Snare of Serpents Read Online Free PDF Page A

what was said was imparted to me by Lilias.
    She said: “It’s very strange. No one understands it. Your father sent for Hamish and we thought he was going to be dismissed as Kitty had been. But Hamish came out of that room, even more sure of himself, it seemed. What was said no one knows. But he is just carrying on as usual. And to think that poor Kitty was turned out as she was! It doesn’t make sense. But then they always blame the woman in cases like this, and the men get off, scot-free.”
    “I can’t understand it,” I said. “Perhaps it’s because he doesn’t live in the house.”
    “He comes into the house. He corrupts the servants.”
    “I wonder why … I wish I knew.”
    “Your father is not a man to be easily understood.”
    “But he is so religious and Hamish …”
    “Is a rogue. It didn’t take this to tell me that. We could all see what he was. A pity Kitty was such a little idiot as to be tempted by him. I admit there is something about him. She must have found him irresistible.”
    “I know one who thinks he is wonderful.”
    “Who?”
    “Himself.”
    “That’s true enough. If ever a man was in love with himself that man is Hamish Vosper. But the servants don’t like it, you know. Kitty was a good worker … and she was well thought of.”
    “I do hope she will be all right.”
    “I know she won’t be turned away. My father will do what he can. As I told you, he’s a real Christian.”
    “My father is supposed to be one and he turned her out.”
    “Your father is good at saying prayers and looking like a Christian. My father is good at being one. There is a difference.”
    “I hope so, for Kitty’s sake.” “He’ll write to me and tell me what happened.” “I am so pleased you are here to help, Lilias.” That caused a frown to appear on her brow. For how long? she would be wondering. My father had ruthlessly dismissed Kitty, and Lilias would have to go when her services were no longer required. She was right. My father was very good at showing a Christian demeanour to the world, but he had his own creed of right and wrong. Lilias had summed up his attitude; and I had seen what had happened to Kitty.
    But what was the true reason why Hamish had been forgiven? Because he was a good coachman? Because he was a man?
    A FTER A WHILE the affair ceased to be talked of continuously. A new parlourmaid was employed to replace Kitty. She was Ellen Farley, a woman of about thirty. My father said she had been personally recommended to him.
    Mr. and Mrs. Kirkwell were somewhat put out. The engaging of staff was their province and they did not like members of it to be introduced over their heads, as Mrs. Kirkwell put it. It was a reflection on her and Mr. Kirkwell that Kitty had been their choice. But the main culprit in that affair, if you asked Mrs. Kirkwell, was Hamish Vosper, and why he was allowed to stay on she would like to know.
    However, Ellen came. She was quite different from Kitty— quiet, efficient and, said Mrs. Kirkwell, kept herself to herself.
    Hamish still came into the kitchen and sat at the table, seemingly amused because Mrs. Kirkwell pretended that he was not there. He had an eye for Bess and Jenny but, remembering Kitty, they were wary.
    Hamish’s opinion seemed to be that he was unassailable; he could act in whatever way he pleased because it was natural that he should. It was human nature, as he had once said. A man such as he was, irresistible to the female sex, could not be expected to behave in any way but that which came naturally to him. But I fancied he would have to look elsewhere for his conquests because he would not find them in our house. The example set by Kitty was very fresh in everyone’s mind.
    In due course there was a letter from Lakemere vicarage. Lilias took it to her bedroom and I went with her that we might read it together.
    Kitty had arrived and the vicar had behaved in exactly the way that Lilias had said he would.
    “She is so