyounotconsideritratherstrangethatSimmyshouldwaituntilsheistogoherselftoaccuseNanny?"

"No—no,certainlynot.Shewasconcernedforthechildwhensheshouldnolongerbehereherself."

"SoyouaskedhertostayoninsteadofNanny,andsheacceptedatonce?"

"Notatonce.Shehadlittleexperienceofgovernessing,then."Herubbedhiseyeswearilywiththebacksofhisknuckles."Ithinkperhapswearebothalittlefoggedandoutoffocus,mydear.Thisgalegetsonone'snerves,doesn'tit?PerhapsonedayI'lltakeyouradviceandgetridofWintersbride."

"Andyou'lllistentomenowwithout—withoutimpatience?"

"AmIimpatientwithyou?Yes,I'mafraidIoftenam.Yes,I'lllisten,Miranda,andnowthatyouknowalittlemoreaboutmeperhapsyou'llbearwithmymoods."

Heputahandunderherchin,tiltingherfacetothelight.

"Youdon'tlookwell,"hesaid."PerhapsIoughttosendyouawayforabit."

"SoIwastellingMrs.Chantryalittleearlier,"saidSimmy'svoicefromthedoorway.Asusualshehadenteredtheroomsoquietlythatneitherofthemhadheardher,andMirandawonderedhowlongshehadbeenstandingthere.

"Youthinksheshouldgoaway,Simmy?"Adamasked,acuriousinflectioninhisvoice.

Hewasregardingherwithastrangeexpression,asifhewasseeingherforthefirsttime,andherglancewentquicklytoMiranda'sflushedface.

"Abreakisalwaysawiseprecautionwhennervesarealittlefrayed,"sherepliedinhercolorlessvoice."Toolongcoopedupinoneplacemakesus—overimaginative,don'tyouthink?"

"Perhaps,"hesaidnoncommittally,andshesmiled.

"Ionlycametoseeifyouhadforgottenthetime,asIdidnothearyoucomeuptochange,"shesaid."It'shalf-pastseven."

Adamfrowned,forthefirsttimeirritatedbyherinterruption.

"Thenwewon'tbothertochangeatall,"hesaidalittlebrusquely."Don'ttroubletoremindusanothertime,Simmy.Dinnerwon'tbekeptwaiting."

Theshadowsweretoodeepfortheexpressiononherfacetoberead,butMirandasawherhandsmovequicklyathersides.

"Verywell.I'msorryfordisturbingyou,"shesaidquietly,andlefttheroom.

Forseveraldaysafterthat,SimmykeptFayinherownwing,sayingthatshehadaslightcold.Itwasanexcusetokeepheraway,Mirandathought,butbytheendoftheweekthegirlfromthevillagewentdownwithinfluenza,andafewdayslaterMrs.YeoandBessiesuccumbed.

MirandaandNancytookoverthehousebetweenthem,MirandaturningcookwithmuchsatisfactionwhileNancyranupanddowntothesickroomswithtrays.Simmydeclinedtotakeoversuchlittlenursingaswasnecessary,sayingthatshecouldnotruntheriskofcarryingtheinfectiontoFay,butNancywasoftheopinionthatthegovernessthoughtitbeneathhertowaitonservants.AndwhileshelookedafterBessie,MirandathoughtitonlytactfultoministertoMrs.Yeoherself.

"Yououghtn'ttobedoingthisatall,Miranda,"Adamtoldher."ItwouldhavebeenverymuchbetterifSimmyhadtakenonthenursingandletyoulookafterFay."

"ShedidnotthinksowhenIsuggestedit,"saidMiranda,andhegaveheraquicklook.

"HaveyouseenFaylately?"

"Oh,no,because,yousee,nowIamindirectcontactandSimmywillnotpermitvisitstotheschoolroom."

"Isee.Wellthere'snoreasonwhyyoushouldn'tmeetintheopenair.Abriskwalkwoulddoyoubothgood.I'llspeaktoSimmy,"hesaid,andMirandaknewthathewasdispleasedbythegoverness'sattitude.

Sonow,eachmorningiftheweatherwasfine,FayandMirandatookawalktogether.Thechilddelightedinbeingexcusedfromlessonsandwasmuchsurprisedthatitshouldbeherfatherwhohadorderedthechange.

"SimmysaiditwasAdamwhowouldn'tletmeseeyou,"shetoldMiranda,"butIheardhimtell

herIwastostoplessonsforthetimebeingandgooutwithyoualonewheneverIliked,soSimmymusthavegotitwrong,mustn'tshe?"

"Yes,mycabbage,Simmygetsmanythingswrong,"Mirandaanswered."Ihavealwaystoldyouthatyourfatherwantsyoutobehappy,buthedoesnotgeta'chanceofknowingwhatyouwantifyoudonottellhim."

"Isupposenot,butSimmyalwayssaidIwasn'ttobotherhim.Doyouthink,Miranda,hewouldcomeforawalkwithusontheweekend?"

Miranda'sheartlifted.Itwasthefirsttimeshehadeverknownthechildtoexpressatentativewishforherfather'scompany.

"I'msurethathewill,"shesaidwarmly,andprayedveryearnestlyforafineSunday.

ItwasanilluminatingwalkforAdam.Oncefreeofherinitialawkwardness,Faychatteredaway,lettingfallinnocentremarksthatsethimthinking.HewatchedherwithMiranda,andcouldnotdenythatthespontaneousaffectionwithwhichshetreatedthegirlhadalltheappearanceofthenaturaldevotionofawarmheartedlittlegirl.He,likeMiranda,nolongerbelievedthatthiswasoneoftheemotionalinstabilitiesthatSimmywasalwaysguardingagainst,andwhen,duringthehomewardwalk,thechildwithouthesitationslippedahandintohis,hegaveitagratefulsqueezeandsmileddownatherinsuchawayastoreceiveahalfshy,halfsurprisedsmileinreturn.

MirandaenjoyedherhoursinthekitchenpreparingthefoodwhileshelistenedtoNancy'sgossip.ShetookspecialdelightincookingtemptingmealsforMrs.Yeo.

"Iwouldliketosay,madam,thatIverymuchappreciateallthetroubleyouhavegoneto,"Mrs.Yeosaidthedaybeforeshewastogetupforthefirsttime."Notmanywouldhavedoneasyouhave,noteven,Godforgiveme,myotherdearlady,forshewasnotonetothinkofothers,poorsoul."

Miranda,touchedatnowbeingbracketedapprovinglywithMelisande'swell-lovedname,saidgently,"Perhapsshecouldnotthinkofothers,Mrs.Yeo.Whensomeoneisassickasshewas,themindisnotresponsible."

"That'sbothtrueandcharitable,"Mrs.Yeosaid,noddingherhead.Thensheasked,alittlesharply,"DidMissSimmstellyouwhatwasthematterwithMrs.Chantry?"

"No,Mr.Chantrytoldme."

"That'sright.Don'tletMissSimmsacquaintyouwithfactsthatyououghttoknow.Shehasanuglytongue."

Mirandasatdownonthebed.

"Mrs.Yeo,youknewNannywell,"shesaid."Doyouthinkherdismissalwasright?"

Anunaccustomedflushstainedthehousekeeper'sflatcheeks.Foramomentshepursedherlips,

asifshewasforcingbackanunguardedwordthenshesaidwithslowdeliberation,"No,madam,Idonot,butyouarethefirsttoaskmethatandIwouldliketoknowwhatmadeyouask."

"Because,"saidMiranda,alittlepulseofexcitementbeginningtothrobinhertemple,"IthinktheevidencecameonlyfromMissSimms,andIthinkMissSimmshadreasontowishNannyoutofthehousewithnohopeofreturning."

Mrs.Yeotookadeepbreath,thenfeltblindlyforoneofMiranda'shands.

"You'reright,madam,"shesaid,theflushdeepening."AndsoItoldthemasteratthetime.But,poorgentleman,hehadbeenthroughsomuch.Hewouldn'tlistentoservants'gossip,hesaid.WeallresentedMissSimms,hesaid,becauseofherpositioninthehouse,buthehadreasontotrustandbegratefultoherandheonlywantedtodothebestforhislittlegirl.Idon'trightlyknowhowMissSimmsfoundtheevidencethatconvincedthemaster,butNannysworetillthedaysheleftthatnothinghadbeeninthosebottlesbutherowncowslipwine,whichwouldn'thurtafly.Sheusedtogiveittomypoorladywatereddownwithsugarwhenthecravingcameoverher,andallitcouldpossiblydowastogiveherthecomfortofaglassinherhand,ifyouunderstandmymeaning."

