Jon Hagadorn

"'That settles it,' said Lord Catterham.

"'I'm not coming.'

"'to be driven by you in the Espada when you're in a hurry?

"'No, it's not fair to any elderly man.

"'I shall stay here.'

"'Please yourself,' said Bundle, and withdrew.

Treadwell smiled benignly and withdrew.

Bundle, meanwhile, was sounding the klaxon impatiently before the lodge gates, while a small child came hastening out with all speed from the lodge, admonishment from her mother following her.

"'Make haste, Katie.

That be her ladyship in a mortal hurry as always.'

It was indeed characteristic of Bundle to be in a hurry, especially when driving a car.

She had skill and nerve, and was a good driver,

Had it been otherwise, her reckless pace would have ended in disaster more than once.

It was a crisp October day, with a blue sky and a dazzling sun.

The sharp tang of the air brought the blood to Bondo's cheeks and filled her with the zest of living.

She had that morning sent Gerald Wade's unfinished letter to Lorraine Wade at Dean Priory, enclosing a few explanatory lines.

The curious impression it had made upon her was somewhat dimmed in the daylight, yet it still struck her as needing explanation.

She intended to get hold of Bill Eversley sometime and extract from him fuller details of the house party which had ended so tragically.

In the meantime, it was a lovely morning and she felt particularly well as the Hispana was running like a dream.

Bundle pressed her foot down on the accelerator, and the Hispano responded at once.