Dumb Witness Read Free

Charles shot an almost guilty look at her.
    That evening, as the others were assembled in the drawing room waiting to go in to dinner, there was a scurry and a burst of profanity on the stairs. Charles entered with his face rather red.
    â€œSorry, Aunt Emily, am I late? That dog of yours nearly made me take the most frightful toss. He’d left that ball of his on the top of the stairs.”
    â€œCareless little doggie,” cried Miss Lawson, bending down to Bob.
    Bob looked at her contemptuously and turned his head away.
    â€œI know,” said Miss Arundell. “It’s most dangerous. Minnie, fetch the ball and put it away.”
    Miss Lawson hurried out.
    Dr. Tanios monopolized the conversation at the dinner table most of the time. He told amusing stories of his life in Smyrna.
    The party went to bed early. Miss Lawson carrying wool, spectacles, a large velvet bag and a book accompanied her employer to her bedroom chattering happily.
    â€œReally most amusing, Dr. Tanios. He is such good company! Not that I should care for that kind of life myself….One would have to boil the water, I expect….And goat’s milk, perhaps—such a disagreeable taste—”
    Miss Arundell snapped:
    â€œDon’t be a fool, Minnie. You told Ellen to call me at half past six?”
    â€œOh, yes, Miss Arundell. I said no tea, but don’t you think it might be wiser—You know, the vicar at Southbridge—a most conscientious man, told me distinctly that there was no obligation to come fasting—”
    Once more Miss Arundell cut her short.
    â€œI’ve never yet taken anything before Early Service and I’m not going to begin now. You can do as you like.”
    â€œOh, no—I didn’t mean—I’m sure—”
    Miss Lawson was flustered and upset.
    â€œTake Bob’s collar off,” said Miss Arundell.
    The slave hastened to obey.
    Still trying to please she said:
    â€œSuch a pleasant evening. They all seem so pleased to be here.”
    â€œHmph,” said Emily Arundell. “All here for what they can get.”
    â€œOh, dear Miss Arundell—”
    â€œMy good Minnie, I’m not a fool whatever else I am! I just wonder which of them will open the subject first.”
    She was not long left in doubt on that point. She and Miss Lawson returned from attending Early Service just after nine. Dr. and Mrs. Tanios were in the dining room, but there were no signs of the two Arundells. After breakfast, when the others had left, Miss Arundell sat on, entering up some accounts in a little book.
    Charles entered the room about ten.
    â€œSorry I’m late, Aunt Emily. But Theresa’s worse. She’s not unclosed an eyelid yet.”
    â€œAt half past ten breakfast will be cleared away,” said Miss Arundell. “I know it is the fashion not to consider servants nowadays, but that is not the case in my house.”
    â€œGood. That’s the true die-hard spirit!”
    Charles helped himself to kidneys and sat down beside her.
    His grin, as always, was very attractive. Emily Arundell soon found herself smiling indulgently at him. Emboldened by this sign of favour, Charles plunged.
    â€œLook here, Aunt Emily, sorry to bother you, but I’m in the devil of a hole. Can you possibly help me out? A hundred would do it.”
    His aunt’s face was not encouraging. A certain grimness showed itself in her expression.
    Emily Arundell was not afraid of speaking her mind. She spoke it.
    Miss Lawson hustling across the hall almost collided with Charles as he left the dining room. She glanced at him curiously. She entered the dining room to find Miss Arundell sitting very upright with a flushed face.

Two
T HE R ELATIONS
    C harles ran lightly up the stairs and tapped on his sister’s door. Her answering “Come in” came promptly and he entered.
    Theresa was sitting up in bed yawning.
    Charles took a seat on the bed.
    â€œWhat a