Crooked House / Скрюченный домишко. Книга для чтения на английском языке

What made you think of it?’

�I didn’t think of it. The doctor was queer to begin with. He wouldn’t sign a certificate. They’re going to have a post-mortem[15 - post mortem (лат.)– вскрытие]. It’s quite clear that they suspect something is wrong.’

I didn’t dispute that with her. Sophia had plenty of brains; any conclusions she had drawn could be relied upon.

Instead I said earnestly:

�Their suspicions may be quite unjustified. But putting that aside, supposing that they are justified, how does that affect you and me?’

�It might under certain circumstances.

You’re in the Diplomatic Service. They’re rather particular about wives. No—please don’t say all the things that you’re bursting to say. You’re bound to say them—and I believe you really think them—and theoretically I quite agree with them. But I’m proud—I’m devilishly proud. I want our marriage to be a good thing for everyone—I don’t want to represent one-half of a sacrifice for love! And, as I say, it may be all right…’

�You mean the doctor—may have made a mistake?’

�Even if he hasn’t made a mistake, it won’t matter—so long as the right person killed him.

’

�What do you mean, Sophia?’

�It was a beastly thing to say. But, after all, one might as well be honest.’

She forestalled my next words.

�No, Charles, I’m not going to say any more. I’ve probably said too much already. But I was determined to come and meet you tonight—to see you myself and make you understand.

We can’t settle anything until this is cleared up.’

�At least tell me about it.’

She shook her head.

�I don’t want to.’

�But—Sophia—’

�No, Charles. I don’t want you to see us from my angle. I want you to see us unbiased from the outside point of view.’

�And how am I to do that?’

She looked at me, a queer light in her brilliant blue eyes.

�You’ll get that from your father,’ she said.

I had told Sophia in Cairo that my father was Assistant Commissioner[16 - Assistant Commissioner = AC– помощник комиссара] of Scotland Yard. He still held that office. At her words, I felt a cold weight settling down on me.

�It’s as bad as that, then?’

�I think so. Do you see a man sitting at a table by the door all alone—rather a nice-looking stolid ex-Army type?’

�Yes.