YOUNG TRACY

Rosalind Brett

For years Maggie Tracy had lived in Pyanga, Central Africa with her parents. She loved the rugged
land and, at twenty-one, was content with her life.
However, things began to change when she met Nick Heward, the tall, arrogant engineer who was
working on a project at Pyanga Gorge.

CHAPTER ONE
NO one bothered much about the sudden evening wind. At this time of the year it invariably sprang up
around six and died within an hour, and possibly the only people who really noticed it were those
Africans walking the paths between the river and the various groups of family huts. To Maggie, it
was just part of the day, like the lull in trade round about eleven in the morning and the good-natured
stream of customers that began around four in the afternoon. At five-thirty she always reminded Zeth
to turn the key in the lock, and thereafter only those already within the store remained to be served.
Tonight, the place was empty by six, and Zeth got out his broom to tidy up the littered floor.
Maggie, as usual, took the delivery book into the back office ready to enter in the rough day-book
the white peoples purchases; they all ran accounts.
She pushed back a reddish lock of hair, lit a cigarette and sat down at the scarred little desk. Then
for a moment, from habit, she just sat there staring through the small window at the bare red earth at
the back of the store, at the scrawny papaw trees which somehow managed to produce a few fruit, the
wilderness of thorn and meranti trees behind them. Dry, hot, dusty Africa ... yet since she had come
here three years ago she had known she would never want to live elsewhere.
A loud rapping at the front door of the store broke in upon the task. She listened to the Africans
sudden silence, called, Who is it, Zeth?
The tall black boy came to the door of the office. A white man, missus.
Do we know him?
No, missus. Big white man, very important.
Maggie never turned away customers. All Right. Open the door. Ill come through.
She pressed out her cigarette, stuffed the blue shirt more neatly into the top of her slacks and ran a
hand over her hair. As she turned she caught sight of herself in the small speckled mirror on the wall,
saw a roundish tanned face with a short straight nose, a wide, well-formed mouth, high cheekbones
and clear green eyes, and as usual was unimpressed. A few years ago she had longed to be ravenhaired and dark-eyed; now, she was so contented with life that it didnt matter how she looked. Quite
an achievement, at twenty-one.
She went through behind the back counter, blinked slightly at the proportions of the man who was
standing looking about him at the vast array of goods in the shop.
He wore breeches and a white shirt, open at the neck. His hair was straight and brown, brushed
well back from a peak at the centre, and he had thick brows above deep-set eyes which were either
grey or dark bluein the shadowed shop it was difficult to be sure about them. His features were
long and angular, the nose humped a little at the bridge, and there was a calculating just at the jaw, as

if he were weighing the place up. Anyone would think he had come in to buy the whole store, thought
Maggie, half-amused, half-vexed.
Perhaps the vexation was responsible for the trace of acid in her enquiry: Can I help you?
He looked at her, spoke deeply and lazily, I dont think you can. Is the owner around?
Im afraid not. Hes in England, and Im running the place during his absence. What were you
needing?
A number of things. No man here?
Not really. Don Caldwell helps a little, but he has his own place to run. We have almost
everything anyone can need, so if youll tell me your requirements... She let it tail off, and waited.
He said carelessly, arrogantly, Im Nick Heward. Heard about me?
Oh, yes. You came up on a survey trip some weeks agosomething to do with a bridge at Pyanga
Gorge. Are they going to build it?
Dont you ever read the newspapers? Its quite a project, and Im here now to get it started. Can I
rely on you for supplies?
Of course.
Can you deliver to the camp site?
Where is it?
About three miles from herejust this side of the gorge.
Thats easy. What will you need to start with?
He shrugged. Thirty bags of mealies, twenty bags of meal, a dozen bags of beans, a sack of salt,
some canned meats and white flour, cheese, eggs, preserves, and so on.
Maggie stared. But ... but I doubt if we have thirty bags of mealies in the place ... or the beans and
meal. Were forty miles from town, so I cant get them up for you very quickly.
I must have it, he said. Workers have to be fed from the day they arrive. You can send the stuff
along in two or three instalments, if you like, but get busy on it tomorrow. He paused, glanced
overhead at the dozens of flowered cotton frocks hanging in rows from the rafters. This could be a
big thing for you, you know. Apart from the supplies well need, the boys will have money to spend
at the end of each month. Theyll clean you out of this junk for their wives and girl-friends back in the
villages.
Its not junk!

