chapter5-page_123-149

5. Frith brought the newspapers at breakfast the next morning. There were big headlines

on all of them. One had an awful photograph of Maxim. There was a little line about me

at the bottom, saying whom Maxim had married as his second wife. Rebecca was described

as beautiful, talented and loved by all who knew her. She had drowned a year ago and Maxim

had married again and brought his young bride to Mandalay. He had given a fancy dress ball

in her honour and the following morning the body of his first wife had been found.

I watched Maxim at the breakfast table getting whiter and whiter as he read the papers. He did

not say anything. I thought of what the papers would say if they knew the truth. That terrible

word of six letters in the middle of the front page, large and black, murder.

Frank came up after breakfast. He made sure that there were no more calls from reporters.

He kept Beatrice away too. He was such a great help. I was convinced that he knew the truth.

Maxim and I stayed in the house. We did not even walk in the woods. The weather was hot and the air

was heavy. There were clouds, but it did not rain. We waited for Tuesday the day of the inquest.

Finally the day of the inquest arrived. It was going to be at two o 'clock. We had an early lunch

and did not talk much. Then Maxim and I drove into town. Frank followed us in his own car.

I think I'll stay here, I said, when we parked the car. I don't think I'll come in.

I wish you had stayed at Mandalay, said Maxim. Maxim went off with Frank and left me sitting there.

The minutes went by. I wondered what they were doing, the coroner, Frank, Maxim, Colonel Julian.

I got out of the car and began walking up and down. Somehow I found myself in front of the building

where the inquest was being held. A policeman appeared from nowhere.

Excuse me, madam, he said. Aren't you Mrs. Dewinter? You can wait inside if you like.

He showed me into a little room with a desk in it. Five minutes passed.

Nothing happened. I got up and went into the passage. The policeman was still standing there.

How long will they be, I said?

I'll go and find out if you like, he said, and left.

In a moment he came back again.

I don't think it will last much longer, he said. Mr. Dewinter has just given his evidence.

There's only one more person to speak, Mr. Tab, the boat builder.

Would you like to go in? There is a seat there just inside the door.

I followed the policeman and he opened a door. I went in quietly and sat down.

The room was small and hot and stuffy. Maxim and Frank were sitting down at the other end.

My heart gave a jump when I recognized Mrs. Danvers.

She was sitting right at the back with Jack Favill beside her.

James Tab, the boat builder, was standing now and answering the coroner's questions.

Was the boat in good condition? Asked the coroner. Yes, it was the last time I saw it.

It was a strong boat that could stand a lot of wind.

Mrs. Dewinter had sailed it in worse weather. I can't understand it getting lost on a night like that.

But if Mrs. Dewinter went below for a coat and a sudden wind came down,

wouldn't it be enough to sink the boat? Asked the coroner.

No, said James Tab. I don't think that it would.

Well, I'm afraid that is what must have happened, said the coroner.

Unfortunately, the late Mrs. Dewinter was careless for a moment and she lost her life.

Such accidents have happened before.

Excuse me, sir, said the boat builder. I would like to say something else.

Very well, go on, said the coroner.

It's this, sir. There was nothing wrong with that boat when I last saw it.

What I want to know is this. Who made the holes in the floor?

Rocks didn't do it. The nearest rock was five feet away and those holes were made with a spike.

I did not look at him. I was looking at the floor.

The coroner paused for a moment.

What do you mean? He said, finally. What sort of holes?

There were three of them in different parts of the boat.

And that's not all. The sea -cocks had been turned on.

The sea -cocks? What are they? Asked the coroner.

The sea -cocks closed the pipes leading from a wash -basin, sir.

These are always kept tightly closed when the boat is sailing.

Otherwise, the water flows in. It was hot, much too hot in the room.

I wished someone would open a window.

With those holes, sir, and the sea -cocks open, a small boat like this one would sink soon.

It's my opinion that this was not an accident. The boat was deliberately sunk.

