"Kate Wilhelm - Funeral" - читать интересную книгу автора (Wilhelm Kate)

Madam Trudeau entered the classroom and Carla understood why the class had been personalized that
period. The Teacher had been waiting for Madam Trudeau's appearance. The girls rose hurriedly.
Madam Trudeau motioned for them to be seated once more.

"The following girls attended Madam Westfall during the past five years." She read a list. Carla's name
was included on her list. On finishing it, she asked, "Is there anyone who attended Madam Westfall
whose name I did not read?"

There was a rustle from behind Carla. She kept her gaze fastened on Madam Trudeau. "Name?" the
Teacher asked.

"Luella, Madam."

"You attended Madam Westfall? When?"

"Two years ago, Madam. I was a relief for Sonya, who became ill suddenly."

"Very well." Madam Trudeau added Luella's name to her list. "You will all report to my office at eight
A.M. tomorrow morning. You will be excused from classes and duties at that time. Dismissed." With a
bow she excused herself to the class Teacher and left the room.

├║├║├║├║├║

Carla's legs twitched and ached. Her swim class was at eight each morning and she had missed it, had
been sitting on the straight chair for almost two hours, when finally she was told to go into Madam
Trudeau's office. None of the other waiting girls looked up when she rose and followed the attendant
from the anteroom. Madam Trudeau was seated at an oversized desk that was completely bare, with a
mirrorlike finish. Carla stood before it with her eyes downcast, and she could see Madam Trudeau's
face reflected from the surface of the desk. Madam Trudeau was looking at a point over Carla's head,
unaware that the girl was examining her features.

"You attended Madam Westfall altogether seven times during the past four years, is that correct?"

"I think it is, Madam."

"You aren't certain?"

"I. I don't remember, Madam?"

"I see. Do you recall if Madam Westfall spoke to you during any of those times?"

"Yes, Madam."

"Carla, you are shaking. Are you frightened?"

"No, Madam."

"Look at me, Carla."
Carla's hands tightened, and she could feel her fingernails cutting into her hands. She thought of the pain,