The Devil on Horseback Read Online Free PDF

passionate … but wait a bit. No nonsense, please.”
    “Yes, please,” I retorted, ‘no more of this nonsense. And when I want an analysis of my looks and character I’ll ask for it. “
    “You never would, because that’s another thing about you, Minelle, you think you know that little bit more than anyone else and can answer all the questions so much more correctly. Oh, I know you used to beat me in class … as you did us all … and that is right and fitting for the daughter of the schoolmistress, and now you teach us and tell us when we are right and wrong. But let me tell you this, my clever Minelle, you have much to learn.”
    I looked at her dark laughing face with the fine almost black sparkling eyes, so like her father’s, the heavy brows, the thick dark hair. She was very attractive and there was some| thing secretive about her. I thought of her joining me on thel spiral staircase. Where had she been? ? | “Something you have already learned?” I asked. | “Some of us are born with this kind of knowledge,” she said, I “And you are one of those so endowed?” I I am. ” | The music was playing in the gallery where a small orchestra | had been installed. 1 Lady Derringham, gracious in pale mauve silk, pressed my ? hand when she saw me and murmured: ” It was good of you to’s help us out, Minella. ” A remark which, although spoken kindly, reminded me immediately of the reason why I was” here.
    As soon as the Comte appeared I suspected he was responsible for my being here. He looked about the music room until his eyes alighted on me. He bowed from across the room, and I could see he was taking in every detail of my appearance in a way which I reminded myself was insulting. I returned his gaze haughtily, which seemed to amuse him.
    Lady Derringham had arranged that I should sit with her ;
    daughters and Margot as though to remind the company that although we were present we had not yet been formally launched into society. We were not quite children and could be allowed to attend the soiree and supper afterwards, but we should be dismissed as soon as that was over.
    I found it a tremendously exciting occasion. I loved music, :
    in particular the works of the composer Mozart which figured largely in the concert. As I listened I felt transported and I thought how I should enjoy living graciously as many of my pupils did. It seemed unfair of fate to have set me outside it and yet not far enough away not to be able to glimpse it and realize what I was missing.
    During the interval in the concert people moved about the gallery greeting old friends. Joel came over to me.
    “I’m glad you came. Miss Maddox,” he said.
    “Do you really think it would have been noticed if I had not? Would people really count and imagine doom was overtaking them because of unlucky thirteen?”
    “We can’t know as the situation was avoided … most agreeably, if I may say so. I hope it will be the first of many occasions when you will visit us.”
    “You can’t expect a fourteenth guest to default at the last minute merely to accommodate me.”
    “I think you attach too much importance to this reason.”
    I have to because but for it I shouldn’t be here. “
    “Let’s forget that and be glad you are. What did you think of the concert?”
    “Superb.”
    “You are fond of music?”
    “Extremely.”
    “We often have concerts like this. You must come again.”
    “You are very kind.”
    This one is for the Comte. He is particularly partial to Mozart. “
    “Did I hear my name?” asked the Comte.
    He took the chair beside me and I was aware of his studying me intently.
    “I was telling Miss Maddox, Comte, that you enjoy Mozart and that the concert was being given in your honour. May I present Miss Maddox.”
    The Comte stood up and bowed.
    “It is a pleasure to meet you.
    Mademoiselle. ” He turned to Joel.
    “Mademoiselle Maddox and I have met before.”
    I felt the blood rushing to my face. He was going