Cat Among the Pigeons - Agatha Christie [63]
“You’re coming home with me today.”
“Why?”
“Don’t ask questions.”
“I suppose it’s because of Miss Springer and Miss Vansittart being murdered. But no one’s murdered any of the girls. I’m sure they wouldn’t want to. And Sports Day is in three weeks’ time. I think I shall win the Long Jump and I’ve a good chance for the Hurdling.”
“Don’t argue with me, Jennifer. You’re coming back with me today. Your father insists.”
“But, Mummy—”
Arguing persistently Jennifer moved towards the house by her mother’s side.
Suddenly she broke away and ran back to the tennis court.
“Good-bye, Julia. Mummy seems to have got the wind up thoroughly. Daddy, too, apparently. Sickening, isn’t it? Good-bye, I’ll write to you.”
“I’ll write to you, too, and tell you all that happens.”
“I hope they don’t kill Chaddy next. I’d rather it was Mademoiselle Blanche, wouldn’t you?”
“Yes. She’s the one we could spare best. I say, did you notice how black Miss Rich was looking?”
“She hasn’t said a word. She’s furious at Mummy coming and taking me away.”
“Perhaps she’ll stop her. She’s very forceful, isn’t she? Not like anyone else.”
“She reminds me of someone,” said Jennifer.
“I don’t think she’s a bit like anybody. She always seems to be quite different.”
“Oh yes. She is different. I meant in appearance. But the person I knew was quite fat.”
“I can’t imagine Miss Rich being fat.”
“Jennifer … ” called Mrs. Sutcliffe.
“I do think parents are trying,” said Jennifer crossly. “Fuss, fuss, fuss. They never stop. I do think you’re lucky to—”
“I know. You said that before. But just at the moment, let me tell you, I wish Mummy were a good deal nearer, and not on a bus in Anatolia.”
“Jennifer … ”
“Coming….”
Julia walked slowly in the direction of the Sports Pavilion. Her steps grew slower and slower and finally she stopped altogether. She stood, frowning, lost in thought.
The luncheon bell sounded, but she hardly heard it. She stared down at the racquet she was holding, moved a step or two along the path, then wheeled round and marched determinedly towards the house. She went in by the front door, which was not allowed, and thereby avoided meeting any of the other girls. The hall was empty. She ran up the stairs to her small bedroom, looked round her hurriedly, then lifting the mattress on her bed, shoved the racquet flat beneath it. Then, rapidly smoothing her hair, she walked demurely downstairs to the dining room.
Seventeen
ALADDIN’S CAVE
I
The girls went up to bed that night more quietly than usual. For one thing their numbers were much depleted. At least thirty of them had gone home. The others reacted according to their several dispositions. Excitement, trepidation, a certain amount of giggling that was purely nervous in origin and there were some again who were merely quiet and thoughtful.
Julia Upjohn went up quietly amongst the first wave. She went into her room and closed the door. She stood there listening to the whispers, giggles, footsteps and goodnights. Then silence closed down—or a near silence. Faint voices echoed in the distance, and footsteps went to and fro to the bathroom.
There was no lock on the door. Julia pulled a chair against it, with the top of the chair wedged under the handle. That would give her warning if anyone should come in. But no one was likely to come in. It was strictly forbidden for the girls to go into each other’s rooms, and the only mistress who did so was Miss Johnson, if one of the girls was ill or out of sorts.
Julia went to her bed, lifted up the mattress and groped under it. She brought out the tennis racquet and stood a moment holding it. She had decided to examine it now, and not later. A light in her room showing under the door might attract attention when all lights were supposed to be off. Now was the time when a light was normal for undressing and for reading in bed until half past ten if you wanted to do so.
She stood staring down at the racquet. How could