I must try and get out of the door, I thought. There was no air. People were standing up.

They were all talking. I could not see anything. It was hot, so very hot.

The coroner then said, Mr. De Winter. Maxim was standing up now. I could not look at him.

Mr. De Winter, you heard James Tab's statement. Do you know anything about these holes?

Nothing. Can you think of any reason why they are there?

No. Of course not. This news is a shock to you, of course. Of course it is a shock.

Does it surprise you that I am shocked?

No, Maxim. No, I thought. Not that angry voice, Maxim.

I wished he would not lose his temper.

Mr. De Winter said the coroner. I want you to believe that we all feel sorry for you in this matter.

I want to find out exactly how and why your late wife died.

Who looked after Mrs. De Winter's boat?

She looked after it herself.

James Tab has told us that a boat with those holes in the bottom and the sea -cocks open would sink in a few minutes.

Yes.

Therefore, we must assume that whoever took the boat out that night made those holes and opened the sea -cocks.

I suppose so.

You have told us that the door on the windows of the cabin were shut. Is this true?

Yes. Does not this seem very strange to you, Mr. De Winter?

Certainly. Mr. De Winter, it is my duty to ask you a very personal question.

Were you and the late Mrs. De Winter happily married?

It was hot. So hot with all these people. I tried to stand up but could not.

The ground came up to meet me and then I heard Maxim's voice clear and strong.

Will someone take my wife outside? She is going to faint.

I was sitting in the little room again. Frank was with me.

I'm so sorry, I said. It was so hot in that room, so very hot.

Are you feeling better, Mrs. De Winter? said Frank.

I'm going to take you back to Mandalay. Maxim has asked me to.

I'd much rather stay. I want to wait for Maxim.

Maxim may be a long time. They may have to go over the evidence again.

Frank looked straight in front of him. We did not speak. We were in Frank's car now.

He was driving very fast. He looked worried. Very worried.

Did you see Favil there? Why was he allowed to be in there?

He was her cousin. He was sitting with Mrs. Danvers. I don't trust them, Frank. They might do

something. Frank did not answer. He did not know how much I knew. Then we arrived at Mandalay.

Will you be all right now, said Frank? I'll go back. Maxim may need me.

He did not say anything more. He got quickly back into the car again and drove away.

I went upstairs to my room and laid down on my bed. What were they all saying now?

What was happening? What if Frank came back to Mandalay alone? I thought about that terrible

word. Murder. God, don't let me go on thinking about this. Let me think about something else.

I must have fallen asleep because I woke up suddenly and heard the first crack of thunder

in the air. I got up. It was five o 'clock. I went to the window. There was no wind.

Lightning flashed in the sky. Another thunder in the distance. I went downstairs and went

out to the terrace. Two drops of rain fell. I went back in and sat with Jasper in the library.

At half past five, Robert came into the room to tell me Maxim's car had arrived. I tried to get

over. My mouth was dry. After a minute, Maxim came into the room and stood by the door.

He looked tired and old. It's all over, he said. I waited. I could not speak or move towards him.

Suicide, he said. They said that Rebecca killed herself. I sat down.

Suicide, I said. But what was the motive? God knows, he said. They didn't seem to think a motive was necessary.

He went and stood by the window, looking out. What happened, I said. What did the coroner say?

He went over and over the same things again, said Maxim. Little details that no one cared about.

I thought I would go mad. I kept my temper though. Seeing you there made me remember what I had to do.

He sat down. Frank had to go to the church, he said. I have to go there too.

Rebecca's body has to be buried. We'll talk this evening when I get back.

We've got so much to do together. We've got to begin all over again. The past can't hurt us

if we are together. We'll have children too. He looked at his watch. I have to go now.

It won't take long, he said, and left. It was very quiet in the library. I thought of them down

at the church. I thought about the other woman who had been put there by mistake. I wondered

who she was, poor soul. Just after seven, the rain began to fall heavily. I opened the windows wide

and breathed the cold, clean air. I did not hear Frith come in.