"AndwhathappenedtoNanny?"'

Mrs.Yeolookedsurprised.

"She'sonlytenmilesawaytheothersideofthemoor,whereshewasborn,"shesaid."Retiredsheisandlivingonherbrother'sfarmtheselastfiveyears.ShewritestomeregularfornewsofMissFay."

"Wouldshetalktome,doyouthink,ifIwenttoseeher?"

Mrs.Yeoconsideredthequestion,lookingatMirandaalittledubiously.

"Well,astothatIdon'tknow.Itwasallsolongagoandit'sbesttoletsleepingdogslie,"shesaid.

"Mrs.Yeo,"Mirandasaidcarefully,"Ihavereasontothink,andsoIbelievehaveyou,thatMissSimmshascausedagreatdealoftroubleinthishouse.Itrustyou,soIwilltellyouthatIbelieveshehascomebetweenMissFayandherfatherbymakingoutthatthechildis—differentfromotherchildrenIknowthatmanyoftheinventionsandsupposedfalsehoodsthatMissFayiscreditedwithhavebeenputintoherheadbyMissSimmsherself.ImustbeabletoprovethetruthtoMr.Chantry,forhehastrustedMissSimmsforsolongthatheisnoteasytoconvince.IsitnotbetterthatIseeNanny,whoisperhapstheonepersonwhoreallyknows?"

Astrangeexpressioncrossedthehousekeeper'sfaceasshespokeandherlittlebrighteyeswatchedMirandaclosely.

"Youhaveawiseheadonyou,forallyourchildishappearances,mydear,"shesaid."GoandseeNanny.Iwillgiveyouheraddress."

Itwasnotpossible,however,togoatonce.WithonlyNancyandherselftorunthehousebetweenthem,Mirandafoundlittletimeforvisiting.

WithbothMrs.YeoandBessiesick,AdamandMirandadinedinthesmallstudyandwaitedonthemselves.Mirandaenjoyedtheinformalmeals,delightinginsurprisingAdamwithanewdishandrelatingthetrivialhappeningsofthedaywithaturnofphrasethatcouldusuallymakehimlaugh.AtmomentsshecouldpretendtoherselfthatthebitterwordsthathadpassedbetweenthemontheoccasionofPierre'svisithadnotbeensaid,andshewouldfindhimwatchingherwitheyesthatattimeswerepuzzled,andatothersunexpectedlytender.Henolongershuthimselfupinhisownstudyafterdinner,butseemedcontenttoremainwithherbythefire.Andshewouldobservewithsatisfactionthetirednessleavinghisfaceashisbodyslowlyrelaxedinthebigchair.

Buttheeveningwasalwaysoveroncebedtimecameandtheyleftthefriendlywarmthofthestudy.Althoughshehadlongagounlockedthedooragainbetweentheirrooms,heneverusedit.Theirgood-nightsweresaidinthechillycorridorandshehadnotthecouragetofindanexcusetoinvitehimin.Once,topostponethemomentofseparation,shetookhimintothenurserytodescribeherplansforturningitintoasittingroomforherself.

"Whyhaveyouchosenthisroom?"heasked,pickinguponeofthewoodenanimalsthatstillstoodonthemantelpieceandturningitoveridlyinhishands.

"Itisconvenient,"shesaidglibly,unabletotellhimthatforherthenurserywouldformalinkwithhimand,byreasonofitsproperdesignation,onedayhemightdesiremoreofher."Itisonthesamefloorasmybedroomandissunnyandneverused.Besides,Ilikenurseries."

"Doyou,Miranda?"hesaid,givingheraveryoddlook.

Foramomentshethoughthewasgoingtoaddsomethingfurther.Butheapparentlychangedhismindand,biddingherabriefgood-night,wentontohisownroom.

BythebeginningofNovemberthehousehadreturnedtoitsusualroutine.

Tonight,thefirstforaweekafterthehousewasbacktonormal,MirandasatlisteningabsentlywhileSimmydiscussedsomepointinFay'stimetablewithAdam.Shewasthinkingthatnowthatshehadleisureagain,shemustmakethatjourneyacrossthemoortoseeNanny.Ifitwasafinedaytomorrowshemightgothen.

"I'msorry,Simmy,"shesaid,realizingthegovernesshadspokentoher."Whatdidyousay?"

"IsaidIhadfoundoneofthosegirls'schoolstoriesyouleftforFayunderherpillowthismorning,"MissSimmsrepeated,andMirandasmiled.SoNancy'snoveletteshadbeendiscardedformorewholesomeliterature!

"IwasjusttellingMr.ChantrythatIthoughtsuchreadingwasalittleunsuitableasthereisnoquestionofFayevergoingtoschool,"Simmysaid.

BeforeMirandacouldreply,Adamsaidpleasantly,"I'vebeenreconsideringthatmatter,Simmy,andI'mnotatallsureacarefullyselectedschooloftherighttypemightn'tbeagoodplanforthechildwhenshe'solder."

Mirandalookedathimquickly.WashereallyseriousorwashetestingSimmy'sreactionforhisownorMiranda'sbenefit?Thegovernesswastooquickwithherreply.

"Youknowthatit'soutofthequestion,Mr.Chantry,"shesaid,andAdam'seyebrowswentupswiftly.

"Iknowyou'vealwaysthoughtso,Simmy,butyoucouldbewrong,"heanswered.

MissSimmsshotMirandaavindictiveglance.

"I'venodoubtMrs.Chantryhasbeentalkingtoyou,"shesaid."But,forgiveme,shedoesnotunderstandthepositionasyouandIdo."

"Well,Idon'tknow,"saidAdam,pushingbackhischairinordertowatchthetwoofthem."Mrs.Chantryisyoungandpossiblyhasclearerjudgment,andImustownIfindnothingdelicateinFay,eitherphysicallyor—mentally—today."

Ifitwasadeliberatechallenge,Simmyrushedunthinkinglytomeetit.

"YoudonotseeherasIdo,"shesaid."EvenMrs.ChantrydoesnotunderstandthatthechildsheknowsisquitedifferentfromthechildIhavetodealwith.Thosenightsofbaddreams,thehystericaloutbursts,themoodsthatarekeptonlyformebecauseintheschoolroomthereisnooneelsetoseeorhear.Schoolisfornormalchildren,notonessuchasFay."

Mirandasatverystill,watchingAdam'sface,which,expressionlessuntiltheendofSimmy'soutburst,suddenlyfrozeintoicyhardness.

"IhavehadlittleevidencethatFayisnotnormalforsometime,"hesaidquietly.

Thegovernesslookedfrightened.

"Butyou'vealwayssaidyourself—"shebegan.

"Ishouldliketothinkwewerebothmistakeninsomeofthethingsthathavebeensaid—orsuggested,"Adaminterruptedsuavely."Perhapsithasn'toccurredtoeitherofusthatifyouarethepersonmosttreatedtothesescenesthatmightpointtothefactthatitwouldpossiblybebetterifthechildwasnotleftsoexclusivelyinyourcharge."

Theslow,difficultcolormountedunderMissSimms'ssallowskin,andforadismayedmomentMirandathoughtthegovernesswasgoingtocry.

"Areyoutryingtotellmethatyouwantmetogo?"sheasked.

"Ofcoursenot,Simmy.Iwasonlysuggestingthatmorefreedomfromtheschoolroommightbeagoodthingnowthatthechildisolder.It'stimeyoutookaholiday,youknow.I'mafraidI'mapttoforgethowlongyou'vebeenherewithoutabreak.Thinkaboutacoupleofweeksofbeingaway,willyou,Simmy?Mrs.ChantrycanlookafterFaywhileyou'regone."

Simmyveiledhereyes.

"Itwouldnotdoformetogoforsolong,"shesaidcolorlessly."Anightortwo,perhaps,butthatcanwait.Now,ifyouwillexcuseme,Ihavethingstodo."

Theroomseemedveryquietaftershehadgone.Miranda,hereyesonheremptycoffeecup,waitedforAdamtospeak.

"Well?"shesaidasthesilencegrew.

Adam'sfacewasexpressionless.

"Well,it'sevidentsheneedsaholiday,"heobserved."ButwhetheryouorIoranyoneelsewillpersuadehertogoisanothermatter.Comealong,mydear,theroom'sgettingcold."

Yes,thoughtMiranda,ashestoodasidetoallowhertopass,tomorrow,wetorfine,shemustvisitNanny.

Themorningwasdrybutovercast.Misthungaboutthemoor,alreadywhiteandthickinthehollows,asthelittlecountrybuscarriedMirandaalongthewindingroadthatcrossedtenmilesofDartmoor.