Hey, there, he murmured, with a surprised inflection, Dont flash those green eyes at me. You
wouldnt be here if you didnt need cash, and Im putting some your way. He appraised her, openly.
Its says outside that the owner is Robert Tracy. Whos he?
My father.
And hes gone to England?
She nodded. With my mother.
Leaving pint-sized you to run the place all alone? I dont believe it.
To Maggie, who prided herself on her five-feet-five, this was an insult. I know this business inside
out, she said warmly. My father bought it four years ago, and I came out a year later. Ive helped
here for three years!
Make a good profit?
Enough, she said frigidly.
Does that mean you can do without my business? He didnt wait for her reply, but asked
seriously, What made you come to Central Africa?
My father retired from the Navy and couldnt settle. He fancied Africa and my mother was willing
to try it. There was no question of farming because they hadnt the capital and this store was going
cheap, so he bought it. My brother came out for a holiday, but he went back to university.
So he gets higher education, your parents travel and you produce the wherewithal, he said
conversationally, but with a faint keenness in his glance. Very cosy.
Its not like that at all. Roy had an accident on his motorcycle and his head and shoulders were
damaged; he needs long medical treatment. My mother had to go over and she couldnt travel alone
shes not the kind. Don and I can manage here.
Don is a friend?
She nodded, a trifle belligerently. He cant do much here during the day because hes trying to get
a small farm going, but I can always call on him when I need help. The two of us will see that you get
your supplies, Mr. Heward.
I hope you will, he said coolly. Its essential that we never run short of anything. If you let me
down, Ill have to place future orders in town.
Maggies independent spirit rebelled, but she contrived a distant smile. We shant let you down.
As you havent given me a specific order, Ill send out everything we can spare tomorrow and put in
a priority request for more supplies. She flicked a few grains of rice from the counter and added
politely, Thank you for the business. Were very grateful.

Youre welcome, but he still sounded cool. Whats your name?

Maggie Tracy.
Maggie for Margaret?
No, Margot. Though what it had to do with Mr. Heward she didnt know. What about food for
tonight and tomorrow morning?
Im staying in Orvumba with the doctor till we make camp, some time tomorrow. Thanks for the
thought, he said with faint sarcasm. If you do manage to supply us, youll get the companys cheque
promptly at the end of each month. So long.
She answered him automatically, found herself waiting there to see his vehicle, a rakish green ranch
wagon, pass the shop window. Then she felt the Africans dull stare, and looked at him.
That will be all for tonight, she said briskly, above a quickened heartbeat. Early tomorrow, Zeth
not later than six. We have to look out for that stuff for Mr. Heward.
Zeth at once rested his broom against the nearest counter, said a thick Goonight, missus, and
ambled out of the shop to put up the steel wire burglar-proofing and fasten its padlocks.
Maggie took the keys of the runabout from her pocket, went out of the store into the stoep and locked
up. She ran down to the trodden, dusty expanse in front of the long white building, crossed to where
the shabby little van stood in the shade of a merula tree, and got into it.
It was darkening swiftly. A hyacinth blue sky overhead, deep purple in the east and a brassy haze
where the sun had gone down. The heat swirled with the wind, she felt grit in her eyes as she turned
the small van and made out towards the gravel road. It was eight miles to Dons place, and though she
drove fast it was practically dark by the time she ran off the road into the barren space in front of the
square house.
She leapt the steps, tapped on the open door and went small-living-room which, in spite of its
newness, had a slightly Victorian atmosphere because Mrs. Caldwell liked many odds and ends of
furniture about the place.
Oh, hallo, Mrs. Caldwell, she said breezily. Is Don around?
The other woman got stiffly to her feet. No, my dear, hes been out all afternoon at a sale, trying to
get some cheap dairy equipment. If he got what he wanted, I doubt whether hell be back yet. The
farm thats selling up is right away in the bundu.
Oh, dear. Maggie checked her own fever of disappointment, said with a smile, I dont quite
know where I am! Ive had the greatest luck, but I cant handle it without Don.
Luck? What sort of luck?

