I wonder why.'
'It was Maxim's idea,' I said, 'he seems to prefer it.
I She said nothing, she went on looking at the windows, and whistling.
'How do you get on with Mrs Danvers?' she said suddenly.
I bent down, and began patting Jasper's head, and stroking his ears.
'I have not seen very much of her,' I said; 'she scares me a little.
I've never seen anyone quite like her before.'
'I don't suppose you have,' said Beatrice.
Jasper looked up at me with great eyes, humble, rather self-conscious. I kissed the top of his silken head, and put my hand over his black nose.
'There's no need to be frightened of her,' said Beatrice; 'and don't let her see it, whatever you do.
Of course I've never had anything to do with her, and I don't think I ever want to either.
However, she's always been very civil to me.'
I went on patting Jasper's head.
'Did she seem friendly?' said Beatrice.
'No,' I said. 'No, not very.'
Beatrice began whistling again, and she rubbed Jasper's head with her foot.
'I shouldn't have more to do with her than you can help,' she said.
'No,' I said. 'She runs the house very efficiently, there's no need for me to interfere.',
'Oh, I don't suppose she'd mind that,' said Beatrice.
That was what Maxim had said, the evening before, and I thought it odd that they should both have the same opinion.
I should have imagined that interference was the one thing Mrs Danvers did not want.
'I dare say she will get over it in time,' said Beatrice, 'but it may make things rather unpleasant for you at first.
Of course she's insanely jealous.
I was afraid she would be.'
'Why?' I asked, looking up at her, 'why should she be jealous?
Maxim does not seem to be particularly fond of her.'
'My dear child, it's not Maxim she's thinking of,' said Beatrice;
'I think she respects him and all that, but nothing more very much. 'No, you see,' — she paused, frowning a little, looking at me uncertainly — 'she resents your being here at all, that's the trouble.'
'Why?' I said, 'why should she resent me?'
'I thought you knew,' said Beatrice;
'I thought Maxim would have told you.
She simply adored Rebecca.'
'Oh,' I said.
'Oh, I see.'
We both went on patting and stroking Jasper, who, unaccustomed to such attention, rolled over on his back in ecstasy.
'Here are the men,' said Beatrice, 'let's have some chairs out and sit under the chestnut.
How fat Giles is getting, he looks quite repulsive beside Maxim.
I suppose Frank will go back to the office.
What a dull creature he is, never has anything interesting to say. Well, all of you.
What have you been discussing?
Pulling the world to bits, I suppose.'
She laughed, and the others strolled towards us, and we stood about.
Giles threw a twig for Jasper to retrieve.
We all looked at Jasper.
Mr Crawley looked at his watch.
'I must be off,' he said; 'thank you very much for lunch, Mrs de Winter,'
'You must come often,' I said, shaking hands.
I wondered if the others would go too.
I was not sure whether they had just come over for lunch or to spend the day.
I hoped they would go.