Itseemedalongway,butatlastMirandawassetdownatthecrossroadsandthewaytothefarmwaspointedouttoherbeforethebusdroveonandshewasalone.Thefarm,whenshereachedit,lookedaslonelyandshutteredasWintersbride,andforamomentshewasafraid.WouldNannytalkafteralltheseyears,orwassheperhapsasgrayandsecretasthehouse,resentfulofstrangerslikesomanycountrypeople?

Mirandawalkeddowntherough,stonypathtotheopenyardgate,andmetamancomingfromthebarncarryingapailofmilkineachhand.

"CouldIseeMissCoker?"sheasked.

Themansetdownhismilkpailsandlookedathersuspiciously.

"Herwon'tgoouttooblige,andsoItells'emall,"hesaiddiscouragingly."Her'sgotahomenowandnoneedtomindotherfolk'schildrenandbreakherheartover'em,too."

"Ididnotwanttoseeheronbusiness,"Mirandasaid,smilingathimplacatingly."Idoverymuchwanttoseeher,butitisjustafriendlycall."

"Ar!Happenyou'moneofhernurslings,eh?"herepliedwithanunexpectedgrin."Theydocometimetotime,buttheyforgetastheygrowup,heralwayssays.Comeroundtotheback,

miss,reckonwe'llfind'eeinthekitchen."

Shefollowedhimacrosstheyardtothebackofthehouse,andhepushedopenadoor,shouting,"Sis—here'savisitorfor'ee!Whodidyousayyouwas,m'dear?"

"I'mMrs.Chantry,"saidMirandashyly.

Asthedoorwassuddenlyflungwidefromwithin,awoman'svoiceexclaimed,"Oh,mydearsoul!"

Mirandastoodonthethresholdandsensedherselfbeingwatchedbytwopairsofeyes.Shecouldnotseethewomanwhohadspokenforshestoodbackintheshadows,butthemansaidonaharshnote,"Chantry!"andmadeasiftoclosethedoorinherface.

"'Tesallright,Tom,"thewomansaidinhersoftwest-countryvoice."ForamomentIthought—butofcourseyou'mthenewladyovertoWintersbride.Comeinandletusseeyou,m'dear."

Mirandacameslowlyintothelow-ceilingedkitchen.ShestoodbeforeNanny,ofwhomshehadthoughtsolongandsomuch,andherdisquietvanished.EllenCokerwasaround,pinklittlewomanwithfrizzygrayhairandbright,kindlyeyesthatlooked,too,asiftheycouldbesternifneedbe.Hercheekswerepuckered,thoughshewasnotreallyold,buttheskinwassoftandasrosyasanapple.

"Oh,my!You'mnothingbutalittlegirl!"sheexclaimed,hereyesopeningwidewithsurprise."IdidheartellthenewMrs.Chantrywasasurprisetotheneighborhood,butyou—well,whateverwasthemasterthinkingof!"

Mirandasmiledalittleforlornly.

"I'mafraidmyyouthhasbeenagreatdisadvantageallround,"shesaid,andEllenCoker'seyessoftened.

"Neveryouthinkit,m'dear,"shesaid."Weallgrowoldquickenough,andthoughIwon'tdenyyougavemeaturn,that'sonlybecauseWintersbrideisnofitplaceforyoungfolks,inmyopinion.ButwhatamIthinkingof,keepingyoustandinginthedraft,ma'am!ComeyouinandsitbythefireandI'llfind'eeapastieandacupoftea.Goalongaboutyourwork,Tom.TheyoungladyandI'llwanttotalkprivate."

Themanhesitated.Wintersbridewasclearlyanamethatdidnotpleasehim,butafteranothernodfromhissisterhewentoutandclosedthedoor.

"Now,"saidNanny,"takeoffyourcoatoryouwon'tnoticethecomfortofitwhenyougooutagain,andgivemesomenewsofmylittleMissFay.DidshesendherlovetoheroldNannyorhasshebeentaughttoforgetme?"

Mirandasatdownonalowstoolbythebigopenrange.

"NooneknewIwascoming,"shesaidgently."ButIamsurethatFaywouldwishtosendher

love.Shespeaksofyoustill."

"Well,"saidNanny,whentheyweresettledoverthefirewiththeircupsoftea,"youdidn'tcomeallthewayacrossthemoorbybustotalknonsensetoNannyCoker,didyou,m'dear?Whatmadeyoucometoseeme?Nother,I'llbebound!She'dhavestoppedyousomewayshadsheknown."

"MissSimms?Whyshouldshestopme?"

ButNannyonlysmiled.Thefirstmovewasnotgoingtocomefromher.

Mirandasippedhertea.Therewassomuchtosayandnobeginningandnoend,andNanny,ifsheknewwhyMirandahadcome,mightsimplythinkherprying.Hereyefellonatallbottlewithalabelstandingonthedresser.

"Soyoustillmakecowslipwine,"shesaid.

Nanny'seyesregardedhergravely.

"Isthatwhatyou'mcomeabout?"sheaskedsternly."Togossipoveranoldscandal?"

Mirandaputdownhercupandsaucerandclaspedherthinhandsroundherknees,leaningforwardintothecircleoffirelight.

"No,"shesaid,"IhavecometoaskforthetruthasIthinkonlyyoucantellit."

Foramomenttherosyfacetwistedinagrimaceofdistaste.

"Won'tthemasterhavetoldyouthat?"shesaid.

"Hehastoldmewhathebelievesisthetruth,butitisSimmy'sversion,nothis.Nanny—"Mirandaliftedherfacelikeapleadingchild"—Iamnotcuriousaboutthepast—untiltheotherdayIknewnothing—butIloveFayandIhaveseenveryclearlynowwhatthatwomanistryingtodo.IfyouwillnothelpmeIcannevermakemyhusbandunderstand."

Nannyreachedforoneofherbrother'ssocksandbegantocompleteahalf-finisheddarn.

"Youcanseethetruthwhenotherscannot?"shemurmured.

"Yes,becauseIhavenotgotbothfeetburiedinthepast,"Mirandarepliedsturdily.EllenCokersmiled,thenhereyesweregraveagainassheaskedifMirandaknewwhyshehadbeendismissed.

"Yes,but,Nanny,doyounotseethatisnotimportantnow?"Mirandasaid."WhatisimportantisthepartMissSimmsplayed,fordoyounotseethatitwasalldeliberate?UntilshethoughtshewouldhavetoleaveWintersbrideshesaidnothing.Whyshouldshesaynothingofsomethingsoseriousforawholeyear?Itistomeproofthatsheislying."

"Shesaidnothing,m'dear,becauseitwasshewhohadbeenfoundoutbeforeeverthemaster

heardadifferenttale,"saidNannyalittlegrimly.

"Whatdoyoumean?ThatitwasreallyshewhogaveintoMrs.Chantry'sfailingandyoufoundherout?"

"Yes,m'dear,that'sright.I'dhadmysuspicionsforabravelittlewhileandonedayIcaughtherred-handed.ItwasonlytwodaysbeforethepoormistressdiedandafterwardshegotmetopromiseIwouldsaynothingasshewouldbeleavingtheplace.Well,Iagreed,fortheknowledgecoulddothemasternogoodnow.Well,shestayedonandonuntilImyselfgavethemasterahintthattherewasnoworkforhernowatWintersbrideandshewasupsettingtheservantsgivingordersasifshewasmistressthere.Thenquickasknifesheturnsthetablesonme.Shediscoversoneofmyoldcowslipwinebottlesanddeclaresitsmellsofgin,whichitdoes.Ican'tdeny,yousee,takingthosebottlesintothemistressfromtimetotime,fortheservantshaveseenme."

"Butdidyounotdenyitwasanythingstronger?"askedMiranda.

Nannypausedinherdarningandhereyeswerealittlebitter.

"Yes,Ideniedit,"shesaidslowly."Buttotellyouthetruth,Mrs.Chantry,ma'am,Iwastoomuchhurttoputupmuchofafight.Itwasn'tuntillongafterwardthatIunderstoodthatthestrainthemasterhadbeenunderhadcausedhimtoactasheneverwouldhavedonehadhebeeninhisrightsenses,though,mindyou,ifIhadknownthatMissSimmswasgoingtostoponandtakemyplacewithMissFay,I'dhaveputupapropershow.Ah,well,it'sallpastanddonewithandnowthatyouknowthetruth,Idon'tseehowitcanhelpyou."

"Itwillatleasthelpmeif,shouldIaskyou,youwillagreetotellthisstoryagaintomyhusband,"Mirandasaid."DidyouaccuseSimmywhensheaccusedyou?"

