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Laura too was mystified. The whole conversation was personal. She could not imagine why he had sent for her.

‘I had my reasons,’ said Brad, 'but if you turn down my suggestion there’s no point in discussing the matter any more.’ He looked across at his secretary. ‘I’m sorry to have dragged you up here for nothing.’

Helen’s attitude completely stunned Laura. She could not believe that this was the same charming, friendly person, but as she turned to go Helen’s voice halted her.

‘Wait. Now you’ve gone this far, Brad, you may as well tell us how Laura fits into the picture.’ Her expression suggested that she thought little of the idea of involving the other girl.

Brad’s tones were low but firm. ‘No. I was wrong to want to discuss this matter without haying told you first.’ His eyes were troubled as he looked at Laura. ‘If you wouldn’t mind?’

‘Of course.' Laura closed the door gently, deeply disturbed by the scene that had taken place. It was incredible that Helen should have such an unpleasant side to her nature, or was that the true person, and the delightful girl of yesterday a front for her benefit? Slowly she went downstairs, confused and unable to decide which was the real person. It must be a family trait, she said to herself ironically, for both Brad and his sister to have dual personalities.

Back in the lounge she no longer felt like knitting. Helen’s reaction worried her. Surely the possibility of a cure should produce excitement? Anything would be better than the prospect of spending the rest of her life as an invalid. It was unbelievable that she should flatly reject Brad’s offer after all the" trouble he had taken. He looked so worried when asking her to leave. If only there was something she could do. But what? It was obvious Helen would not listen to any pleas Laura made on Brad’s behalf. It was up to Brad himself to persuade his sister.

The logs glowed red and as Laura stared thoughtfully at the ever-changing pattern she did not hear the door quietly open, or footsteps cross the room.

She jumped as Brad’s voice broke into her thoughts. ‘So there you are. I’ve been looking for you.'

He sank wearily on to the companion armchair at the other side of the fireplace. Tired lines etched round his eyes and mouth made Laura want to comfort him. She forgot the row they had had earlier, forgot the way he treated her when something went wrong with his work. He was a tired, worried man and needed a woman’s care.

All at once he smiled, his face clearing miraculously. 'I think I've persuaded her,’ he said, his voice low and vibrant. ‘At least, she’s promised to think it over, and knowing Helen that’s as good as saying yes.’

'I'm so pleased. Do you really think that this specialist will cure her?’ Laura’s eagerness brought a glow to her eyes. It would be wonderful if Helen could walk again. There would be no more bitterness, she could take up her life as an actress and Brad would be relieved of the responsibility of looking after her—a burden he would be more than pleased to relinquish, if Helen was to be believed. The trouble was, Laura was not now sure which was truth and which had been a story conjured up by Helen for her benefit.

'I've every confidence in Doctor Jorgensen. If he can’t help, no one can. God knows she's seen enough doctors. But this one’s top-notch. I’m sorry to have involved you in that scene just now. I didn’t know she’d react like that. I thought that perhaps your presence would help, but I was wrong.’

She made an involuntary gesture towards him. ‘Don’t worry, So long as she’s agreed that's all that matters.’

He nodded his thanks and selected a cigar from a box on a marble-topped low table, Laura watched as he lighted it, the smoke spiralling upwards. His square brown hands did not look as though they belonged to a writer. They were strong and capable like those of a manual worker. In fact his whole body held a strength, a vitality. He looked in perfect physical condition. It must be all his dashing about, thought Laura inconsequentially, for he didn’t take any other form of exercise as far as she knew.

He frowned as he smoked, as though trying to solve a problem. Eventually he spoke. ‘Laura, I’m sorry for my behaviour this afternoon. I ought not to have shouted like that.’

His peace-offering moved her deeply. He was a proud man and she knew how much it must have cost him to apologise. 'I, too, was at fault. I should have let you explain—do you think you could tell me now?’ She lowered her eyes. ‘I couldn’t help overhearing you scolding Helen.’ Looking from beneath her lashes, she saw the surprise on his face. ‘So as it seems I’ve become unintentionally involved I should like to know more about your sister and why she shuts herself away.’

