Calamity Town Read Free Page A

’gasped Hermy. ‘But I’m so bowled over! Here on the coffee table, Ludie!’ Ludie clanked down a tray bearing a musical pitcher filled with ice and grape-juice-and-lemonade punch, and four handsome crystal goblets. ‘I’m sure you’ll like our house, Mr Smith,’ Hermy went on swiftly. ‘It’s a little dream house. I decorated it with my own hands. Do you ever lecture? Our Women’s Club—’
    â€˜Good golfing hereabouts, too,’ said John F. ‘How long would you want to rent for, Mr Smith?’
    â€˜I’m sure Mr Smith is going to like Wrightsville so well he’ll stay on and on ,’ interrupted Hermy. ‘Do have some of Ludie’s punch, Mr Smith—’
    â€˜Thing is,’ said John F., frowning, ‘the way Wrightsville’s shooting up, I’ll probably be able to sell pretty soon—’
    â€˜That’s easy, John!’ said J.C. ‘We can write in the lease that in case a buyer comes along Mr Smith is to vacate pending reasonable notice—’
    â€˜Business, business!’ said Hermy gaily. ‘What Mr Smith wants is to see the house. Mr Pettigrew, you stay here and keep John and his poky old stamps company. Mr Smith?’ Hermy held on to Ellery’s arm all the way from the big house to the little house, as if she were afraid he’d fly away if she let go. ‘Of course, the furniture’s protected by dust covers now, but it’s really lovely. Early American bird’s-eye maple, and brand-new. Just look, Mr Smith. Isn’t it darling? ’
    Hermy dragged Ellery upstairs and downstairs, from cellar to peaked attic, exhibited the chintzy master bedroom, extolled the beauties of the living room with its maple pieces and art-filled niches and hooked rug and half-empty bookshelves…’Yes, yes,’ said Ellery feebly. ‘Very nice, Mrs Wright.’
    â€˜Of course, I’ll see you get a housekeeper,’ said Hermy happily. ‘Oh, dear! Where will you do your Work? We could fix over the second bedroom upstairs into a study. You must have a study for your Work, Mr Smith.’ Mr ‘Smith’ said he was sure he’d manage handsomely. ‘Then you do like our little house? I’m so glad!’ Hermione lowered her voice. ‘You’re in Wrightsville incognito, of course?’
    â€˜Such an impressive word, Mrs Wright…’
    â€˜Then except for a few of our closest friends I’ll make sure nobody knows who you are,’ beamed Hermy. ‘What kind of Work are you planning, Mr Smith?’
    â€˜A novel,’ said Ellery faintly. ‘A novel of a particular sort, laid in a typical small city, Mrs Wright.’
    â€˜Then you’re here to get Colour! How apt! You chose our own dear Wrightsville! You must meet my daughter Patricia immediately, Mr Smith. She’s the cleverest child. I’m sure Pat would be a great help to you in getting to know Wrightsville…’
    Two hours later Mr Ellery Queen was signing the name ‘Ellery Smith’ to a lease whereunder he agreed to rent Number 460 Hill Drive, furnished, for a period of six months beginning August 6, 1940, three months’ rental paid in advance, one month’s vacating notice to be given by lessor in event of a sale, at the rental of $75 per month.
    â€˜The truth is, Mr Smith,’ confided J.C. as they left the Wright house, ‘I kind of held my breath in there for a minute.’
    â€˜When was that?’
    â€˜When you took that pen of John F.’s and signed the lease.’
    â€˜You held your breath?’ Ellery frowned. ‘Why?’
    J.C. guffawed. ‘I remembered the case of poor old Hunter and how he dropped dead in that very house. Calamity House! That’s a hot one! Here you are, still fit as a fiddle!’
    And he got into his coupé still overcome by mirth, bound for town to pick up Ellery’s luggage at the Hollis