ThedarningneedleflashedinthefirelightasNannywoveitneatlyinandoutofthewool.

"No,"shesaidwithoutlookingup."Whatwastheuse?ItwouldhavelookedasifIwasjustanignorantcountrywomantryingtoshifttheblameontosomeoneelse.Itdoesn'tmatternow."

Mirandawassuddenlykneelingonthefloorbesideherchair.

"But,Nanny,itmatterswhathappenstoFay—itmattersthatherfather'saffectionshouldbekeptfromherandthatheshouldbelievewhatisnottrueabouther.Nanny—Faywasanormallittlegirlallthetimeyoulookedafterher,wasshenot?"

"MylittleMissFay?Whatevermakesyouaskathinglikethat?"

"Becauseherfatherimagineshertobe—differentfromotherchildren.Wasshe—affectionatetowardhim?"

"Yes,indeed,whenhehadthetimetospareforher.OfcoursewhenMrs.ChantrywasbadIhadtotakeherawayforatime,butafterward—well,Ireckonedthepoorgentlemanwasgettingtheloveandcomforttheotheronedeniedhim.Butwhydoyouaskthesethings,m'dear?IhearfromEmilyYeoonceinawhileandshetellsmemylittlegirliswellandgrowingverybonny."

"Mrs.Yeowouldnotwishtomaketrouble.HerpositionwithMissSimmsis,nodoubt,difficult,"saidMiranda."Listen,Nanny,whileItellyouwhatIthinkishappeningandseeifyoudonotagreewemustfindsomewayofopeningmyhusband'seyes."

"You'mright,m'dear.Thingsaren'tastheyshouldbefromwhatyoutellme:Childrendo,ofcourse,havefunnynotions,turningagainstthosetheyloveandthelike,butthere'salwaysareasonanditneverlasts.Whatwillyoudo,now?"

"Idonotknow,"Mirandareplied,tryingtothinkclearly."ButIthinkSimmyisgettingcareless.AfterlastnightshewillbegintofearforherpositionbecauseatlastAdamisnotsosureofher.Shemaymakeamistake—Idonotknow.Butifthetimedoescome,Imusthaveyourpromise,Nanny,thatyouwillcomeforwardwiththetruestory,forthechild'ssake—andperhapsformine,forshehasharmedme,too."

"Ipromise,"saidNanny,andsuddenlyMirandafoundshewasweepingagainstthatcrispsstarchedapronwhileNanny'sarmswentaroundher.

"There,m'dear,you'mbetterfortearslikeallunhappychildren.There'stoomuchonyourshouldersandthat'sthetruth.Can'tyougotoyourhusband,child,whenyouwanttoweep?Ishetoobusyortoohardtounderstand?"

"Hedoesnotloveme,"saidMiranda.

"Well,that'sasmaybe,buthedidn'tlovethatotherone,youknow.Don't'eeletthatpoorsoulstandbetweenyou.You'mwhatheneedsnowtherestisforgotten—youandsomeyoungonestomakeupforallhe'smissed."

NowonderFayhadlovedNannyCoker,Mirandathought,dryinghereyes,andnowonderSimmyhadfearedher.

"Nanny,"shesaid,beginningtoputonhercoatandscarf,"ifitbecamepossible—andweaskedyouveryhumbly—wouldyoucomebacktoWintersbride?"

"Yes,m'dear,I'dcome,"saidEllenCoker."Andwhenyouhavebabiesofyourown,perhapsoldNannywillbewantedagain.Nowwemustn'tstopherechitteringoryou'llmissthebus.My,themist'scominginthick!I'llwalkwithyoutothecrossroadstoseeyoudon'tgetlost."

CHAPTERTWELVEThebuswasslowreturning,forthevisibilitywaspoor.Mirandasatwatchingtheswirlingfogthathidallbutthenearestlandmarksandwonderedhowshecouldbestuseherknowledge.Adam,sheknew,wasbeginningtoconsiderthegovernessinanewlight,butitwasnotenoughtoofferNanny'sevidenceaftersolonganditmightonlyannoyhimthatshehadtakenituponherselftodiscusshisaffairswithaservantwhomhehadoncedismissed.ButSimmymustgo—ofthatMirandawasconvinced—forthechild'ssakeandforAdam'sandevenperhapsforher

own,forthewomanwouldmakemischiefwhenevershecould.

WhenshereachedthegatesofWintersbrideshewassurprisedtoseeAdamcomingdownthedrivewaytomeether.

"Isthatyou,Miranda?"hecalledatonce,andhisvoicesoundedsharpandanxious.

"Mydearchild!"hesaidwhenhehadreachedher."Nevergoawayfromthehouseonadaylikethiswithoutsayingwhereyou'regoing."

"I'msorry,"shesaid."ButofcourseIdidnotthinkyouwouldbehome."

"That'sbesidethepoint.Ifanythingshouldhappennoonewouldknowwheretofindyou."

Herimagination,alreadyoverstimulatedbytheeventsofthemorning,madehermisunderstandhim.

"Hasanythinghappened?"sheasked,fearinhervoice.

Theharshnesslefthisfaceandhelookeddownatherwithapuzzledexpression.

"No,ofcourse,"hesaid."Imeantifanythinghappenedtoyou.Don'tdoitagain,willyou?"

"Verywell.Whyareyouhome,Adam?"

"Canceledappointments.Youdon'tsoundverypleased.HaveIbrokenupsomesecretassignation?"

Hespoketeasingly,awareoftheunusualtensioninherthinlittleface.Butonseeingthestartledlookshegavehimheputareassuringhandonhershoulder.

"I'mnotserious,youknow,"hesaid."Wherehaveyoubeen?"

"ToseeNanny,"sherepliedalittledefiantly,butheonlylookedpuzzled.

"DoyoumeanNannyCoker,whousedtobehere?"heasked."ButI'dnoideashewasanywhereinthedistrict."

"But,Adam,didyounotknowshewaslivingwithherbrotheratSowtonFarmacrossthemoor?"

Helookedsurprised.

"Iknew,ofcourse,therewasabrother—IbelievealltheCokerswerebornatSowton—butIimaginedNannywasinanotherjobsomewhere."

"She'sbeenthereforfiveyears,"saidMirandaslowly."ShewritestoMrs.Yeoregularly.Simmymusthaveknown."

Hegaveheraquickglance.

"Well,Isupposethere'snoreasonwhysheshouldhavetoldmeifshedidknow.HowwasNannylooking?Sometimes,youknow,IhavethefeelingImayhavemisjudgedheralittle.Idon'tthinkshewouldhavedeliberatelybetrayedatrust."

"Youdidmisjudgeher,"saidMiranda.

Thewholematterbecamesuddenlyvitallyurgent,andallthoughtsofthewisestcoursetotakeleftherasshelookedupintohisdark,faintlytroubledface."YoushouldgoandseeNanny.Adam,Ibegyoutogoandseeherandhearfromherwhatshehastoldme.Youhavebeenblindalltheseyears,foryoushouldhavelistenedtoNannyandnottothatother."

Foramomenthewasstrangelymoved.TherewasatruthinMirandathatcouldnotbedenied.

"Well,wecan'tstandouthereinthedampdiscussingpasthistory,"hesaid."Comebacktothelibraryfire."

Theywalkedinsilencetothehouse.AdamhadleftthefrontdooropenandassheenteredthehallaheadofhimMirandaheardvoicescomingfromthelibrary.

"Soyoucomedownheretoreadforbiddenbooks,doyou?"thegovernesswassaying."I'vetoldyoubefore,Fay,dear,thatthesortofschoolyouwillbesentto,ifyouaresofoolishastoasktogo,isnotatallliketheschoolsinthesetrashystories.Youdon'twanttogoawaytoschool,doyou,dear?You'lltellyourfatherthatyou'llalwayswanttostayatWintersbridewithSimmy?"

Adam,withaquickfrown,wasalreadyonhiswaytotheopendoorofthelibrary,butMirandaputahandonhisarm.

"Wait,"shewhispered.

"Idowanttogotoschool,"Faywassaying."IwouldhaveotherchildrentoplaywithandMirandasaysIcouldbringfriendshomeforholidays.I'veneverhadafriend,Simmy,exceptMiranda."

"Sheisnotyourfriend,dear,"Simmysaidclearly."Shewantstogetridofyoulikeyourfatherdoes.Shedoesn'tcareforyou,Fay,anymorethanyourfatherdid."

