The Devil on Horseback Read Online Free PDF Page A

shoulders.
    “It is the vapours. That is what Le Diable calls it. There might have been a quarrel. Not that she would dare quarrel with him. He does the quarrelling. If she weeps he gets more angry than ever. He hates women who weep.”
    “And does she weep often?”
    “I don’t know. I expect so. After all, she is married to him.”
    “Margot, what a dreadful thing to say of your father!”
    “If you don’t want the truth …”
    “I do. But I can’t see how you can really know. Does she always shut herself away? Is it the same in your own home?”
    “I suppose so.”
    “But you must know.”
    I don’t see much of her, if that’s what you mean. NouNou guards her and I hear she is not to be disturbed. But why do we talk about the mi I’m so glad you are coming, Minelle. I think you’ll enjoy it. You liked visiting us for tea, didn’t you? “
    “Yes, it was fun.”
    “What were you doing on the staircase? You had been exploring.
    Confess. ” ” What were you doing, Margot? “p>
    She narrowed her eyes and laughed at me.
    “Come, tell me,” I insisted.
    “If I tell you, will you tell me what you were doing? Ah, but that is not fair exchange. You were just looking at the house.”
    “Margot, what are you talking about?”
    “Never mind.”
    I was glad to drop the subject, but I kept wondering about the Comte and Comtesse. She was afraid of him. That I could understand. She shut herself away and took refuge in her illness. I was sure it was to escape from him. It was very mysterious.
    Margot took me to her room in the Manor. It was beautifully furnished and reminded me of the Comte’s bedroom. The bed was a four-poster, though slightly less ornate. The curtains were rich blue velvet and one wall was covered in a fine tapestry of the same tone as the curtains which was the predominant colour throughout the room.
    The dress I was to wear was laid out on the bed.
    “I am a little plumper,” said Margot, ‘which is good because that makes it easy. You are a little taller, but see, there is a deep hem.
    I made the seamstress undo that at once. Now you will try it on and she shall come and make the alterations. I will send for her at once.
    ”
     
    “Margot,” I said, ‘you are a good friend to me. “
    “Ah yes,” she agreed.
    “You interest me. Sybil… Marie … Pouff!”
    She blew with her lips.
    “They are dull. I know what they will say before they say it. You are different. Besides, you are only the schoolmistress’s daughter.”
    “What has that to do with it?”
    She laughed again and would say no more. I put on the dress. It was certainly becoming. She rang the bell and the seamstress arrived with pins and needles. In less than an hour I had my dress.
    Maria and Sybil came to inspect me. Maria sniffed slightly.
    “Well?” demanded Margot.
    “What’s wrong?”
    “It’s not really suitable,” commented Maria.
    “Why not?” cried Margot.
    “The brown would have been better.”
    “Better for you? Are you afraid that she will look: more beautiful than you? Ah, that is it.”
    “What nonsense!” retorted Maria.
    Margot grinned at me. It is so,” she said.
    And Maria said no more about the unsuitability of the gown.
    Margot insisted on dressing my hair. She chatted as she did so. There, ma cherie. Is that not beautiful? Oh, yes, it is true, you have an air. You should not be condemned to spending your life teaching stupid children. ” She studied my reflection.
    “Corn-coloured hair,” she commented.
    “Cornflower-blue eyes and lips like the poppy.”
    I laughed at her.
    “You make me sound like a field of wheat.”
    “Teeth even and white,” she went on.
    “Nose a little … how do you say it? … aggressive? Lips firm … can smile, can be severe. I know what it is, Minelle my friend, that adds up to attractiveness. It is the contrast. The eyes are soft and yielding. Ah, but wait … look at that nose. Look at that mouth. Oh yes, they say, I am good-looking … I am