Excuse me, Madame, he said. There's a gentleman to see Mr. De Winter. He hesitated a moment and said,

it's Mr. Faval. I shot the window. Then I turned around and looked at Frith.

I think I had better see Mr. Faval, I said. I wanted to get rid of Faval before Maxim came back.

In a few moments he came. His eyes were red. I wondered if he had been drinking.

I'm afraid Maxim is not here, I said. I can wait, said Faval. Max will be back for dinner.

Mr. Faval, I said. I don't want to be rude, but I'm very tired. You should come back in the morning.

He came towards me.

No, no, he said. Don't run away and leave me. I'm harmless. This business has been a shock to me,

you know, an awful shock. Rebecca was my cousin. I was very fond of her.

Yes, I said. I'm very sorry for you.

We were brought up together, he went on. We were great friends.

I was fond of Rebecca, and she was fond of me. I'm going to see that Justice is done to Rebecca.

Suicide. My God. You and I know it wasn't suicide, don't we? Don't we?

The door opened and Maxim came into the room with Frank.

What the hell are you doing here? He said to Faval.

Hello, Max, old chap, he said. I came to congratulate you.

Do you mind leaving the house, said Maxim? Or do you want us to throw you out?

Wait a minute, said Faval. Now, listen. I was in the court this afternoon. You've been very lucky,

but you realize that I can make things very unpleasant for you. Not only unpleasant, but also dangerous.

Oh yes, said Maxim. In what way can you make things dangerous?

Look here, Max, said Faval. You all know that Rebecca and I were close.

Her death was a great shock to me, but when I read about Rebecca's boat and the body in the cabin,

I couldn't understand it. It didn't make sense. That's why I went to the inquest today,

and everything was fine until I heard the boat build as evidence.

Well, Max, what have you got to say about those holes in the boat?

You heard the verdict. It satisfied the coroner, and it must satisfy you.

Suicide, huh? Said Faval. You know Rebecca did not commit suicide.

Look, I have a note here. I kept it because it was the last thing that she ever wrote to me.

I'll read it to you. I think it will interest you.

He took a piece of paper out of his pocket and read.

I tried to call you, but could get no answer. I'm leaving London now. I'll be at the cottage

this evening. I leave the door open for you. I've got something to tell you, and I want to see you

as soon as possible. Rebecca. He put the note back in his pocket.

He sat there, staring at Maxim. None of us spoke.

Now, Max, old man, Faval said. I think we can come to some agreement.

I am not a rich man. If I had two or three thousand pounds a year, I could live comfortably,

and I'd never trouble you again. I promise.

I've asked you before to leave the house, said Maxim.

There's the door. You can open it yourself.

Faval laughed.

I don't suppose your wife wants to be known as the widow of a murderer, he said.

You think you can frighten me, don't you, Faval, said Maxim. Well, you are wrong.

Shall I call Colonel Julian? He'll be interested in your story.

Faval laughed again.

Good bluff, he said. But you wouldn't call him. I've got enough evidence to hang you, Max.

Maxim walked slowly towards the telephone in the next room.

Stop him, I said to Frank. Stop him for God's sake. I heard Maxim's voice very cool and calm.

Is that Colonel Julian speaking? It's the winter here. I wonder if you could come over here at once.

Yes, to Mandalay. It's important. I can't explain why on the telephone. Yes. Thank you very much. Goodbye.

We waited in silence. There was only the sound of the falling rain. I felt helpless and weak.

There was nothing I could do.

Ten minutes later, Colonel Julian arrived.

Good evening, Colonel Julian, said Maxim. This is Jack Faval, my late wife's cousin. He's got

something to tell you. Faval began speaking in a loud voice.

