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

"Then you could easily have been mistaken. I too have heard voices."

The tone of Mrs Anson's words changed suddenly. "My dear Amelia, I am concerned only for your
well-being. You do not know these commercial men as well as I. You are young and innocent, and I am
responsible for your safety."

"I'm twenty-two years of age, Mrs Anson and I am responsible for my safety. Now please leave me,
as I wish to go to sleep."

Again, Mrs Anson's tone changed. "How do I know you're not deceiving me?"

"Look around, Mrs Anson!" Miss Fitzgibbon came to the bath-room door, and threw it open. It
banged against my shoulder, but served to conceal me behind it. "Look everywhere! Would you care to
inspect my wardrobe? Or would you prefer to peer under my bed?"

"There is no need for unpleasantness, Miss Fitzgibbon. I am quite prepared to take your word."

"Then kindly leave me in peace, as I have had a long day at work, and I wish to go to sleep."

There was a short silence. Then Mrs Anson said: "Very well, Amelia. Good night to you."

"Good night, Mrs Anson."

I heard the woman walk from the room, and down the stairs outside. There was a much longer silence,
and then I heard the outer door close.

Miss Fitzgibbon came to the bath-room, and leaned weakly against the door-post.
 "She's gone," she said.



iv


Miss Fitzgibbon took one of the glasses from me, and swallowed the brandy.

"Would you like some more?" she said softly.

"Yes, please."

The flask was now nearly empty, but we shared what remained.

I looked at Miss Fitzgibbon's face, pale in the gaslight, and wondered if I looked as ashen.

"I must leave at once, of course," I said.

She shook her head. "You would be seen. Mrs Anson wouldn't dare come to the room again, but she
will not go straight to bed."

"Then what can I do?"