Мертвая комната. Уровень 2 / The Dead Secret

This sum will not include the restoration of the western staircase. From twenty-five to thirty pounds will suffice to set this all right.

The state of dilapidation, from top to bottom, is as bad as can be. Nobody volunteered to accompany me in my survey, and nobody told me which keys fitted which room doors in any part of the north side.

I will send you the estimate in a few days,

I remain, Sir,

Your humble servant,

Thomas Horlock.”

“A very honest, straightforward letter,” said Mr. Frankland.

“Do you mean to dispatch a friend to Porthgenna to go over the house with Mr. Horlock? If you do, I know who.”

“Who?”

“Me, if you please – under your escort, of course. I know exactly what to do.”

“Yes. I suppose I have no choice now but to give you an opportunity. And the west rooms are still habitable.”

“Oh, how kind of you! How pleased I shall be! How I shall enjoy the old place! I was only five years old, Lenny, when we left Porthgenna, and I am so anxious to see what I can remember of it, after such a long, long absence as mine.

I never saw that ruinous north side of the house. I prophesy that we shall see ghosts, and find treasures, and hear mysterious noises!”

“Rosamond, let us be serious for one moment. It is clear to me that these repairs of the north rooms will cost a large sum of money. But what to do? If it procures you pleasure… I am with you heart and soul.”

He paused.

“Go on, Lenny.”

“Rosamond,” he whispered, “Your father will pass his days happily with us at Porthgenna.

We may all live in the north rooms for the future. Is the loss of your mother the only sad association he has with the place?”

“Not quite. There is another association, which has never been mentioned, but which I may tell you, because there are no secrets between us. My mother had a favorite maid who lived with her from the time of her marriage. She was the only person present in her room when she died. Well, on the morning of my mother's death, she disappeared from the house.

She left a mysterious letter to my father. She wrote about a Secret which she was charged to divulge to her master when her mistress was no more. And she added that she was afraid to mention this secret. Our neighbors and servants all thought that the woman was mad; but my father never agreed with them. I know that he has neither destroyed nor forgotten the letter.”

“A strange event, Rosamond.