AdammadeaninvoluntarymovementbutMirandaheldhimback.Simmy'svoicewentonandon."Doyouknowthesortofschooltheyareplanningtosendyouto?It'scalledareformschoolandlookslikePrincetownPrison,asItoldyouoncebefore.Youwouldn'twanttogotoaplacelikethat,wouldyou?Icansaveyou,youknow,aslongasyoualwaysmakeitplainyouwantmetostayatWintersbride."

"Idon'tbelieveyou!"Faywasfrightenedbutnotquitedefeated."Whyshouldtheywanttosendmetoahorridplacelikethat?"

"Because,"saidSimmy,hervoicesuddenlyvenomous,"youarelikeyourmother.Youhaveherbadbloodinyouandifyoudon'twanttobelockedupinaplacewhereyouwillbeforgotten,youmustrememberthatonlyIcanpreventit.AslongasI'mhereyouaresafe,but—"

Adamshookhimselffree,andhisvoicewaslikethecrackofawhipashespokethegoverness'snamefromthedoorway.

MissSimmswheeledaroundtofacehim.Therewasfearandbitterchagrininherfacebeforeshesaid,quickly,"Oh,Mr.Chantry,Ididn'tknowyouwereback.IwasjusttellingFay—"

"IheardmostofwhatyouweretellingFay,"saidAdam,andtheangerinhisvoicemadeevenMirandaflinch.

ThechildranpastherfatherintoMiranda'sarms.

"It'snottrue,it'snottruewhatshesaid,isit?"shesaid,beginningtocry.

"No,myrabbit,"soothedMiranda."Sheisnotwell,chérie—shedoesnotknowwhatsheissaying.GonowtoMrs.YeointhekitchenandstaythereuntilIcome.Dryyoureyes,petite,everythingwillbeallright."

Fayranacrossthehallandpushedherwaythroughthegreenbaizedoor,leavingatensesilencebehindher.Adamdidnotmove.

"Youwillpackandbeoutofthishousebytonight,"hesaidthen,intonesofice.

"Won'tyouletmeexplain?"Simmysaid,beginningtotwistherhandstogether.HerpaleeyeslookedeverywherebutatAdam."Youwouldn'tdismissmewithoutafairhearing,wouldyou,Mr.Chantry?"

Adamlistened,hiseyeslikeflint.

"DidNannyCokergetafairhearing?"askedMiranda,andSimmyroundedonher.

"Nannygotwhatshedeserved.Shehadeverychancetoexplainandshedidn'ttakeit."

"Becauseitwouldonlyhavelookedblackerforhertoaccuse"theaccuser,andbecauseshewashurtatbeingdisbelieved."

"Howdoyouknowsomuchaboutthesupposedfeelingsofawomanyouhavenevermet?"thegovernessdemandedscornfully,andAdamplacedasilencinghandonMiranda'sarm.

"Itdoesn'tmatternow.Iwouldratheryouleftus,Miranda.WhatIhavetosayisbestsaidinprivate."

Sheshookhishandoff.

"No,Adam,thisisimportantandmatterstoquiteafewpeople.Ihavejustcomefromseeing

Nanny,Simmy.Youdidnotwishustoknowshelivedsoclose,didyou?Shehastoldmethetruth.ItwasyouwhoencouragedMrs.Chantry'sfailing,wasitnot?ItwasyouwhoafterwardputgindregsinNanny'semptywinebottlesandproducedthemasevidenceofNanny'sguiltoneyearlater."

"Isthistrue,Miranda?"askedAdamsharply,andhisfacewaswhitewiththeefforttocontrolhimself.

"Nannyhasneverliedfromthatdaytothis,"saidMiranda."Or,indeed,Ishouldthink,inherwholelife."

Thegovernesswasbreathingheavilyandhereyeshadacorneredlook.

"You'remad,Mrs.Chantry,"shesaid,tryingtospeakrationally."Youalwayshavebeenfanciful,haven'tyou?"

"Thisisnotfancy,"saidMiranda.

"No?Well,it'snotfact,asanylawyerwouldtellyou.Canyouproveyourcase,Mrs.Chantry?"

SomethinghadbeenworryingMirandaallalongsincehertalkwithNanny,sometrivialdetailthatdidnotfit.Nowhermindopenedoutinafloodoflightassherememberedtheteachingsofherfather.

"Yes,IthinkIcan,"shesaidslowly."Ifthosebottleshadbeenstandingemptyforayearthedregswouldhavelosttheirbouquet,forgindoesnotmature,andthestrengthwouldbegone.Thedregsinthosebottlesmusthavebeenfresh—puttherewhentheywerefound.AmInotright,Adam?"

Foramoment,sheersurprisedrovethesternnessfromhisfaceasheansweredgravely,"Perfectlyright.Ishouldhavethoughtofitatthetime."

"Youlittlebitch!"thegovernesssaidbetweenherteeth,andasshemadeamovementtowardMiranda,Adamcaughtherwristsinhisstrongsurgeon'shands,holdingherhelpless.

"That'senough,"hesaid,hisfacesuddenlylikegranite."Miranda,willyoupleaseleaveusnow?You'veprovedyourcase,Ithink,beyonddispute.Thankyou.Therestisleftformetodealwith."

Mirandawent.Nowthatitwasovershefeltcuriouslyweak,andwhenshegottothekitchentofetchFay,Mrs.Yeotookonelookatherandpushedherintoherownvastwickerchair.

"Alittledropofbrandy,now,madam.Youlookquitewhite,"shesaid,andunlockedherprivatecupboard,whichheldluxuriesnotpermittedforgeneraluse.

"Aretheretobechanges,madam?"sheasked,oneeyeonFay.

"Yes,"saidMiranda."Atonce,Ithink."

"Whatchanges?"askedFay,whowashappilyeatingraisinsandseemedtohaveforgottenherearlierfright.

"Simmywillbegoing,chérie."

"Forgood?"

"Yes,forgood.Shallyoumind?"

"Idon'tthinkso.WillNannycomeback?"

Mirandasmiledacrossather.

"Wouldyoulikethat?"sheasked.

Thechildstoppedmunchingraisinsandastrangelookofserenitycameoverherface.

"Ican'trememberherawfullywell,butshewaskindandsoftandnicetocuddle,wasn'tshe?Yes,Ishouldlikehertocomeback."

"Then,mycabbage,Ithinkshewill,"Mirandasaid."ItwillallbeasitoncewaswithNannyandyourfathertoloveandperhapsspoilyoualittle.Onlynow,ofcourse,thereisMiranda,too."

"DarlingMiranda…I'msogladAdammarriedyouandnotGrace…"saidFay.

MirandawasbeginningtowonderhowAdamwasdealingwithSimmywhenhecameintothekitchen.

"Mrs.Yeo,couldyou—"hebegan,andglancedatFay.

"Runintotheservants'hall,love,"thehousekeepertoldthechild."Bessie'soutbutNancywillplayagamewithyou."

"Whathashappened?"askedMiranda.Helookedtiredandalittlegrimbuthisvoicehadlostsomeofitsharshness.

"She'spacking,"hesaidbriefly."ButI'dsoonershewasn'tleftalonefortoolong.I'dlikeyoutogoup,officiallytolendahand,Mrs.Yeo,andstaywithhertillshe'sreadytoleave.Bidderisbringingthecararoundintwentyminutes."

"Yes,sir,Iunderstand."Mrs.Yeoleftthekitchenatonceandwentupstairs.

"How—howdoessheseem,Adam?"Mirandaasked.

"Quitequiet.Idon'tthinktherewillbeanytrouble,butwithawomanofthatsortit'sbestnottotakeanychances.Miranda—"HepulledheroutofMrs.Yeo'sbigchair,anddrewherhandsagainsthisbreast."IoweyoubothanapologyandadebtofgratitudeIshallneverbeableto

repay.Canyouforgivemeforbeingsoblind—soeasygoing?Ifitwasn'tforyou,mygallantlittlecrusader,Imighthavecontinuedinmycrassfollyfortherestofmylife."

"No,Adam,youwouldnot,"shesaidgently."Onedaywhen—ifyousawmeasawomanandnotasachild,youwouldhavelistenedtome,Ithink."

Hiseyesweresuddenlysad.

"HaveIneverlistenedtoyou?"heasked.

"Once,Ithought—butyouhaveneverwantedanythingofme,Adam,haveyou?"

Foramomenthiseyeswerebrightanddemanding.

"Soyouthinkthat,doyou?PerhapsI'mnottheonlyblindmouseinthefamily,"hesaidwithalittlequirkofwryamusement."Ithink,mydear,weshallhavetohaveathoroughspring-cleaningallaroundatWintersbride."

