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could be found in any English drawing-room. What caught Melanie's
eyes and made her gasp was an exquisite piece of Roman glass - a tear
bottle, unmarked by any form of crust which was normally to be
found on items unearthed after such eons of time, but filmed with the
breathtaking rainbow patina which only age can bring. Unconscious
of her act, she moved towards the low shelf on which it stood and
before she quite realized it she had put out a finger and touched it,
tracing its slender line and texture, revelling in its colouring and
marvelling that anything so fragile could survive for two thousand
years or more. Perfect.... She had seen damaged pieces similar to this,
but never one unmarked by even the minutest sign of a crack or a
chip.
'I'm sorry.' Her colour fluctuated as she looked up to see the other two
watching her with interest. 'It's very beautiful,' she remarked, in a
half-hearted endeavour to explain her conduct. 'I have a friend who
collects Roman glass.' It was an expensive hobby, but one in which
Richard had indulged from the moment of setting eyes on a piece in
the museum. How he would love this exquisite little tear bottle, she
thought, at the same time vaguely wondering if he would keep his
word and come to Crete for his summer holiday.
'Sit down, Melanie.' Lean indicated a chair and she took possession of
it. Eleni sat down opposite her, but Lean remained standing, in an
attitude of inquiry, as he waited for his sister to begin her explanation.
This Eleni did, with a few fearful glances at Lean from under her
sweeping dark lashes, yet with more composure than Melanie would
have expected. Lean's eyes gradually kindled as Eleni proceeded with
her story. Occasionally he flicked an odd glance in Melanie's
direction, but instantly his attention would return to his sister as he
listened intently to every word that fell from her lips.
Where was the fury? Watching him closely, Melanie marvelled at his
calm acceptance of his sister's narrative. Eleni ended by echoing
Melanie's own thoughts.
'Aren't you very angry with me, Lean?'
A muscle moved in his throat - the first sign of emotion.
'I'm too relieved at your escape, Eleni.' His voice possessed the
vibrant quality of profound thankfulness and Melanie thought of how
the Greek girls were protected both by their fathers and their brothers,
not normally being allowed out after dark, and never being seal in the
tavernas, either with or without a male escort.
'I have you to thank,' he said, turning to Melanie. 'And this I do, most
sincerely. I hope you'll convey my thanks to your friend - this Giles of
whom my sister speaks. Eleni and I are greatly indebted to you both
for your prompt action.'
'It was nothing.' Melanie flushed and looked away, embarrassed at
being here in this splendid apartment and, strangely, more
embarrassed at the idea of Lean's having to show her gratitude. In
view of the nature of their relationship it seemed all wrong that he
should be compelled to do so. 'May I go now?'
'Not yet.' Eleni looked up coaxingly at her brother. 'I'd like a drink,
and I'm sure Melanie could do with one as well. She's been riding
round and round for hours.'
'It's all right, Eleni, I don't want a drink.' She rose from her seat, but
Lean told her to sit down again. He poured drinks and handed a glass
to each of the girls. Then, after pouring himself some wine, he sat
down beside his sister.
'This riding round,' he began, with a glance at Melanie. 'I expect you
told the taxi driver to come to me for the money?'
'No, I've paid it She broke off, dismayed. After her care just now
over the second taxi she had blundered over the first.
'Paid it? How much was it?'
'Not very much.' Was it imagination, or was there a hint of suspicion
in his eyes?
'Eleni says she left the hotel at eight o'clock. It was half past ten when
you found her. How long were you riding round in the first taxi?'
'About two hours,' she admitted.
Then your fare must have been in the region of four pounds,' he
estimated. 'Five if he thought you were a tourist.' Lean waited
questioningly for her to give him some explanation about the money,
but she remained silent. 'I believe you brought some travellers'
cheques with you, but Miss Newson said you'd put them in the safe
here?'
'Yes - but I have some other money.' The money in travellers' cheques
had been for her necessities; she had thought to spend it bit by bit as
required, but on discovering what Lean intended paying her Melanie
had determinedly put the money away towards the final settlement.
Her resolve not to touch it had been strengthened when, after writing
to her brother, she had received the reply that, as he was at present
unemployed, he could not contribute towards the debt. At some
future date he would repay her, he wrote, but Melanie set no store by
that promise. Lean still seemed puzzled, and Melanie recalled the
incident of the earrings and felt sure he was wondering if she had
come by the money dishonestly. However, there was nothing to be
learned from the cool impassivity of his tones when at last he spoke.
'How much was the taxi?'
'It doesn't matter '
'Of course it does,' interrupted Eleni. 'You're not going to be out of
pocket. I expect, as Lean says, he charged you about five pounds.'
'Was it five pounds?' Lean inquired softly when Melanie did not
respond.
Reluctantly she admitted, she had paid the taxi driver five pounds.
She felt guilty - and probably appeared so, she concluded with an
unhappy sigh. However, there was still nothing to be gleaned from
Lean's voice as he promised to make good the money. Then he asked
her to have another drink.
'I don't want anything more, thank you/ Putting down her empty
glass, Melanie rose to her feet 'I'm tired... if you'll excuse me... ?'
'Good night, Melanie.' Lean looked gravely at her, all hatred for the
present dissolved. 'And thank you once again.' She turned away,
possessed of some vague yearning that brought with it a regret which
she resolutely thrust aside, unwilling to acknowledge its existence
even to herself. 'But for your help ' He broke off, reluctant to [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]