|
|
|
|
|
|
to follow, think she might be of assistance in removing Mrs. Bates's clothing, when Gertrude ran in. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Miss, Miss, I saw the doctor. What happened?" |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"We don't know, Gertrude. When I came, the door was a little open and Mrs. Bates was lying on the floor." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"On the floor?" Gertrude whispered. "Oh, God, my God, is she very bad?" The maid's voice trembled and tears filled her eyes. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Linda took her hand. "No, I don't think so. She spoke quite naturally when she came to, and her breathing was good. She wasn't pale or gasping or clammy." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At that moment, Peter came out. "Linda, if you couldOh, Gertrude, that's even better. Aunt Em's been asking for you. Will you go in and give the doctor a hand? Don't look so worried. He seems to think she's all right." |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
When Gertrude had hurried in and closed the door behind her, Linda asked Peter whether he had said that to comfort the maid or because it was true. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"You can't comfort people with lies on such a subject," he said harshly. "My aunt doesn't seem to have had another heart attack orat least, that was all the doctor cared to say in front of her." Then his expression became gentler. "I'm sorry you had such a scare, darling. Are you all right?" |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Yes, of course. Just ashamed of being so weak-kneed." |
|
|
|
|
|