"Butspringisfaraway,"saidMiranda,soneartotearsthatshecouldonlythinkliterally,"andyounever,Adam,cleanhousebeforewinterisover."

"We'llsee,"hesaid,givingheralong,searchinglookthatmadeherglanceaway,andreleasedherhandsasBidderenteredbythebackdoortosaythecarwaswaitingatthefrontofthehouse.

Whenthetwomenhadgone,Mirandasatalone,listeningtothekitchenclock'sloudtickandreviewingherowntiredthoughts.Hadhebeenapologizingtoherbecausehehadnotwantedwhatshehadonceoffered?Didhenotunderstandthatheowedhernothingthatcouldnotbegivenfreely?Wasshestillforhimachildofwhomhehadperhapsgrownfondbecausehisownchildhadwantednoneofhim?

Sheclosedhereyes.SleepandforgetfulnesswereverynearwhenMrs.Yeocamebackintothekitchen.

"She'sgone,"shesaid."Onherdignitywithmetothelast,shewas,andneveroncelookedatthemasterwhenhehandedherherwages,andneveraworddidshesaybutsweptdownthestepswithneverabackwardglance."

Adamwasfillinghiscigarettecasefromaboxonthemantelpiecewhenshewentbacktothelibrary.Thefirelightplayingacrosshisfacerevealedthedeeplinesofthosebarrenyearsofself-discipline,buttherewasrelease,too,inhisface,andayounger,softerqualitythathadnotbeentherebefore.

"Wherewillshego,Adam?"sheaskedhim.

"Simmy?ShehadfriendsinPlymouth.I'vesentanotetoArthurBenyonaskinghimtogivehertheonce-over.She'snotfaroffanervousbreakdown,Ishouldsay,bythelookofher."

"Willshe—willshebeproperlycaredfor?"

"Ineitherknownorcare,"hereplied."ButArthurwillarrangesomething."

"Yes,Mr.Benyonisakindman."

"AndIamnot,youmean?Well,doyouthinkshedeservesmuchkindness?"

"Yes,"saidMirandasimply."Sickmindsarenotresponsible,asyoushouldknow,Adam."

Hesmiledalittlegrimly.

"I'mafraidyouropinionofmeasaphysicianisnobetterthanyouropinionofmeasahusband,"hesaid,andslippedthefullcaseofcigarettesintohisbreastpocket."I'mgoingtoseeNannyrightaway.She,too,haskindnessofheartandifshecanforgivemyinjusticesufficiently,Ihopetobringherbackwithme."

"Shewillcome—shesaidshewould,"saidMiranda."Butwoulditnotdotomorrow?"

"I'mafraidnot,"hesaid."Imust,"hefinishedalmostshyly,"makemypeacewithNannybeforeIsleeptonight."

Shesmiledherunderstanding.

"Youwillnotneedto,"shesaid."Nannybearsnogrudge.ShallIcomewithyou,Adam?"

"No,youlooktired,andnowonder.Besides,it'seasiertohumbleoneselfalone,don'tyouthink?"

Shegaveaghostofherprovocativelaughasshesaid,"Icannotseeyouhumble,Adam."

Hetookhersuddenlybytheshoulders.

"Can'tyou?"hesaid,andhiseyesweretender."You'dfindmeveryhumbleifyou'dtry,Miranda."

Hekissedhergentlyandwentoutoftheroom.

Mirandalistenedforthesoundofthesmallcardrivingaway,thenwenttofindFay.

"Canwegoout,Miranda?"thechildasked,dancingupanddownexcitedly."CanwegotoShapTorandplayhide-and-seek?"

"It'snotaverynicedayforhide-and-seek,"Mirandasmiled.

"Itisn'tbad,now.IwanttolookforthelittleshinystonesthatSimmysaidyoucanhavepolishedandmadeintobeads.Shewasgoingtoletmegotherebymyselfthisveryafternoon,tolookforthemasasurprise,butIwouldratheryoucame,too."

"Simmywasgoingtoletyougoalone?Oh,no,Fay,shewouldnothavepermittedthat,"repliedMiranda,amusedatsuchatransparentmovetopersuadeher.

"Shedidsayso.Shedoesn'tlikethequarryherselfbutshetoldmejustwheretolookforthestones.Theyweretobeasurpriseforyou."

"Wewillgoanotherday,"Mirandasaid."Butyoumayplayinthegardenifyouwish,chérie.Findasurpriseformethere."

"Allright,"saidFayobligingly."IwillfindalovelysurpriseforyouandthenIshallhideitsomewhereinthehouseandyouwillhavetofindit."

WhenthechildhadleftthehouseMirandawentbacktothelibraryandcurledupinabigchairbythefire.Withthereleasefromstrain,lassitudebegantoclaimherlimbsandmind.

SheawoketotwilightandthesoundofthetelephoneringinginAdam'sstudy.Asshewenttoanswerit,shewonderedifitmightbeAdamcallingtosaythefogwoulddelayhim.ButitwasSimmy'svoicethatcametohersounexpectedlyoverthephone,andthechilloftheunheatedroommadehersuddenlyshiver.

"Areyoualone,Mrs.Chantry?"thevoiceasked.

"Yes,"Mirandareplied,puzzled."Myhusbandisout.Didyouwishtospeaktohim?"

"He'sbut,ishe?"Thevoicehadapleasednote."No,Ididn'twishtospeaktohim—onlytoyou."

"Yes,Simmy?Whereareyou?"

"DoesitmatterwhereIam,now?You'vehadyourway,haven'tyou?DidFaygotothequarryafterall?"

"Thequarry?"Miranda'svoicewassharp."Ofcoursenot.Whyshouldyouthinkthat?"

"Ihadpromisedtotakeher.Didn'tshetellyou?Iliketokeepapromise,youknow,Mrs.Chantry—it'sbeenonmymind."

"Simmy—wouldshegobyherself?"sheaskedurgently.

Therewasalittlepause,thenthecolorlessvoicereplied,"Itoldhershecould,Mrs.Chantry,butyoushouldwatchher,youknow.Haveyoulostheralready,assoonasmybackisturned?"

Mirandabegantoshake.

"Ofcoursenot.Shewentintothegardentoplay,butshemusthavecomeinlongago,"shesaid.

"Butyoudon'tknowforcertain."Thevoicesoundedalittleamused."Youshouldreallylookforheratthequarry,Mrs.Chantry.Itoldhertogothere,yousee,andFayhasalwaysobeyedme.Butbecareful.Thequarrycanbedangerous,andIwouldn'tliketothinkanyharmshouldcome

toyou,Mrs.Chantry.Goodbye…"

MirandaheardtheclickofthereceiverbeingreturnedtoitsrestasSimmyhungup.

Shedidnotwaittoringthebellbutranquicklytothekitchen.

"IsMissFayouthere?"sheaskedNancy.

"No,ma'am,Ihaven'tseenhersinceshewentoutdoorsmorethananhourago,"thegirlsaid.

"Shewouldnotstillbeinthegarden,though—itisnearlydark,"saidMiranda,andtheurgencyinhervoicemadeNancylookathermoreclosely.

"My,ma'am,you'mlookingquitemazed,"sheexclaimed."MissFay'sintheschoolroom,likeasnot.WillIgoandgiveheracallforyou?"

"No,I'llgo."

Buttherewasnosignofthechildintheschoolroomoranywhereelse.Mirandastoodonthestairsandshouted,thenranoutintothegardenandshoutedagain.

Nancycametomeetherfromthebackofthehouse.

"Her'snotoutdoors,ma'am,"shesaid."Be'eesureher'snotinthehouse?"

"She'sgonetoShapTor—tothequarry,"Mirandasaid,andNancydrewherbackintothewarmthofthehouse.

"Oh,nowma'am,her'dnevergotherealone.Why,shewasalwaysasking,butMissSimmshadadislikeoftheplace."

Mirandabegantoexplain,alittleincoherently,aboutSimmy'stelephonecall.Asshelistened,Nancy'seyesgrewroundandsomeofMiranda'sownalarmwaswritteninherpleasantcountryface.

"What'llusdo?"sheasked.

Mirandareplied,"Imustgoandfindher.Atleast,ifIstandandshoutfromtheroadshewillhearmeandnotbefrightened."

"ThenI'llcomewithyou,"thegirlsaid,"I'lljusttellMrs.Yeo,and—"

"No,"saidMiranda,"shewilldelayme,anditisbetteryoustayandexplaintoMr.Chantrywhenhereturns.Iwillbequitesafe,Nancy,butImustfindthepoorlittlegirl,andwhoeverreturnsfirstcancomeforus.Now,quickly—getmeaflashlight,ifyouplease."

