"Christopher Priest - The Space Machine" - читать интересную книгу автора (Priest Christopher)

"I felt you might influence Sir William to consider trying them."

She nodded her understanding. "And you are a goggles salesman?"

'No, Miss Fitzgibbon. You see, the firm I am employed by is a manufacturer of'..."

My voice had tailed away, for I had heard in the same instant the sound that now clearly distracted
Miss Fitzgibbon. We had both heard, just beyond the door, a creaking of floorboards.

Miss Fitzgibbon raised a finger to her lips, and we sat in anguished silence. A few moments later there
was a sharp and peremptory rapping on the door!



iii
 "Miss Fitzgibbon!" It was Mrs Anson's voice.

I stared desperately at my new friend.

"What shall we do?" I whispered. "If I am found here at this hour. ..."

"Keep quiet ... leave it to me."

From outside, again: "Miss Fitzgibbon!"

She moved quickly to the far side of the room, and stood beside the bed.

"What is it, Mrs Anson?" she called, in a faint, tired-seeming voice.

There was a short silence. Then: "Has the maid brought a hot water bottle to your room?"

"Yes, thank you. I am already abed."

"With the lamps still alight, Miss Fitzgibbon?"

The young lady pointed desperately at the door, and waved her hands at me. I understood immediately,
and moved quickly to one side so that I could not be seen through the keyhole.

"I am doing a little reading, Mrs Anson. Good night to you."

There was another silence from beyond the door, during which I felt I must surely shout aloud to break
the tension!

"I thought I heard the sound of a man's voice," said Mrs Anson.

"I am quite alone," said Miss Fitzgibbon. I saw that her face was flushing red, although whether it was
from embarrassment or anger I could not tell.

"I don't think I am mistaken."