Brad stood, his back to the fire, looking down into his secretary’s troubled face. 'I wish I knew what went on inside that head of hers.’ Lips compressed, he turned, flicking his unfinished cigar into the dying embers. ‘She’s been entirely different since the accident. She used to be so full of fun and life, and now look at her—more bitter every day.’ His voice became hard. ‘It’s all my fault. I did this to her—took away the very life she lived for.’

Laura failed to understand Brad’s reasoning—unless there was something she still did not know. She spoke softly, ‘How can you be to blame?’

He swung round. ‘Didn’t she tell you? I was driving at the time of the accident and she doesn’t let me forget it. It’s her own idea to stay up there. She won’t
let
anyone see her—that’s why I was so amazed when I found out that you’d been up. I thought she’d be distraught and that I’d have another of her scenes.’

The anguish in his eyes caused Laura’s heart to fill with sympathy. 'I'm sorry. I see now why you reacted so violently, but at the time I honestly thought Helen was telling the truth.’

‘And condemned me straight away?’

Laura looked at him sharply, but he was smiling. ‘Well—yes, but I had no reason to disbelieve Helen. If only you’d told me! David said you lived with your sister and I was puzzled when no mention was made of her.’

His lips curved humorously. ‘Our first meeting hardly rated confidences. I hope that will all be changed now.' Laura, who had been watching a shower of sparks shoot up the chimney as one of the remaining logs changed its position, raised her head at the unusual warmth in his voice, but his face belied little of his feelings.

Clasping his hands behind his back. Brad walked across to the window, turning there to look directly at Laura. ‘When Helen goes to London I want you to go with her. He paused a moment, watching the effect his request had on Laura. ‘I have a flat there which you can use. She’ll need someone close at hand.’

Surprised that Brad should even contemplate her accompanying his sister after the way Helen had spoken, Laura cried, ‘Oh, no, Brad, it wouldn’t work. I did once feel that Helen and I might be friends, but after hearing her . . . And what about your typing?'

'To hell with my work. Helen’s future’s more important at the moment. You don t know how it grieves me to have her sit up there day after day, knowing it’s my fault. I never thought she was the type to do a thing like this. When we were children one of our friends was an invalid and Helen was always the first to talk to him. The other children made fun, but never Helen.'

‘Don’t you see,' said Laura, ‘that’s probably why she acts like this. She’s afraid people will make fun of her as they did that child.’

‘Mmm.’ He returned to his chair. ‘You could be right, but I don’t think her friends would treat her like that. It’s only when we’re children that we’re cruel.’

‘True, but obviously Helen has a fixation about being made fun of—or pitied—which is just as bad. I hope this doctor can help.’

‘You can say that again. It would be the end as far as Helen’s concerned if she allowed herself to be subjected to further treatment only to find it all in vain. She’s suffered enough these last twelve months.’ His eyes met and pleaded with hers. ‘You will go? It’s no good me going—she resents me far too much. Have a word with her now. I’m sure she didn’t mean half the things she said.’

‘If you really think—? She
was
quite friendly towards me in the beginning, so perhaps—’

Laura was doubtful whether Helen would appreciate her interfering, but if Brad wished it, she was employed to do as he asked. He had made that clear from the beginning.

They rose together. Laura, forgetting the bag of knitting at the side of her chair, caught her foot in the handle and stumbled. Immediately Brad sprang forward, his arms protectively around her. At his touch every fibre of her being seemed to be on fire and as she lifted her head to thank him his lips came down on hers. For a second she gave herself up to the thrill of his kiss, then remembrance of the other girls who had fallen for his charm came flooding back. With heightened colour she pushed herself away. She had no desire to be classed in the same category. Shooting him an indignant glance, she rushed from the room.

At the foot of the stairs she paused. His embrace had disturbed her more than she cared to admit. Was she falling in love with this temperamental man? There were times when she hated the sight of him, yet others when—? Perhaps it was compassion she felt, compassion for the sadness and regret he showed over his sister’s behaviour? No one likes to see a man so disturbed, least of all a man of Brad’s disposition.

‘I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that.’

Laura felt Brad’s hand, warm and slightly unsteady, on her shoulder and knew she daren’t turn to face him. It must surely be reflected, in her face that she had enjoyed his kiss, that the touch of his lips had awoken an undreamed-of response. She closed her eyes, willing herself to shut out the memory of his compelling dark eyes; the hard strength of his body against hers.