Shesetforthintheclammymist.Overtheoldclapperbridgeandforkleftatthecrossroads,sheremembered,andthenitwasstraightforwarddownthehillanduptheothersidetothefamiliar

rocksandbouldersofShapTor.Butthefogwastricky.Onemomentapatchwouldclearandthenextawallofmistwouldcutoffallvisionforafewbriefyards.Butasshebreastedthelastrisetothetor,themistseemedtoclearalittleandtheskybehindShapTorlightenedwiththefirsthintofmoonrise.

Mirandabegantocall,buthervoicesoundedsmallandlonelyinthedarkness,andtherewasnoreply.Shereachedtheoldquarry,andoncesheheardananswertohershout—anoisethatmighthavebeenachildoronlyacurlewcryingfromthebog.Thebatteryofherflashlightwasgrowingweak,butthedimlightshowedanoldtrackleadingintothequarry,andshetookit,callingasshewent,stumblingovertheroughground.Thesilenceandthedarknessofthemoorclosedinbehindher.

Theflashlighthadtobeconservednowforthehomewardjourney,andsheswitcheditoff,feelingwithherhandsforobstructionsandpausingeverysooftentoshoutagain.Shecalledagain,andhervoicecamebacktoherinaperfectecho.Shetookanotherstepforwardandstoppedsuddenly,frozenbyanamelessdread.Therewasnothingtomakeherhesitatesaveperhapsanaddedchillintheairandthesoundofwaterthatseemedtobeunderherfeet.Butassheswitchedontheflashlightshesawforamomenttheyawningchasmatherfeet,thebrokenplatformonwhichshestoodandthegleamofwaterfarbelow.Thelightslippedfromherhandandfell,echoingstrangelyinthedarknessuntilatlastitreachedthebottomoftheoldmineshaft.

Mirandastoodtremblingonthebrinkandcoveredherfacewithherhands.NowsheknewwhySimmyhadneverlikedthequarry.Itwashere,hereatthisveryspotthatMelisandehadleapedorfallentoherdeath,andshe,withonemorestep,wouldhavegonethesameway.

Itseemedtoheraneternitywhileshestoodnotdaringtomove,listeningtothedrippingwater.Butitwasnot,inreality,longafterwardthatsheheardvoicesshouting,Adam'sandBidder's,soclosethattheroadcouldnotbefaraway.

SheshoutedbacktothemandheardAdam'svoice,sharpwithanxiety,call,"Miranda!Areyouallright?"

"Yes,"shereplied,andheardthetrembleinherownvoice."ButIdarenotmovewithoutalight.Iamontheedgeoftheoldmineshaft."

"God!"sheheardhimexclaim,andalmostatoncealightshonedownonherandshecouldseehim,silhouettedagainsttheskyforonemomentbeforehestarteddownthelittlepaththatshehadbeenunabletosee.

"Standquitestill,"hesaidquietly."There'snodanger,butthoseboardswon'tstandmyweight.GivemeyourhandwhenItellyouandI'llpullyouup."

Itwasallveryquickandsimple.Shefelthisfirmhandgriphersandinamomenthehadpulledherontothepathbesidehimandhisarmswerearoundher,holdinghercloseinblessedsafety.

"Fay…"shesaid,halfcryingagainsthisbreast."Ihavenotfoundher,Adam…"

."She'ssafeathome,"hetoldherwiththeroughnessofintenserelief."Shewasneveroutofthe

houseexceptforashorttimeinthegarden."

"ButIdonotunderstand.IcalledandcalledandsodidNancy,"shesaid,bewildered.

"Sheheardyoucalling,butshewasinacupboardhidingasurpriseforyouanddidn'twanttogiveitaway."

Shebegantolaughalittlewildlyandhegavehercheekasharpslap.

"It'snothingtobeamusedabout,"hesaidharshly."WhatpossessedyoutorushofflikethatandgivemetheworsthalfhourI'veeverspentinmylife?Youmighthaveguesseditwasonlyyouthatcrazywomanwantedtofrighten.Now,let'sgetoutofthisdamnableplace."

Shefollowedhiminsilencebacktotheroad,butinthecar,Adamdrewheragainsthisbreastinthedarknessandshefelt,withsurprise,hisstronghandstrembleastheytouchedherface.

"SorryIhadtoberoughwithyou,"hesaid."You'dhadashock."

Hedidnotspeakanymore,butheldherhardagainsthimwhilethecarmadetheshortjourneyhome,anditwasNannyCokerwhotookherawayfromAdamassoonastheyreachedthehouse.

"Atray?"MirandasaidwithdisgustasNannytoldherthatdiningdownstairswasforbiddentonight."ButIamnotill,Nanny."

"That'sasmaybe,m'dear,butmastersaysatrayupstairsandkeepwarmbythefire.He'llbeuplatertogiveyouanoverhaul."

Mirandagrimaced.

"Hehasthemostclinicalofminds,evenatmomentslikethis,thatone,"shesaid,andNanny'seyestwinkledsuddenly.

"There'snotellingbutwhathedoesn'tneedtimetopullhimselftogether,"shesaid."You'mnottheonlyonetobeupsettoday,letmetellyou,MissMiranda,andmyadvicetoyouisallowagentlemantocourtyouinhisownfashionhoweverdaftitmayseem."

Mirandalaughed.

"Andyouthinkastethoscopeandthermometeraresignsoftenderdevotion?"sheasked.

"Well,"repliedNanny,nottobedaunted,"Idon'tdoubtbutthepoorgentlemanisoutofpractice."

NannylingeredwhileMirandaputonalongvelvethousecoatinwhichtopartakeofhersolitarydinner,andwhileshesatbrushingherhairNannychattedofherplansforFay.

"Schoollaterontorubthecornersoffandinthemeantimethechildmustgettoknowherfather…We'llsoonhaveheroutofthatnastyschoolroomandmovehertosomewherebrighter—

theoldnursery,perhaps,untilit'sneededagain…"

"Itmayneverbeneeded,Nanny,"saidMirandaquietly.ButEllenCokertooknonoticeofthisremarkandwentstraightonwithherownconversationwhileshedrewalowtableuptothefireinreadinessforMiranda'ssupperandplacedachairinposition.

"Nanny—hashechangedmuch?"Mirandaaskedsuddenly.

Nannystraightenedherbackandlookedintothefire.

"Well,yes,m'dear—he'solder,ofcourse,butheshouldn'tlookthewayhedoeswithayoungbridetomakehimyoungagain."

"Heworkstoohard,"Mirandasaid."Washe—washealwaysso—professional—sohardtoknow?"

NannyCokercameandstoodbehindher,lookingintotheyoung,troubledeyesreflectedintheglass.

"Whatareyoutryingtoaskme,m'dear?"shesaid.

Mirandasighed.

"Idonotquiteknow.Yousee,hemakesmefeelthattobeyoungis—notenough.Icannotcatchupwithhim."

"Toooldforyou,ishe,liketheyallsay?"saidNannycalmly,andMirandaturnedswiftlyfromthemirrortocatchatherhands.

"No,no—itisIwhoamtooyoung,andsohewillnotseemeasIam,"shecried.

"Then,"saidNannyreasonably,"youmustmakeun."Shesmiledsuddenly,hersoftskinpuckeringintomanytinywrinkles."Heisn'tasblindasyoumakeout,m'dear,buthe'sgotalotofdaftnotionslikethegentrysometimesgetandcallitchivalryorsomesuchhighfalutinname.Fairmazedwithfearhewaswhenheheardwhereyou'dgonethisevening.Didn'thethankthegoodGodyouweresafewhenhefoundyou?"

"No,heslappedme,"saidMiranda,andEllenCokergaveabroadsmile.

"AndsoIshouldhopeleading'eeadancelikethat!"sheretorted."Asifhishairwasn'tgrayenoughalreadywithoutyouaddingtoit!Now,here'sNancywithyoursuppertrayandyoueateverybitofitoritwouldn'tsurprisemeifyoudon'tgetslappedagain."

AdamcameupstairssoonafterNancyhadclearedawaythesupperthings.

"Howdoyoufeelnow?"heasked.

"Verywell,"sherepliedsedately."Haveyouastethoscopeinyourpocket?"

Hesmiled.

"Yes,Nannywarnedmethatyoumightnotcareforaconsulting-roommanner,"hesaidimperturbably."However,youwillhavetohumormypeculiaritylateron,I'mafraid.Iliketokeepaneyeonthatheartofyours."

"Myheart,"shesaidalittleplaintively,"needsothertreatment,Ithink.Yourstethoscopeisnotinfallible."