Look, Colonel Julian, he said. The reason why I'm here is that I'm not satisfied with the verdict

given at the inquest this afternoon. I want you to read this note. Tell me whether you think

the writer had decided to kill herself. Colonel Julian took the note and read it.

No, he said. But the note is not clear. What is your opinion? Faval turned his head and looked slowly

towards Maxim. Well, here's what I think. Rebecca never opened those sea cocks. She didn't make

the holes in the boat. She did not commit suicide. I think Rebecca was murdered. And if you want to

know who the murderer is, he's right here. Mr. Maximillian to winter. Take a good long look at him.

And Faval began to laugh, the foolish laugh of a drunkard.

Thank God for Faval's laugh. Thank God for his red face and the way he stood there trying to stay

on his feet. I saw the disgust on Colonel Julian's face. He was on our side.

The man's drunk, he said. He doesn't know what he's saying.

Drunk, am I? Shouted Faval. Oh, no, my friend. Max de Winter murdered Rebecca, and I'm going to prove

it. Wait a minute, Mr. Faval said Colonel Julian. Why didn't you show that letter to the coroner

in the court this afternoon? I asked him the same question, said Maxim. He said he was not rich

and would keep quiet if I paid him two or three thousand a year.

This is true, sir, said Frank. It's blackmail. Colonel Julian turned to Faval. You have just made

a serious accusation against De Winter. Do you have any proof?

Proof, said Faval. Aren't those holes in the boat enough proof?

No, said Colonel Julian, unless you can find a witness who saw him do it.

I'll get my proof for you, all right, Faval shouted. I tell you, he killed Rebecca. He went down to

the cottage and killed her. Wait a minute. I think there is someone who might have seen him that night.

I suddenly knew who he was talking about. Someone who had been a witness that night, Ben knew.

Ben had seen.

There's an idiot who spends his time on the beach, said Faval. He sleeps in the woods or on the beach.

He must have seen everything. I could make him talk.

Can we get this man and question him? Asked Colonel Julian.

Of course, said Maxim. His name is Ben. Could you tell Robert to go and bring him, Frank?

Frank went out of the room and came back in a few minutes. Faval laughed angrily.

You're like a little family here at Mandalay, aren't you? He said.

Frank Crawley here knows the truth, of course. You'll be there to hold the young bride's arm

when she hears about her husband's death sentence, won't you, Frank?

It happened very quickly. Maxim went up to Faval and hit him hard. Faval fell heavily down

onto the floor. I wished I had not been there to see it. Colonel Julian did not say anything.

He was looking at Maxim very carefully. Why did he look at him that way? Was he beginning to wander

to suspect? Faval got up and sat down on the sofa. He asked for a drink. Frank poured him one.

Then we heard the car on the drive. Frank went out to the hall to meet Ben.

In a minute he came back with Ben.

All right, Ben, he said quietly. There's nothing to be scared of.

Ben stepped awkwardly into the room. He looked odd without his hat. He looked around the

room with his small eyes. I gave him a weak smile. I did not know if he recognized me or not.

Then Faval walked up to him.

Hello, he said. You know who I am, don't you? Ben did not reply.

Colonel Julian went to him.

No one is going to hurt you, Ben, he said. We just want you to answer one or two questions.

Do you know Mr. Faval? This time Ben shook his head.

I never seen him, he said.

Don't be a fool, said Faval roughly. You've seen me in the cottage on the beach.

Mrs. De Winter's cottage, do you remember?

I never seen him. Ben repeated.

A convincing witness said Colonel Julian. Ben held Frank's arm.

Is he going to take me away? He asked.

No, of course not, Ben, said Colonel Julian. No one's going to take you away.

Now, you remember the lady who had the boat.

Were you on the beach when she sailed the boat the last time?

You were there, weren't you? said Faval.

You saw Mrs. De Winter go into the cottage and Mr. De Winter too. What happened then?

Ben moved back against the wall.

I see nothing, he said. I want to stay home. I never seen you, never before. He began to cry.

