Читать книгу Mrs. Gailey онлайн

31 страница из 78

But Lesley was already running through the house.

7

Rosamund was disappointed that Charley Vine had not come in with her. He had lifted out her luggage and carried it into the hall. Then he had said, "If you'll excuse me, I'll be off now."

"Wouldn't Mrs. Winrow like you to come in?"

"I don't suppose she would, and anyhow I haven't time. Good-by and good luck."

He was gone, leaving her a little resentful. How long would she have to wait here in the hall while that old trout was announcing her arrival?

Not more than a few seconds. For suddenly there was a sound of hurrying feet and the passage in front of her was blocked by a running figure.

"Oh, Mrs. Gailey—I'm so sorry—please forgive me—I'd no idea you could get here so soon."

"Well, I've only just arrived."

Rosamund smiled as she took the large, well-shaped hand held out to her. Sylvia had said Miss Bullen was tall, and for once had been guilty of an understatement. Miss Bullen, seen against the outdoor sunshine that streamed down the passage over shoulders, looked enormous—a big, ungainly creature who would have towered if she had not stooped. She was untidily dressed in a rather worn cotton frock and straw sandals, and her hair swung in two dark curtains on each side of her face, which was entirely without make-up. Rosamund could not have imagined anyone more unlikely to be Iris Winrow's daughter.