She Fell Among Thieves by Dornford Yates

up the valley today. I saw the spring in your step and the lift of your head.’ She returned to Virginia. ‘I’m not suggesting that the leopard should change his spots: but so long as you’re under my roof, you must behave as my daughter and not as his wife. The servants have to be considered. Once you’re married, you’ll probably live elsewhere. Gaston might find me exacting, as a resident mother-in-law.’
    With a very crooked smile, Gaston expelled a noise which I took to be one of dissent.
    ‘I cannot interpret that sound,’ said Vanity Fair. ‘Did it mean that you enjoy my society?’
    ‘Of course,’ said Gaston.
    ‘I’m glad to hear it. I tell you frankly I take great pleasure in yours. You importune me for trouble – to my delight. When anyone asks me for trouble, I’ll feed him until he bursts.’ She turned upon me. ‘Digest that, Richard Chandos. It may provoke your stomach, but it’ll do you good.’
    The meal proceeded.
    Glancing at Father Below, I observed with relief that the comfort of apples seemed to have had its way. He was eating with evident relish and, whilst he now and then sighed, he stayed himself with champagne. Here was no subject for pity. I could see him at some station-hotel… His mistress knew best. As for her, her reduction of the obstinate fortress had whisked her ill-humour away.
    My mind flew suddenly to Julie. I found it indecent that we should be feasting while she lay stark in the chapel within our gates. By rights we should have been fasting. But the tragedy had made no difference to life at Jezreel.
    The place seemed suddenly sinister. The breath of the Middle Ages tainted the air… Death was dressed in splendour, and Evil was royally lodged.
    Gaston and Acorn were arguing.
    ‘I know you are wrong,’ said Gaston.
    ‘Have a care,’ said Vanity Fair. ‘My secretary is paid to be right.’
    ‘I do not care,’ said Gaston. ‘I say he is wrong.’
    ‘It’s some time ago,’ said Acorn, ‘but I was at New Orleans when the news came in.’
    ‘What news?’ said Vanity Fair.
    ‘That the Clair de Lune had been holed on her maiden voyage.’
    ‘No, no,’ cried Gaston. ‘It was the Pompadour .’
    The man was right. I knew it. Old friends of mine, the Cheviots, had barely escaped with their lives when the Pompadour was holed on her maiden voyage.
    Before I could put in an oar –
    ‘Well, what on earth does it matter?’ said Vanity Fair.
    ‘But he says I am wrong,’ cried Gaston.
    ‘I’ve no doubt you are. What of that?’
    ‘I am not wrong,’ screamed Gaston. ‘I–’
    ‘That,’ said Vanity Fair, ‘is extremely easy to say.’
    ‘But I was on board,’ raved Gaston, and struck the oak with his hand.
    There was an uncomfortable silence.
    Then –
    ‘Indeed,’ said Vanity Fair. ‘How very disagreeable for the other passengers.’ She turned to Virginia. ‘Do they throw people out at Moineau? Or can you behave as you please?’
    Her daughter set her head on one side.
    ‘I shouldn’t risk it, mother: you’re very well here.’
    To my surprise and relief, Vanity Fair sat back and laughed till she cried.
    I confess my respect leaped up. She knew how to lose.
    After dinner I danced with Virginia, against my will. This on the terrace, to music most beautifully played and the light of the moon. Vanity Fair applauded the exhibition and made us perform until I was ready to drop. When Gaston sought to withdraw, she called him back and made him sit by her side.
    And Julie lay dead.
     
    Mansel let me talk for a quarter of an hour. Then he lay back in his chair and crossed his legs.
    ‘With Vanity Fair,’ he said, ‘you never know. That is her ace of trumps. She’s put her arms about you today. But I wouldn’t swear that you’re not to be murdered tonight. That you’re to be visited I’m certain. That’s really why I’m here. I think you’re to be half-killed. I can hardly believe that she would dare bump you off.’
    ‘Well, I don’t