'It—it’s all right, Brad. Let’s forget it.’ Without a backward glance she climbed the stairs, fully aware that he watched until she disappeared from his view.

Outside Helen’s door she waited until the strength returned to her limbs, the irrational thudding of her heart subsided. She had no desire to explain to Helen the reason for her breathlessness or increased colour.

The reply to her knock was clear and loud, and as Laura entered she was relieved to see Helen’s friendly smile. Whatever Brad had said it was plain that she had overcome her antipathy.

Laura sat on the edge of the bed looking across at the other girl. Helen’s breathtaking loveliness struck her anew as the light from the crystal chandelier enhanced her perfect bone structure and faultless complexion. It was truly sad, she thought, that the world should be deprived of so beautiful an actress, and she fervently hoped that this further treatment would be a success.

‘Brad tells me that you’ve agreed to see this specialist, Helen. I’m so glad. I’m sure you’re doing the right thing.’

Helen’s smile faded. ‘Are you ? I wish I had your confidence. I swore after the last time that I’d never see another doctor, but Brad assures me that this one’s different.’

‘Then I’m sure he must he, Helen—’ Laura hesitated, not sure how to phrase her next sentence, 'I'm sorry if I upset you this morning. I didn’t mean to. I had no idea how you felt.’

‘Brad’s been talking about me ?’ Helen’s lips curled in contempt. ‘What else has he told you that you didn’t already know?’

‘You’re wrong, Helen. Brad hasn’t said anything at all except how guilty he feels. You see, I accidentally overheard him telling you off when I came up earlier.’

‘So he’s arranged this specialist to appease his own conscience? Not because he’s concerned about me?’ She pouted, spoiling for a moment her well shaped lips.

‘Of course not,’ indignantly. ‘Brad thinks the world of you. He wants to help. It’s sheer bad luck the accident happened while he was driving, but you can’t blame him for it. It could have been anyone. Forget what happened. Concentrate on getting better—you do want to walk again?’

‘What do
you
think? I don’t enjoy living in this dead- and-alive hole. I’d give anything to get back to my old life, my old friends—if they haven’t forgotten me.’ Longing combined with discontent in these last words revealing an inner torture, Laura could not help feeling sorry for the other girl even though she now knew that it was Helen’s own fault her friends had deserted her. She had no one to blame but herself for her present boredom and loneliness.

‘How would you like it if I came with you to London?’ asked Laura lightly. ‘Then I could see you every day. There’s nothing worse than being in a strange place on your own. I’ve learned that from bitter experience.’

‘Would you?’ Helen’s voice rose hopefully, then dropped. ‘But Brad—he’d never let you. He thinks more of his work than me.’

‘Brad’s already asked, so you have nothing to worry about.’ Laura rose and dropped a kiss on Helen’s cheek. ‘Everything’s going to be all right, you’ll see. Goodnight'

Not wishing to run the risk of bumping into Brad again, Laura went straight to her own room. Without switching on the light she crossed to the window and stared out at the luminous moon which enhanced the countryside in its silvery beam. It looked so inviting that impulsively she slipped a coat round her shoulders and quietly let herself out of the house.

The air was cold, but Laura welcomed its freshness against her hot cheeks. The memory of Brad’s kiss was uppermost in her mind and she could not help wondering what had motivated him. Was it because he wanted to kiss her or was it an impulsive reaction caused by their being thrust together? She did not think he was a man usually given to impulses, but on the other hand he had never given her any reason to believe that he held any affection for her. Apart from the two occasions they had met in Shrewsbury he had had scant regard for her feelings, in fact he seemed to enjoy humiliating her whenever possible.

The shrill hoot of an owl startled Laura. She had wandered farther than she intended. The house was now out of sight and heavy moisture in the grass and leaves beneath the trees soon soaked through her shoes. She shivered, pulling her thin coat more closely. Retracing her steps, she gently pushed open the heavy door. Not wishing to disturb anyone, she took off her shoes and padded with wet feet across the cold marble floor. She had almost reached the staircase when Brad’s study door opened. Caught in the stream of light, Laura looked guiltily over her shoulder.