The Canadian. W. Somerset Maugham

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СКАЧАТЬ Wynne's kindly face brightened visibly. He was glad they were going to do the right thing, after all. He had been a little fearful a few moments before. "I felt sure that in the circumstances——"

      But Mrs. Wickham interrupted him quickly.

      "What were your wages, may I ask, Miss Marsh?"

      "Thirty pounds a year."

      "Really?" in a tone of excessive surprise. "Many ladies are glad to go as companion without any salary, just for the sake of a home and congenial society. I daresay you've been able to save a good deal in all these years."

      "I had to dress myself decently, Mrs. Wickham," said Nora frigidly.

      Mrs. Wickham was graciousness itself. "Well, I'm sure my husband will be very glad to give you a year's salary, won't you, Jim?"

      "It's very kind of you," replied Nora coldly, "but I'm not inclined to accept anything but what is legally due to me."

      "You must remember," went on Mrs. Wickham, "that there'll be very heavy death duties to pay. They'll swallow up the income from Miss Wickham's estate for at least two years, won't they, Mr. Wynne?"

      "I quite understand," said Nora.

      "Perhaps you'll change your mind."

      "I don't think so."

      There was an awkward pause. Mr. Wynne rose from his seat at the table. His manner showed unmistakably that he was not impressed by Mrs. Wickham's great generosity.

      "Well, I think I must leave you," he said, looking at Nora. "Good-by, Miss Marsh. If I can be of any help to you I hope you'll let me know."

      "That's very kind of you."

      Bowing slightly to Mrs. Wickham and nodding to her husband, he went out.

      "We must go, too, Dorothy," said James uneasily.

      Mrs. Wickham began drawing on her gloves. "Jim will be writing to you in a day or two. You know how grateful we both are for all you did for our poor aunt. We shall be glad to give you the very highest references. You're such a wonderful nurse. I'm sure you'll have no difficulty in getting another situation; I expect I can find you something myself. I'll ask among all my friends."

      Nora made no reply to this affable speech.

      "Come on, Dorothy; we really haven't any time to lose," said Wickham hurriedly.

      "Good-by, Miss Marsh."

      "Good-by," said Nora dully. She stood, her hands resting on the table, her eyes fastened on the long blue envelope which Mr. Wynne had forgotten. From a long way off she heard the wheels of the cab on the driveway.

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