|
|
|
|
|
|
people do not sleep as well as young ones." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"But I do realize it, Mrs. Bates. Did I come too early this morning and wake you?" |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"You don't consider two A.M. too early?" |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Two o'clock!" Linda exclaimed, and stopped abruptly, recalling that Peter had left her cabin just before two, although she had wanted him to stay. He had said, sourly, that Donald had already made pointed remarks about his late return the night before that. Then she went on smoothly, "I must have been fast asleep at two o'clock in the morning. And even if I hadn't been, I would scarcely come calling at such an hour." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mrs. Bates stared silently at Linda for a few seconds and then asked, almost pleadingly, "You mean you didn't come and try my door at two o'clock?" |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"No, of course I didn't. Why in the world should I? Peter looked the door when we left you last night." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Are you sure?" Mrs. Bates asked quickly. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Yes, he pushed the button. I saw him do it." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mrs. Bates shook her head. "That lock must be faulty. You know, I was a little cross when you left last nightI think I was a bit overtired. Too much bridge." Mrs. Bates smiled guiltily and a little apologetically. "I didn't notice Peter setting the lock, so I checked it. It must have sprung open. Will you tell the purser that there is something wrong with it?" |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Yes, I will," Linda replied slowly. "Is there |
|
|
|
|
|