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’Of course, Mrs Osborne, I understand I a In ht for a measure of self - control ’Thank you, Mr Ricardo I appreciate all you have done How much do I owe you?’

’Well, you have already paid for the teeks in advance, and my expenses came to seventy - three dollars!

Anne passed him a hundred - dollar note and rose froe, Mrs Osborne’

She shook her head and waved a disinterested hand

’Are you feeling all right, Mrs Osborne? You look a little pale to ?’

’I’m fine,’ lied Anne

’Perhaps you would allow me to drive you home?’

’No, thank you, Mr, Ricardo, I’ll be able to get myself horne’ She turned and smiled at him ’It was kind of you to offer9 Glen Ricardo closed the door quietly behind his client, walked slowly to the , bit the end off his last big cigax~ spat it out and cursed his job

Anne paused at the top of the stairs, clinging to the banister, al her feel nauseous She found a cab on the cbmer of the block and, huddled in the back, was unable to stop herself sobbing or to think what to do nexti As soon as she was dropped at the Red House, she went to her bedroo The telephone was ringing as she entered the room, and she picked it up, ht be

’Could I speak to Mrs Kane, please?’

She recognised Alan’s clipped tone at once Another tired, unhappy voice

’Hello, Alan 71 - iis is Anne!

’Anne, ’s news!

’How do you know about it, Alan, how can you possibly know? Who told you?’

’City Hall phoned