Hiseyebrowsrose.

"Indeed?Youwillhavetoenlargemymedicalknowledgeforme,then.Mystethoscopehasbeenmyonlyguidesofar."

Shelookedathimunderherlashesandwasallatoncerathershyofhim.Washe,shewonderedwithsurprise,flirtingwithheralittleinhisdry,deceptivefashion?Butthenextmomentheadded,withgentlemockery,"It'snotveryromantictobemarriedtoasurgeon,isit,Miranda?"

"ButIhavetoldyou,Adam,Iamnotatallromantic."

"Aren'tyou?Whatapity."

Shegavehimastartledglance.

"Butthatiswhatyoulikedtohear,"shesaid.

Hisvoicewassuitablygraveashereplied,"Quitecorrect.Youdowelltoremindme."

Theysatbythefireinafitfulsilencewhiletheydranktheircoffee.

"DidNannytakemuchpersuadingtocomeback?"sheasked,tobreakthesilence.

"No,"hereplied,settingdownhisemptycup."Asyousaid,sheborenogrudge,theremarkablewoman.Also,sheseemedtothinkshewasneededhereforyoursakeasmuchasFay's."

"Forme?"

"Shetoldmeyouneededlookingafterproperly.Sheseemstohavetakenafancytoyou."

"Oh!"

"Don'tIlookafteryouproperly,Miranda?"

Shemethiseyesgravely.

"Butyouareofthemostattentive,always,"shereplied."Examinations,thermometers—"

"Andstethoscopes—Iknow,butIdon'tthinkthat'squitewhatNannymeant."

Hetooktheemptycupfromherandthenmovedthecoffeetraytoanotherpartoftheroom.

"Ithink,Miranda,"hesaidquietly,"youandIhadbetterhavealittletalk."

Hecameandstoodwithhisbacktothefire,lookingdownather.Allatonceshefounditdifficulttomeethiseyes.

"Yes,Adam,"shesaidinasmallvoice.

"Don'tyouthinkweoughttostraightenoutthismarriageofoursonceandforall?"

Dismaytouchedher.Sherememberedthatothernight,whenhehadbeenonthepointofofferingherbackherfreedom.Hadhe,shewondered,becomefondenoughofhertohaveacquiredthechivalrousnotionsthatNannyhadsaidthegentrywereproneto,ordidheperhapsfeelnowthathischild'saffectionmightbegivenbacktohim,hishastymarriagewasnolongernecessary?

Watchingher,hemisunderstoodthedismayinhereyesandsaidalittlegrimly,"Youdon'tfindmesuchanogre,doyou,mydear?"

"Oh,no,no!"shesaidquickly.

"Well,I'mgladtohearit,becausethetimehascomewhenIthinkweshouldmakethebestofthings,andputourmarriageonanormalbasis."

Shedidnotanswerandhewenton,examininghiswell-kepthandswithcarefulattention.

"I'mfullyawarethatthetermsofourbargaindidn'tincludea—closerrelationshipbetweenus,butIhadanideaatonetimethatsucharelationshipwouldn'thavebeenaltogetherdistastefultoyou.I—circumstancesthatIshouldhavehadthesensetoignorecausedmetohandlethesituationbadlyandforthatIapologizeandalsoformyattitudetowardyoungMorel."

Hestoppedspeakingabruptlyandseemedtobewaitingforhertoreply,butshefelthelplessinthefaceofsuchanacademicdiagnosis.Didhewanther,shethoughtunhappily,orwasheinhisstifffashionofferingamendsforhisinabilitytoloveher?

Sheleftherchairbythefireandwentandstoodbyoneofthewindowswithherbacktohimanddrewbackthecurtains.Itwasalovelynight.

Adamsaid,alittlesadly,"HaveImisunderstoodyoutoogreatlytoretrieveanythingfromthissorrybusiness?"

"No,"shesaidfromthewindow."Ididnotexpectunderstandingfromyou,Adam.Youhadsomanyproblemsand—Wintersbrideisnotaveryhappyhouse,Ithink."

"You'veneverlikedit,haveyou?"

"It'sasadname."

"Andanappropriatenameforyou,you'rethinking?Yes,mydear,I'mafraidyou'reright.I'mtoooldforyou.Isityourfreedomthatyoureallywant,Miranda?"

Shestilldidnotturnfromthewindow,andhethoughtthereweretearsinhervoiceasshesaid,"Youdonotunderstandanythingatall.Pleaseputoutthelight,Adam.IwillhavemorecourageinthedarktosaythethingsImust."

Heswitchedoffallthelights,buttheroomwasnotindarkness.Firelightflickeredwarmlyonthewallsandceiling,andbythewindowMirandastoodinapatchofmoonlight,lookingverysmallandalone.

Adamcameandstoodbehindher,drawingherheadbackgentlyagainsthim.

"Youdon'tneedcouragetotellmethetruth,"hesaid."Iwillunderstand,youknow,if,afterall,youcannotgivemewhatIwant.BelievemeIonlydesireyourhappiness—whateverwaythatmaylie."

"Oh,youaresostupid—sovery,verystupid!"shecriedandturnedsuddenlyintohisarmsinastormoftears.

"Darling,don't…"hesaid,hisfacetwistedwithconcern."IknowI'mstupidoverthesematters,butyouhaveonlytotellmewhatyouwant…Tellme,forheaven'ssake,andevenifitmeansreleasingyoufromourcrazycontract,I'lldoit…Onlydon'twringmyheartlikethis."

Forthefirsttimeshewasawareofthepaininhisvoiceandofthewarmthandprotectionthatatlastflowedfromhimunchecked.Herhandsgropedblindlyforhisshouldersandmetandclaspedtightlybehindhisneck.

"Adam…Icannotanylongerpretend…"shewept,"Iamnotp-practicalasItoldyou…Iamromantic,hélas,andIwillnotmindthehouseoranythingifonlyyouwillletmeloveyoualittle…Idonotevencareanymorethatperhapsyoucannotloveme,andifwhatyouwereofferingisonlybecauseyouareamanandItoyouamatlastawoman,Idonotmindthat,either,ifyouwillletmeloveyou…"

Helookeddownatherbowedheaduponhisbreast,andgatheredhercloseragainsthim.

"Butwhatareyoutellingme,child?"hedemandedharshly."Ineverforamomentimagined,orevenhoped—Miranda,areyoutryingtotellmethatyouloveme?"

Sheliftedherfacethen,andhereyes,unableanylongertohidewhatwasinherheart,lookedintohis.

"Butofcourse,"shesaid."Icouldnothelpit,afterall,andIamafraidIdonotcareanylongerif

youshouldbeembarrassed,Adam."

Hismouthclosedonhers,tenderlyatfirst,thenwithincreasingurgency,andhepickedherupandcarriedherbacktothefire.

Sheleanedagainsthim,alittleshaken,andsaid,rubbingthetearsfromherlashes,"Thenyouarenotembarrassed,Adam?"

Helaughedandputahandunderherchin,liftingherfacetohisagain.

"Mydarlingchild,whatdoyouthinkI'vebeentryingtotellyouallevening?"heaskedwithtenderhumor."DidyouthinkIhadonlyaprofessionalinterestinsettingouraffairsright?"

"Youdidnotputyourcaseverywell,"shesaid."Nannyperhapswasright.Shesaidyouwouldbeoutofpractice."

Hesuddenlykneltbesideherinthefirelightandtookherfacebetweenhishands.

"Miranda—Itoldyouthatyouwouldfindmehumbleifyouwouldonlytry,"hesaid."Ifeelveryhumblenow,mydarling,forIdon'tthinkI'veyetmadeyouunderstandhowmuchIloveyou."

"Butyes,"sherepliedwithalittlesmile."ForIdonotthinkyouwouldkissmelikethatjusttopleaseme."Thefirelightsparkledonhisfrostyhairandshedrewhisheadagainstherbreast…

Alongtimelaterhesaid,"AndwhatofWintersbride,Miranda?Shallwegetridoftheplaceandstartafresh,orshallwekeepitand—allowthenametobesalutarylessonforusboth?"

Mirandarestedagainsthisshoulder,hereyesalreadyheavywithsleep,andconsidered.Wintersbride,withitsblindshutters,itsairofsecrecyanditssadlinkwiththepast…coulditeverbehome?Yethomewaswheretheheartwas,soNannywouldtellher,andhadnotahousearighttohappiness,too?

SheturnedherheadmorecomfortablyintothecrookofAdam'sshoulderandreachedupahandtotouchhisface.

"Letuskeepit,"shesaidsleepily."Ithasanurserythatwillbemostconvenient."

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