Maggie explained quickly, found she couldnt help laughing the sheer pleasure of contemplating the
huge orders from the bridge-building company and her fathers delight. So you see, she ended, I
simply have to get busy right away. I hoped Don would come over tonight and help me separate as
much as I can spare from the stocks, and then wed plan about picking up more stuff in the town.
Using his new truck, I suppose?
Well ... yes, Maggie said quietly. Naturally, the store pay so much a mile for the use of it. Im
sure Don would agree.
Im sure he would, too, commented Mrs. Caldwell, in dry flat tones. Hed do anything for you,
and you know it. Im not blaming you, Maggie, but I do feel you take advantage of him without giving
him anything in return. He never does anything around this farm without wondering whether youll
like it, and even today hes gone after dairy equipment because you said machines are much more
hygienic than the old methods the Africans use.
But that was only in discussion, weeks ago! said Maggie, ignoring the sudden chill at her heart. I
didnt even know there was a sale today. If you didnt want him to have it, you should have made an
issue of it.
The others glance was resigned. I want him to have whatever he wants, she said. Ive never
spoken to you about this before because Don has always been somewhere near, but I do feel its time
you faced things. I dont take to girlsI never havebut Ive always realized that some day Don
would marry, and that Id have to accept his wife as a daughter. Im prepared, now, to welcome his
wife. Id never make trouble in his homeyou can be sure of that. But its one thing to wait and hope
for him to marry, and quite another to watch him make a fool of himself.
I really dont know what you mean. Color had come up under Maggies golden tan and distress
deepened the green of her eyes. Don and I have been good friends for a long time, and he was
terribly anxious to promise my father hed be on hand whenever I needed him. He hasnt had to help
very much so far because everythings gone smoothly, but now I do need him, terribly. I just cant
deal with this new business unless Don chips in with the truck. Im depending on it.
I see that, commented Mrs. Caldwell, in her crisp, unhurried accents. Youre thinking only of
your own family. I know your father couldnt have found it easy to take your mother to England. That
kind of excursion can be very costly, and I suppose therell be heavy expenses for your brother. Still,
theyre not my concern. Don is the only one I worry about, and I dont like having to worry. It gives
me headaches. She stood back and looked critically at the effect of the glazed chintz, and added with
studied coolness, You dont really care for Don, do you, Maggie?
Of course I care for him, said Maggie confusedly. Hes my best friend.
But you dont care as he would like you to. There was no answer to this, and Mrs. Caldwell went
on evenly, Im very glad we have this chance to talk things over. Girls are so often apt to bother only
about their own viewpoint and they ignore other peoples feelings. But its as well to remind them
that theres another side to every question. You do realize that if you ask Don to do you immense

favors, youre putting yourself in his debt ... dont you?

Well, of course, but financially...
We both know that to Don the financial aspect wont be very important. If you ask him, hell
neglect his own land in order to get your supplies from town. Youll make this new business of yours
as important to him as it is to you. She ended sharply, You know that!
Maggie said desperately, Hed be doing it as much for my father as for me. After all, it was my
father who asked him to help if necessary.
Oh, come now. Dont lets quibble. Im not against you, Maggie. I only want you to see exactly
what youre doing. So far, youve demanded very little of Don, but this is something big.
Deliberately, she added, If you can give him nothing, its hardly fair to ask anything of him, is it?
She said dispiritedly, I cant see that all this matters. Don doesnt ask payment for his favorsnot
the sort of payment you mean, Mrs. Caldwell. Id want him to do this for me as if I were a man; its
for the store, not for me personally.
You want everything to turn out conveniently for yourself, said Mrs. Caldwell unemotionally.
Im sorry, but I think its time you understood how things are. I feel sure he hopes to marry you. If
you cant accept him, be kind to him and leave him alone. Dont, for heavens sake, give him false
hope by asking favors of him. Believe me, its more than he could stand.
Just then there was nothing more Maggie could say. Perhaps it was fortunate that the houseboy came
in with a message which drew the older woman away. Maggie said a swift goodbye and went back to
the runabout. She got behind the wheel and started driving, but she was halfway home before she
could sort out her reactions. And what alarming reactions they were!
For one thing, her emotions were surprisingly positive. She had a strong affection for Don
Caldwell, but no love. She desperately wanted his help, but not at the price of becoming entangled
with him. Of so much she was sure. Yet how in the world was she to cope with this situation if Don
was not to be consulted and used?
She took the rutted lane beside the store, drove for a couple of hundred yards and pulled in outside
her fathers house. The houseboy, George, got up from where he had been sitting on the red polished
steps and slouched indoors, and Maggie followed him as far as the living-room, where everything
was light African oak and pale blue linen with tiny pink roses all over it. A pretty room, such as one
would imagine only women inhabiting. No signs here of the uncommunicative Robert Tracy, nor many
of Maggie. It had always disappointed Mrs. Tracy that her daughter was not fair and clinging, like
herself; she had a strong distaste for vital red hair.
She washed, and ate the rough steak the boy served, took a lantern and went back to the store. But
there were no answers there. She could supply huge quantities of provisions and other things to the
bridge site, or she could admit it was impossible. And being Maggie, who had travelled from
England to Central Africa and already run the store for a month almost on her own, she would not