You crazy little idiot, said Faval slowly.

I think Ben can go home now, said the Colonel.

All right, Ben, said Maxim. Don't be afraid. He turned to Frank.

Please get Robert to take him back and make sure he has given some food.

Frank took Ben out of the room.

The poor fellow was terrified, said Colonel Julian.

Well, Faval, Ben has not helped your case at all. You can't prove your story.

Can't I, said Faval. I saw him smile.

He rang the bell and when Frith came, he asked him to get Mrs. Danvers. Frith went to get her.

Isn't Mrs. Danvers the housekeeper asked the Colonel.

She was also Rebecca's friend, said Faval. She knew her for years.

Frank came back into the room. We all waited watching the door and Mrs. Danvers came into the room.

She stood by the door. Her hands folded in front of her, looking at us.

Good evening, Mrs. Danvers, said Colonel Julian. I want to ask you a question.

Mr. Faval has told us that he was best friends with the late Mrs. De Winter. Is that true?

They were cousins, said Mrs. Danvers. He was not his best friend. There was scorn in her face.

Now, listen, Danny, began Faval. But Mrs. Danvers cut him short.

She did not like anyone. She despised all people. She amused herself. It was only a game for her.

It made her laugh. Her voice was full of anger.

Maxim had gone very white. Faval stirred at her blankly as though he did not understand.

We all went quiet for a few minutes. Then Mrs. Danvers began to cry. I could not look at her.

No one said anything. At last, she was silent again. Mrs. Danvers, Colonel Julian said quietly.

Can you think of any reason why Mrs. De Winter killed herself?

Mrs. Danvers shook her head.

No, she said. No.

There you see, Faval said. I've told you already.

Be quiet, will you? Said Colonel Julian. Let Mrs. Danvers read the note.

She may be able to explain it. Mrs. Danvers took the note and read it twice.

Then she shook her head. I don't know what she meant.

Does anybody know how she spent that day in London? asked the Colonel.

I've got her diary in my room, said Mrs. Danvers slowly. I kept all her things.

I'll go and get it.

Well, De Winter, said the Colonel. Do you mind us seeing this diary?

Of course not, said Maxim. Once again, I saw Colonel Julian give him that strange look.

And this time, Frank noticed it too. Mrs. Danvers came back with a small red leather book in her hand.

She opened it and gave it to Colonel Julian. There was a long pause while he glanced down at the page.

I could not look at Maxim. My heart was beating fast.

Ah, he said, his finger in the middle of the page. Here it is.

Hairdresses at 12. Then, lunch at the club. And then, what have we got here?

Baker, two o 'clock. Who was Baker? He looked at Maxim. Maxim shook his head.

Baker repeated Mrs. Danvers. She knew no one called Baker.

Well, we must find out who Baker was, said the Colonel.

Did she have any enemies, anyone she was afraid of?

Mrs. De Winter, afraid, said Mrs. Danvers. She was afraid of nothing and no one.

The only thing that worried her was the idea of getting old, the idea of illness, of dying in her bed.

She told me many times that she wanted a painless death.

What's the use of all this, said Favil? Who cares about this Baker fellow? If he had been anyone

important, Danny would know him. Rebecca had no secrets from Danny. Mrs. Danvers was turning

the pages of the diary. Suddenly, she gave an exclamation.

There's something here, she said, the name Baker and a telephone number.

Well, said Maxim, someone should phone that number. Frank, the pain in my stomach was strong.

I stood quite still, my hands by my side. Maxim did not look at me.

Go on, Frank, he said. What are you waiting for? Frank looked at the number.

Then he went through to the little room to make the phone call.

Oh, God, don't let it be true, I thought. Don't let Baker be found.

Frank came back. The number belongs to a doctor's office.

Dr. Baker used to work there, but they said that he retired six months ago.

But I was able to get his address. I wrote it down on this piece of paper.

