|
|
|
|
|
|
and Peter had in commonto put it crudelywas Mrs. Bates's life. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
It made good sense. The attack on her, Linda was sure, had merely been meant to frighten. Possibly, whoever it was had wished to remove a watchdog while they remained in London. It was Linda who drove Mrs. Bates and accompanied her on visits and shopping expeditions. Doubtless, if she went alone, Mrs. Bates would be more vulnerable to an "accident." Perhaps the attempt to frighten Linda away was simply because Mrs. Bates seemed fond of her; the attacker wished to be sure Linda wouldn't creep into the old woman's will. The attack on Peter, inept as it was, was entirely different. It was intended to be deadly. Because Peter already was the beneficiary of Mrs. Bates's will? |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The tennis courts loomed up again, so close this time that Linda's waiting swain had seen her and started forward. She had time only to decide firmly that she would tell the general about what had happened and her conclusions, as soon as she could find him alone, in spite of Peter's desire for secrecy. The general would be able to keep an eye on Peter when Linda could not. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Not until after dinner was Linda able to catch General Barthemeles aloneand then she had to run after him, catching him just as he entered his cabin. Although he smiled as kindly as usual, he was obviously not too enthusiastic about listening to Linda's tale. When she began, he looked surreptitiously at his watch. By the time |
|
|
|
|
|