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for his reply. When at last he spoke his voice was distant. ‘You’ve been to see Helen ?’
    'Y-yes. We had quite a talk.’ She tried hard to keep her voice natural, realising that Brad was annoyed and that the earlier easy friendship had disappeared.
    ‘And may I ask who gave you permission?' Once again he was the master, and Laura felt her blood begin to boil.
    ‘I wasn’t aware I needed permission. I felt sorry for her all alone in that great house and decided to find out for myself why she stayed in her room.'
    ‘And?’ His voice was icy as he slanted a cutting glance in her direction.
    'I found out that it’s you who won't let her come down.' Laura’s voice rose passionately. ‘You keep her up there, deny her any visitors. How can you treat her like that? Are you ashamed of her because she can't walk?'
    Brad swung the car into the side of the road, killed the engine, and turned towards her.
    ‘Miss Templeton, I don't really see that it’s any concern of yours what goes on in my house, but as you've found it necessary to interest yourself in my affairs I think you’d better know the truth.'
    Laura faced him bravely. ‘I do know the truth. I have no reason to disbelieve anything your sister has told me, If you think you're going to put yourself right in my eyes you’re mistaken .'
    He nodded slowly. ‘Talent gone to waste. She’s still a good actress.’
    Laura frowned, puzzled. ‘What do you mean? What has her acting to do with the present situation?’
    ‘Nothing—nothing at all.’ His voice was tired now, as if he was weary of the whole affair.
    He restarted the engine and during the silence that followed Laura recalled Helen’s horrified look at her suggestion she carry on acting. In view of Brad s reaction it would seem she had been mistaken in feeling sorry for Helen. He had more or less insinuated that Helen had been acting. If this was so it could throw a different light on to the story, but she couldn’t possibly ask Brad now—not after she had refused to listen to him. One look at his grim face told her that the subject was closed. She would have to try and find out for herself exactly what was going on in this strange household.
     

CHAPTER FOUR
    AFTER dinner Laura settled In front of a blazing log fire in the comfortable lounge where she had become accustomed to spending her evenings. She had bought some vivid green wool and was looking forward to starting her jumper.
    She had seen no more of Brad since they reached home. He had not appeared at dinner and no light shone from beneath his study door. It was her guess that he was upstairs with Helen—probably telling her off for allowing Laura to visit her.
    Suddenly the door opened and Mrs. Jennings burst in. ‘Mr. Stuart wants to see you. In Miss Helen’s room.' She bit her lip worriedly. ‘I hope you’re not in trouble;
    ‘Don’t worry, Jenny,' smiled Laura with more confidence than she felt. ‘I’ve already told him about seeing Helen. Perhaps he’s decided he would like me to visit her after all.'
    Jenny’s brow cleared. 'I hope you’re right. Mind you don’t keep him waiting, now.’
    Laura packed her knitting into a bag at the side of her chair and followed the housekeeper into the hall. Upstairs raised voices came from Helen’s room. About to knock she heard her own name mentioned and involuntarily halted.
    I don’t care what you thought. You had no right to lie to Miss Templeton,' Brad said with some asperity. Laura held her breath, waiting for Helen’s reply. She knew she ought not to listen, but there was something about hearing herself discussed that rooted her to the spot.
    When Helen did speak her voice held a whining, unpleasant tone, in complete contrast to the soft, husky pitch she had used when speaking to Laura.
    ‘I didn’t want her to know that I can’t bear the thought of anyone seeing me like this—that’s why I said you kept me here. Oh, I wish I was dead, and you can tell your precious Miss