Maxim looked at me for the first time that evening, and in his eyes I read a message of farewell.

That piece of paper in Frank's hands was enough to separate us forever.

Thank you, Frank, said Maxim. What's the doctor's address?

Somewhere in North London, said Frank, giving him the paper. He was a very well -known woman specialist.

Good work, Crawley, said Colonel Julian, and you too, Mrs. Danvers.

I don't understand, said Mrs. Danvers. Mrs. De Winter never needed a doctor.

She seemed shocked and confused.

Well, there must have been something wrong with her after all, said Colonel Julian.

She was too thin, said Favil. I told her about it, but she only laughed.

And that note to Favil, said Colonel Julian. She was going to tell him the result of the interview with this doctor Baker.

But what was wrong with her? asked Favil.

We have the doctor's address, said Frank. I'll write him a letter.

I don't think he would tell you anything, said Colonel Julian. I think Mr. De Winter should see him and explain.

I'm ready to do whatever you suggest, Maxim said quietly. Shall I go there in the morning?

You'll do anything for more time, said Favil. You can do a lot in 24 hours. You can catch the train or get on a plane.

I saw Mrs. Danvers look at Maxim. I could see from her face that she had understood Favil's

accusation for the first time. She stared at Maxim with doubt and wonder and hatred.

Maxim did not notice her. He's not going alone, said Favil, with a short laugh.

I'll go with Mr. De Winter, said Colonel Julian.

But I will come with you too, said Favil. What time are we going to start in the morning?

Colonel Julian looked at Maxim.

Nine o 'clock, he said.

Nine o 'clock, said Maxim.

Very well then, said Colonel Julian. Perhaps you can take me in your car and Favil will follow us in his.

Colonel Julian came up to me and took my hand.

Good night, he said. Get your husband to bed early if you can. It's going to be a long day.

He avoided my eye. He and Frank left together. Favil and Mrs. Danvers followed.

Maxim and I were alone at last.

I'm coming with you in the morning, I said. Yes, he said. Yes, we must be together as long as we can.

I woke up the next morning at six o 'clock. I got up and went to the window. The trees were covered

in a white mist. There was a chill in the air and a little fresh wind and the cold quiet smell of autumn.

It was the start of a new day at Mandalay. Soon the gardeners would be out, brushing the leaves from the lawns and the paths.

Cleaning would begin in the house. The sound of breakfast preparations would be heard.

The windows would be opened. Life would continue in spite of our troubles.

The piece of Mandalay would not be broken. Flowers would bloom. Birds would build their nests.

Trees would blossom. Mandalay would always be here, safe and secure. No one would ever hurt Mandalay.

Maxim slept on and I did not wake him. The day ahead of us was going to be long and exhausting.

It would be a long drive to London. We did not know what we were going to find at the end of our journey.

Somewhere in London was a man called Baker. He had never heard of us but he held our future in his hands.

I had a bath, got dressed and woke Maxim. He got up and went to the bathroom.

I began packing a few things. We might have to stay in London.

Maxim and I had breakfast together. I went out and stood on the terrace.

The air was fresh and clear now after the rain. It was going to be a lovely day.

Maxim called to me from the house. I went back and put on my coat.

Just before nine o 'clock, Frank arrived. He told us the Colonel was waiting for us at the Lodge Gates.

Frank was going to stay at the office and wait for the news.

We were going in Maxim's car. I climbed in the car beside him.

You will telephone want you, said Frank. Yes, of course, replied Maxim.

He started up the car and we drove away. I looked back at the house. My eyes filled with tears for no reason.

We stopped at the Lodge Gates and picked up Colonel Julian. He got in the back.

When we came to the crossroads, Favell was waiting. He waved and started up his car.

The hours passed and the miles went by. Favell's car kept close behind us. At one o 'clock we had

lunch somewhere. We reached the suburbs of London at about three o 'clock. It was then that I began

to feel tired. The noise and the traffic in London were too much. It was also very warm.

