"He chose the wrong minute to say that.
Something has happened."
"Jerry," said Joanna. "I don't think I like this." For the first time, there was a note of fear in her voice.
I did not answer, for I, too, did not like it...
Such a peaceful smiling happy countryside - and down underneath something evil...
It was as though at that moment I had a premonition of all that was to come...
The days passed.
We went and played bridge at the Symmingtons and Mrs. Symmington annoyed me a good deal by the way she referred to Megan.
"The poor child's so awkward. They are at that age, when they've left school and before they are properly grown up."
Joanna said sweetly, "But Megan's twenty, isn't she?"
"Oh, yes, yes.
But of course, she's very young for her age. Quite a child still.
It's so nice, I think, when girls don't grow up too quickly."
She laughed.
"I expect all mothers want their children to remain babies."
"I can't think why," said Joanna.
"After all, it would be a bit awkward if one had a child who remained mentally six while his body grew up."
Mrs. Symmington looked annoyed and said Miss Burton mustn't take things so literally.
I was pleased with Joanna, and it occurred to me that I did not really much care for Mrs. Symmington.
That anaemic middle-aged prettiness concealed, I thought, a selfish, grasping nature.
Joanna asked maliciously if Mrs. Symmington were going to give a dance for Megan.
"A dance?"
Mrs. Symmington seemed surprised and amused.
"Oh, no, we don't do things like that down here."
"I see.
Just tennis parties and things like that."
"Our tennis court has not been played on for years.
Neither Richard nor I play.
I suppose, later, when the boys grow up - oh, Megan will find plenty to do.
She's quite happy just pottering about, you know.
Let me see, did I deal? Two no trumps."
As we drove home, Joanna said with a vicious pressure on the accelerator pedal that made the car leap forward:
"I feel awfully sorry for that girl."
"Megan?"
"Yes.
Her mother doesn't like her."
"Oh, come now, Joanna, it's not as bad as that."
"Yes, it is.
Lots of mothers don't like their children.
Megan, I should imagine, is an awkward sort of creature to have about the house.
She disturbs the pattern - the Symmington pattern.
It's a complete unit without her - and that's a most unhappy feeling for a sensitive creature to have - and she is sensitive."
"Yes," I said, "I think she is."
I was silent a moment.
Joanna suddenly laughed mischievously.
"Bad luck for you about the governess."
"I don't know what you mean," I said with dignity.
"Nonsense.
Masculine chagrin was written on your face every time you looked at her.
I agree with you, it is a waste.