To overwrought nerves there is occasionally something soothing in the
movement of a train. Evelyn, on her way to Marseilles, looked back to
the rush of events of the last few days with amazement and wonder. By
the same post as Hare’s letters there had come one from his solicitor; a
brief announcement of the fact that he had received instructions from
his client authorizing him to communicate with Mrs. Brand immediately
upon his death. The solicitor wished to see Mrs. Brand, if possible,
within the next twenty-four hours, as she, amongst others, benefited by
the will. Would she telephone to 8431, Central, at once to fix a
meeting?
She had met him then and there, in view of her sudden departure abroad.
It was necessary to make a fresh will; having disposed of Hare’s legacy
in charity, the solicitor obeyed her instructions regarding her husband,
without restriction. An hour later found Evelyn ready to leave England,
to start a new life under new conditions. Through the train windows she
watched village after village flit by, as though she was looking at the
shifting scenes of a biograph. Only dimly aware of beauty, she whirled
through the kaleidoscope of colour, of full and fragrant orchards, of
fields of daffodils, by vineyards and woods, until at last she reached
the coast, and before her the view of the Mediterranean stretched, in
its eternal blue. She had gone through the hours of travel oblivious
and stupefied, hardly conscious even of the occasional stoppages of the
train.
Brand was awaiting her, he had arrived twelve hours before. Their
interview was brief. He took the money, and promised what she asked.
He would never trouble her again; this was the end.
She did not take his hand; she could not. At the last he turned.
"You’re a good woman, Evelyn," he said suddenly.
That chapter of her life was closed, and she set out for the unknown.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account