Maxim looked tired and pale, but he did not say anything. The drive through London seemed endless.

We kept stopping to ask people the direction. It was a postman who finally pointed out the house.

Maxim stopped the car and we got out. We walked to the front door. Colonel Julian rang the bell.

A woman opened the door. She looked surprised at the sight of so many of us.

Dr Baker said Colonel Julian, Yes sir, will you come in? She took us into a small room.

We waited there for about five minutes. Then the door opened and a man came into the room.

He was medium height and had grey hair. Forgive me for keeping you waiting, he said,

looking a little surprised to see so many of us. Won't you sit down?

I apologize for disturbing you like this, Dr Baker, said Colonel Julian.

My name is Julian. This is Mr De Winter, Mrs De Winter and Mr Favel.

We are here about the death of the late Mrs De Winter. You may have read about it in the papers

intimately. She would never have done such a thing. She had no reason to.

We want to know why she came to see you the day she died. You had better leave this to Julian

and me, said Maxim quietly. He turned to the doctor.

My late wife's cousin is not satisfied with the verdict, he said. We are here because we found your

name and telephone number in my wife's diary. She had an appointment with you at two o 'clock

on her last day. Could you verify this for us? Dr Baker shook his head.

I'm very sorry, he said, but I think you've made a mistake. I've never had a patient called Mrs De Winter.

Colonel Julian showed him the page he had torn from the diary.

Here it is, written down, he said. Baker, two o 'clock, and here is the telephone number.

That's very strange. Yes, the number is correct, as you say.

Could she have given you a false name? Asked Colonel Julian.

Yes, that's possible, said the doctor.

Do you have any record of the visit in your files? Said Colonel Julian.

I have to ask, because this is an important matter.

Murder, said Favil. Dr Baker raised his eyebrows. I had no idea there was any question of that,

he said. Of course, if you will excuse me for a few minutes, I will go and look up my files.

We waited in silence. Dr Baker came back into the room with a large book and some files.

He opened the book and began turning the pages. None of us moved. We all watched his face.

I saw a Mrs Danvers on the twelfth at two o 'clock, he said.

Danny, why did she... began Favil, but Maxim cut him short. She gave the wrong name, of course, he said.

Do you remember the visit now, Dr Baker?

Dr Baker was searching his files. He found the section for D.

He read it quickly. Yes, he said slowly. Mrs Danvers, I remember now.

Tall, slim, dark, very beautiful, asked Colonel Julian.

Yes, said Dr Baker. The woman who called herself Mrs Danvers was very seriously ill.

It was cancer, he said slowly. She had seen me the week before. She had complained of some symptoms

and I had taken some x -rays of her. She had come back to find out the result.

I remember her exact words. I want to know the truth, she said. If I'm really ill, you can tell

me right away. So I told her. She paid my fee and left. I never saw her again.

He put back the files. There was nothing to be done. In six months time, she would have been dead.

No one said a word. The doctor continued. On the outside, she looked perfectly healthy.

She was not in much pain yet, but it would have come. Everyone was standing up.

We shook hands with Dr Baker and he walked us to the door.

Shall I send you the report? Dr Baker asked.

I don't think we will need it, said Colonel Julian. I will write to you if we do.

Thank you very much for your help.

I'm glad I could help, said Dr Baker. Goodbye. He shot the door.

We went and stood by the car. No one said anything for a few minutes.

Favil looked shocked. His hands were shaking. His face was grey.

She kept it a secret from everyone. Even Danny, he said.

Cancer. Oh my God. Give me a minute to recover.

This thing has been a horrible shock to me.

Pull yourself together, man, said Colonel Julian.

Oh, you're all right, of course, Max, said Favil. You've got nothing to worry about anymore.

You can go back to Mandalay now. You think you've won, don't you?

He paused. But I'm not finished with you yet. No, sir.

Let's get into the car and go, said Colonel Julian to Max.

