The Chain of Destiny Read Online Free PDF

one came out and gave her a cursory nod. ‘You can go in.’
    So Suzannah knocked on the door at the end of the room and went in. The room was large, opulently furnished in an old-fashioned style and very warm. Two old ladies sat on either side of a bright fire and neither spoke as she crossed the room over the polished wood floor towards them. When she was near enough she wished them a good afternoon in her quiet voice and stood patiently while they took a good look at her.
    One of the old ladies took up her letter and read it. ‘Suzannah Lightfoot? A pretty name. What do you know about cataloguing and indexing documents?’
    â€˜Nothing—that is, I have never done it before, but I think it must be largely a matter of common sense and patience. I’m interested in old books and papers, and I know I would very much like the work, but I can’t do shorthand nor can I type.’
    The second old lady said thoughtfully. ‘From your references I see that you had a place offered you at Bristol University reading English Literature. You didn’t mention that in your reply to my advertisement.’ And when Suzannah didn’t answer, ‘Modesty is always refreshing. We think that you will be very suitable for the post. The salary we offer is by no means large; indeed, we were left with the impression that it is quite inadequate when it was mentioned to our other applicants. But there is a small flatlet where you may live while you are here.’
    â€˜I have a well-behaved cat,’ said Suzannah.
    â€˜We have no objection to your pet, but perhaps youmay object to the salary we offer.’ She mentioned a sum which, while modest, was a good deal more than Suzannah had hoped for.
    She said quickly, ‘I’m quite satisfied with that, thank you, Miss Manbrook.’
    â€˜Then we shall expect you—let me see—in four days’time? I think it best if we send the car for you, since you will have luggage and your cat. We have your address, have we not?’ She glanced at the other lady. ‘You agree, Amelia?’ and when that lady nodded, ‘Then you will be good enough to press the bell; you will wish to see the flat.’
    The same elderly maid answered it and led Suzannah away, back across the hall down a passage and out of a side door. The small courtyard outside was encircled with outbuildings: a garage with a flat above it, storerooms and what could have been a stable, now empty. At the end of these there was a small door which her companion opened. There was a tiny hall leading to a quite large room with a cooking alcove in one corner and an open door leading to a small bathroom. There were windows back and front and a small Victorian fireplace. It was nicely furnished and carpeted and, although the front window looked out upon the courtyard and the side of the house, the view from the back window was delightful.
    â€˜Oh, how very nice,’ said Suzannah, and beamed at her companion. ‘Would you tell me your name?’
    â€˜Parsons, miss. And you’ve no call to be nervous; there’s the cook’s flat over the garage and the rest of us have got rooms on this side of the house.’
    Her rather severe face broke into a smile. ‘I was hoping it would be you, miss—didn’t take a fancy to any of the other young women.’
    â€˜Why, thank you, Parsons. I’m quite sure I’m going to be very happy here. When I come in four days’time will you tell me where to go for meals and at what time?’
    â€˜It’ll be Mr Snow to tell you that, miss—the butler, it’s his day off but he’ll be here when you come.’
    â€˜You’ve been very kind. Now I must go back and pack my things. Miss Manbrook…’
    â€˜Lady Manbrook, Miss.’
    â€˜Oh, I didn’t know. She didn’t mention when I would be fetched.’
    â€˜Mr Snow will let you know.’
    â€˜Oh, good.’ At the door,