牙医谋杀案01

ONE, TWO, BUCKLE¹ MY SHOE

I
Mr. Morley was not in the best of tempers at breakfast. He complained of the bacon, wonderedwhy the coffee had to have the appearance of liquid mud, and remarked that breakfast cereals wereeach one worse than the last.

Mr. Morley was a small man with a decided² jaw³ and a pugnacious⁴ chin. His sister, who kepthouse for him, was a large woman rather like a female grenadier. She eyed her brotherthoughtfully and asked whether the bath water had been cold again.

Rather grudgingly⁶, Mr. Morley said it had not.

He glanced at the paper and remarked that the Government seemed to be passing from a state ofincompetence to one of positive imbecility!

Miss Morley said in a deep bass⁷ voice that it was Disgraceful!

As a mere⁸ woman she had always found whatever Government happened to be in powerdistinctly useful. She urged her brother on to explain why the Government’s present policy wasinconclusive, idiotic⁹, imbecile and frankly¹⁰ suicidal!

When Mr. Morley had expressed himself fully⁵ on these points, he had a second cup of thedespised coffee and unburdened himself of his true grievance¹¹.

“These girls,” he said, “are all the same! Unreliable, self-centred—not to be depended on in anyway.”

Miss Morley said interrogatively:

“Gladys?”

“I’ve just had the message. Her aunt’s had a stroke and she’s had to go down to Somerset.”

Miss Morley said:

“Very trying, dear, but after all hardly the girl’s fault.”

Mr. Morley shook his head gloomily.

“How do I know the aunt has had a stroke? How do I know the whole thing hasn’t beenarranged between the girl and that very unsuitable young fellow she goes about with? That youngman is a wrong ’un if I ever saw one! They’ve probably planned some outing together for today.”

“Oh, no, dear, I don’t think Gladys would do a thing like that. You know, you’ve always foundher very conscientious¹².”

“Yes, yes.”

“An intelligent girl and really keen on her work, you said.”

“Yes, yes, Georgina, but that was before this undesirable¹³ young man came along. She’s beenquite different lately—quite different—absentminded—upset—nervy.”

The Grenadier produced a deep sigh. She said:

“After all, Henry, girls do fall in love. It can’t be helped.”

Mr. Morley snapped:

“She oughtn’t to let it affect her efficiency as my secretary. And today, in particular, I’mextremely busy! Several very important patients. It is most trying!”

“I’m sure it must be extremely vexing¹⁴, Henry. How is the new boy shaping, by the way?”

Henry Morley said gloomily:

“He’s the worst I’ve had yet! Can’t get a single name right and has the most uncouth¹⁵ manners.

If he doesn’t improve I shall sack him and try again. I don’t know what’s the good of oureducation nowadays. It seems to turn out a collection of nitwits who can’t understand a singlething you say to them, let alone remember it.”

He glanced at his watch.

“I must be getting along. A full morning, and that Sainsbury Seale woman to fit in somewhereas she is in pain. I suggested that she should see Reilly, but she wouldn’t hear of it.”

“Of course not,” said Georgina loyally.

“Reilly’s very able—very able indeed. First-class diplomas. Thoroughly¹⁶ up-to-date in hiswork.”

“His hand shakes,” said Miss Morley. “In my opinion he drinks.”

Her brother laughed, his good temper restored. He said:

“I’ll be up for a sandwich at half past one as usual.”

 

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