Favil was watching Max. He had the old unpleasant smile on his lips.

As we drove away, I looked back and saw him standing there watching us.

He waved his hand and laughed.

He can't do anything, said Colonel Julian. He's just bluffing.

Maxim did not answer.

This illness is a terrible thing. The Colonel continued.

I suppose you had no idea.

No, said Maxim.

She could not face pain. She was so young and lovely.

Yes, said Maxim.

We drove on through the suburbs of London. Colonel Julian's sister lived there with her family,

and he said he wanted to have dinner with them. We drove him to her house.

We can't thank you enough, said Maxim, as the Colonel got out of the car.

I've been glad to help, but now you must put the whole thing behind you.

Why don't you get away for a bit? Take a short holiday. Go abroad, perhaps.

Goodbye, both of you. We drove away down the road. I went back in my seat and closed my eyes.

It was finally over. Maxim did not speak. He held my hand.

We drove on through the traffic. I felt full of relief and peace.

Nothing could hurt us anymore.

We had dinner in a restaurant in London. Maxim looked exhausted. He had dark circles under his eyes.

How much of the truth do you think Julian guessed? He asked me. I did not reply.

He knew, he said. Of course he knew, but he will never say anything.

We ordered coffee and sat silently. I believe that Rebecca lied to me deliberately, said Maxim.

She wanted me to kill her. That's why she laughed as she died.

I did not say anything. It was all over. It did not matter anymore.

Perhaps she has one, even now, said Maxim.

What do you mean? How can she have one? I asked.

Maxim didn't reply. He went to call Frank. Ten minutes later, he was back.

Frank was at the office, said Maxim. I told him what had happened. He was glad, relieved.

But he told me something very strange. Mrs. Danvers has left Mandalay. She's gone,

disappeared. There was a long distance call for her at six, which she answered. At a quarter to seven,

she had gone. They could not find her anywhere.

Isn't it a good thing, I said? We don't have to send her away now. It was Faval who phoned her,

of course. But they can't do anything to us.

I don't like it, said Maxim. I don't like it. I felt better and stronger. There was nothing to

worry about at all. Mrs. Danvers had gone. It was going to be very different for us in the future.

Have you finished, said Maxim, suddenly? I want to go now. I have this feeling we must get back

to Mandalay tonight. Something's wrong. I know it is. His face was anxious.

We went to the car and Maxim covered me with a rug. He started the car. I fell asleep at once.

I saw a hundred images when I closed my eyes. Mrs. Van Hopper's hat, the window in the west wing

at Mandalay, Jasper chasing butterflies, Ben smiling at me.

I kept waking up and falling back to sleep and dreaming.

I saw the staircase at Mandalay and Mrs. Danvers standing at the top in her black dress.

I saw Frith and Robert bringing the tea. I saw the boats in the cottage.

Then I found myself alone in the dark woods. I wanted to get to the happy valley, but it was not

there. I woke up suddenly. Maxim, Maxim, I cried.

It's all right, he said. I'm here. I can't sleep, I said.

You've slept for two hours, he said. It's a quarter past two. We'll be home by three.

It was colder than before. It was quite dark. The stars had gone.

What time did you say it was? I asked.

Twenty past two, said Maxim.

That's strange, I said. The dawn seems to be coming up over there behind those hills.

But it can't be, it's too early. It's the wrong direction, he said. You're looking west.

I went on watching the sky. It seemed to get lighter. Little by little, the red light spread

across the sky. That's not the dawn, he said. That's Mandalay. I glanced at him and saw his face.

I saw his eyes. He drove faster, much faster.

Maxim, I said. Maxim, what is it?

We reached the top of the hill. The road to Mandalay lay ahead. There was no moon.

The sky above our heads was inky black, but the sky in front of us was not dark at all.

It was full of red light, like a splash of blood, and the wind from the sea blew towards us.

It carried us the grey ashes of Mandalay.