United States or United States Virgin Islands ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
He spoke to one girl, a Miss Moyat." "She did not give evidence." "I thought," I said in a low tone, "that she had better not." "Did you hear anything after Ray left?" he asked suddenly. I could have cried out, but my tongue seemed dry in my throat. "There was a sound," I muttered, "I fancied that it was a cry. But I could not tell. The wind was blowing, and the sea and rain!
As yet there were no signs of John or the cart. But behind me, coming from the village, I heard the sound of light and rapid footsteps. I turned my head. It was Blanche Moyat, short-skirted, a stick in her hand, a feather stuck through her Tam-o'-Shanter. "Good-morning," she cried out heartily; "I've been to call at your cottage." "Very kind of you," I answered, hesitatingly.
She was holding on to the door handle, still watching me, her skirts blowing about her in strange confusion. For a moment I had half a mind to turn back. The dead loneliness before me seemed imbued with fresh horrors the loneliness, my fireless grate and empty larder. Moyat was at least hospitable. There would be a big fire, plenty to eat and drink.
To my surprise it was Blanche Moyat who stood upon the threshold. She laughed a little nervously. "I'm no ghost, Mr. Ducaine," she said, "and I shan't bite!" "Forgive me," I answered. "I was hard at work and your knock startled me. Please come in." I ushered her into my sitting-room.
I was an unknown and practically destitute stranger, come from Heaven knew where, and staying on because it took a little less to keep body and soul together here than in the town. But my nerves were all raw that night, and the thought of John Moyat with his hearty voice and slap on the shoulder was unbearable. I set my face homewards.
"This is the truth?" she asked eagerly. "It is the truth!" I answered. I could see the relief shine in her face. She was still anxious, however. "Is it true," she asked, "that you told a girl in the village, Blanche Moyat, to keep secret the fact that this man inquired in the village for the way to your cottage?" "That also is true," I admitted.
"My dear Miss Moyat," I interrupted, "I am only sorry that a mistaken sense of kindness should have brought you here. With one less in the audience I think I should have ventured to suggest that we all went round to hear Colonel Ray. I should like to have gone myself immensely." Blanche Moyat looked at me doubtfully.
I am miserable." She was leaning against the arm of my chair. It was clearly my duty to administer the consolation which the situation demanded. I realized, however, that the occasion was critical, and I ignored her proximity. "Miss Moyat," I said, "I am sorry if asking you to tell that harmless little fib has made you miserable. I simply desired " "It isn't altogether that," she interrupted.
"If he hasn't lost money," Mrs. Moyat demanded, "why is Rowchester Castle let to that American millionaire? Why doesn't he live there himself?" "Prefers the East Coast," Mr. Moyat declared cheerfully. "More bracing, and suits his constitution better. I've heard him say so himself." "That is all very well," Mrs. Moyat said, "but I can't see that Rowchester is a fit country house for a nobleman.
We heard that you were living here all by yourself, and this morning mother said, perhaps he's ill. We tried to get father to come up and see, but he's off to Downham market to-day, and goodness knows when he'd find time if we left it to him. So I thought I'd come and find out for myself." "I am quite well, thanks, Miss Moyat," I answered, "but very busy.
Word Of The Day