Знак чотирьох
XI. The Great Agra Treasure
MissMorstan,however,wasinthedrawing-room:sotothedrawing-roomIwent,boxinhand,leavingtheobliginginspectorinthecab.
Shewasseatedbytheopenwindow,dressedinsomesortofwhitediaphanousmaterial,withalittletouchofscarletattheneckandwaist.Thesoftlightofashadedlampfelluponherassheleanedbackinthebasketchair,playingoverhersweet,graveface,andtintingwithadull,metallicsparkletherichcoilsofherluxurianthair.Onewhitearmandhanddroopedoverthesideofthechair,andherwholeposeandfigurespokeofanabsorbingmelancholy.Atthesoundofmyfoot-fallshesprangtoherfeet,however,andabrightflushofsurpriseandofpleasurecolouredherpalecheeks.
“Iheardacabdriveup,”shesaid.“IthoughtthatMrs.Forresterhadcomebackveryearly,butIneverdreamedthatitmightbeyou.Whatnewshaveyoubroughtme?”
“Ihavebroughtsomethingbetterthannews,”saidI,puttingdowntheboxuponthetableandspeakingjoviallyandboisterously,thoughmyheartwasheavywithinme.“Ihavebroughtyousomethingwhichisworthallthenewsintheworld.Ihavebroughtyouafortune.”
Sheglancedattheironbox.“Isthatthetreasure,then?”sheasked,coollyenough.
“Yes,thisisthegreatAgratreasure.HalfofitisyoursandhalfisThaddeusSholto’s.Youwillhaveacoupleofhundredthousandeach.Thinkofthat!Anannuityoftenthousandpounds.TherewillbefewricheryoungladiesinEngland.
