So Bad a Death Read Online Free PDF

companion. “It makes the tower look like a lighthouse; as if it was signalling.”
    I cast a sharp glance in Ursula’s direction, but her face was now only a white blur in the gloom. She had taken the words right out of my mouth.
    Ursula went on a shade too quickly: “Are you going back to town by train? I’ll look up the timetable for you when we get in.”
    Keeping one eye on the tower for any repetition of the signalling, I picked my way carefully along the flagged walk to the conservatory.
    We entered the front hall from behind the stairs just as a woman dressed in trailing black lace was descending. She paused, leaning over the bannister.
    â€œIs that you, Ursie? Where have you been? I have been looking all over the house for you.”
    The voice was fond, playful, but I did not like it. There was an underlying tone of peevishness.
    Ursula went to the foot of the stairs. “Uncle James asked me to take Mrs Matheson over to the Dower House. I’m afraid poor Mrs Matheson has fallen in love with it. I feel so sorry for her. Did you want me for something, Mother?”
    Mrs Mulqueen turned her smile in my direction. It was not reflected in her wide, bland eyes. I received a gracious nod which made me feel like the prospective housemaid once more.
    â€œI’ll take care of Mrs Matheson, dear. Run up and have your bath. I’ve laid out the white frock. I’ll be up later to tie your sash nicely. The Quirks are dining, you know. And dear—”
    â€œYes, Mother?”
    â€œDon’t run off like that again, without telling me where you are going. I was quite worried.”
    Ursula paused on the same step as her mother. Watching them from the foot of the stairs, I glimpsed a certain challenge in her stance.
    She said quietly: “I couldn’t find you, Mother.”
    They stared at each other for a moment. Mrs Mulqueen turned aside, laughing gently.
    â€œThese young girls, Mrs Matheson,” she said, throwing out her hands, “so independent! Come with me.” She drew me along the hall. “So you liked the Dower. Enchanting place, isn’t it? Quite a treat to see a house built in such good taste.” She patted my arm. “You shouldn’t have become so excited. I tell James he is quite cruel letting you young girls through it. But it really is frightfully amusing seeing you get thrilled with it and then James refusing to sell. You should hear James tell stories of the tearful interviews he has had. He has such a sense of humour.”
    â€œThe same sense of fun boys have when they pull flies’ wings off,” I agreed, pausing with her outside the door of James Holland’s study.
    â€œOh dear!” Mrs Mulqueen said. “I forgot Yvonne was with James. We will have to wait. It would never do to interrupt. Sit down, Mrs Matheson.”
    I did so, but Mrs Mulqueen stood as near to the study door as she could.
    â€œTell me all about yourself,” she requested without interest. Voices rose and fell in the study. I could hear Yvonne Holland sobbing.
    â€œI do wish dear Yvonne would learn to control herself. We Hollands know how to disguise our emotions. Lack of control is so ill-bred, don’t you think so, Mrs Matheson? But of course poor Yvonne hasn’t had a chance. Good breeding is innate, I always say.”
    I stood up.
    â€œWhat are you going to do?” Mrs Mulqueen asked sharply.
    â€œNothing,” I replied, and sat down again. “Couldn’t you stop your brother bullying that young girl?”
    â€œYou mustn’t worry about Yvonne. She just doesn’t understand James. She has no idea how to handle him. Not like Ursie, now. So sweet and pliable. James just dotes on my little girl.”
    I sat helpless. Bits of incoherent conversation escaped. But only one sentence came clearly through the study door. Yvonne—on a high, hysterical note—sobbed out: “You child-murderer! I could kill you