admit defeat.
So far, so good, she thought next morning, on her way back from town. The runabout groaned with
the weight it carried, and she had prevailed on the wholesalers to send out another load later in the
day.
Bush gave way to grass and low plants covered with mauve and white blossom. There was a
pungent smell of bog myrtle, and ahead she could see a few tents, a marquee and the beginnings of a
prefabricated house with Africans working upon it.
The big marquee, Maggie supposed, was a temporary office. A boy had already approached to
unload the van, but someone in the marquee would know where the supplies had to be stored. She
blew back a sweat-damp tendril as she walked, found herself wondering, much to her amazement, if
she looked frightful.
She had no time to think further. Her shadow must have been visible through the canvas, for Nick
Heward appeared at the corner of the marquee and looked straight at her, without apparent pleasure.
Good morning, he said tersely. Dont stand there in the sun. Come inside.
Conscious of the rolled-up hems of her slacks and the windblown red-gold hair, she preceded him
into the still heat and dimness of the marquee, and sat on the folding chair beside the small desk. He
remained standing.
Something to report? he asked.
Not really. Dash it, why should she feel nervous! This sense of obligation to him put her at a
disadvantage. She said more firmly, Ive brought you a load of goodsfood, soaps, kerosene, and
so on. Id like someone to check it off the van, if you dont mind.
Got the tally with you?
She took the papers from the pocket of her shirt. Yes. As a matter of fact I checked the stuff into the
van at the wholesalers, so its all there.
Good. Then we wont bother to check this time. You say you brought the stuff from the
wholesalersin town?
Thats right. I went to see them, to make sure theyd send out plenty of supplies at regular
intervals. Therell be another load along later in the day.
I see. He paused, and the grey-blue eyes scanned her, coolly. Is this friend of yoursCaldwell
outside?
No, Im alone.
Youve driven eighty-odd miles on the job? You must have been up early.

No earlier than usual. I thought Id get the thing straightened out as soon as I could.
He shifted a little in the gold-tinted dimness of the tent. I hate to say this, because I believe you
really want the custom, but I cant have things go on in this way. If your father were here Id leave it
with him, but I just cant leave it with a girl. Its too much of a responsibility. Before she could
voice the swift protest, be went on, When I spoke to you last night I gathered this friend of yours
would realize that this was a big thing which he himself must handle. Why isnt he on it?
I ... I cant go into details. Don hasnt really the time for it.
Did he say so?
I didnt ask him. Mr. Heward...
Why didnt you ask him?
Maggie said baldly, If I ask too much of him he may misunderstand.
How? he queried inexorably.
Well, how do you think? she returned crossly. I dont want to tie myself to someone simply
because Im grateful to him.
Isnt he your ideal? he asked, with sarcasm.
I dont have an ideal. I dont want anything better than to go along as I am. Loves a complicating
sort of business, and I dont know anything about it, anyway. I dont intend to consider marriage till
Im thirty.
How refreshing! But he spoke with irony. How long have you been thinking that way?
I havent had to think about it before, but I must have had the feeling for ages. In your opinion, I
suppose, women seldom think of anything else but marriage; its not true of all of us.
Youre unique, he commented carelessly, and I hope youll stay that way. Im not interested in
marriage, either.
But you were once, she said unthinkingly. Then, coloring a little as she explained, I heard you
talking to someone before I came in. He said youd been engaged.
He gave her a faint hard smile. It was quite an experience, but I shant repeat it. In any case,
marriage is overrated.
I think youre probably right, she said. Friendship is much better.
Between the sexes? It has its dangers. His mouth was cynical. Still, I should say were all fairly
safe here. If you ever go feminine in the way of dress, stay away from Clement Bryce, will you? Hes

my assistant herea good engineer but not to be depended on where women are concerned.
Youre immune now, I take it?
For life, he said laconically. Now about these supplies. Ill take everything youve ordered this
time but I cant let you go on with it. Youve enough to do down at the store, without the camp. Im
sorry, but there it is.
But thats unfair! I havent let you down, and I shant. I promise. Were your nearest store and its
right that we should supply you. My fathers only away for about three months, and then hell take
over. Its no trouble at all.
He shrugged. I just cant let it happen. It goes against the grain, and I cant have that sort of worry
on my mind. Theres too much else to think of. He looked at her as she stood up, small and very
straight. Look here, you can send out the groceries for Bryce and the superintendent and me. I cant
do more for you than that.
Thanks for nothing at all! she exclaimed. Were not so hard up that Ill fall on my knees for that
concession. Keep your beastly orders. You can get your eggs and bacon from town, too, and see how
you like having to send forty miles when you run out of them!
She made to push past him, but he stepped aside and let her through, came beside her in the blinding
glare. He was smiling calmly.
Sorry, young Tracy, but there it is. I work men to death, but not women and children. You know
something? One of these days someone will take exception to those fiery green eyes and give you
something to glitter about. What, going? he ended mockingly, as she flung herself into the van.
Maggie would have liked to run the van straight at him to make him leap out of the way, but she had
the conviction that he wouldnt have budged.

CHAPTER TWO
NEXT morning the mail came in, as it did regularly, three times a week, and Maggie sorted the tied
bundles and sent Zeth out on his bicycle to the farms who paid for mail delivery.
For Maggie herself, there were the usual accounts and circulars from merchants in the town of
Orvumba, and an air letter from her father. Robert Tracys letters were always stilted and
impersonal, as if he found it difficult to write what he felt, but for Maggie they were typically her
father, the man she loved and respected.
Roy, he told her, had just got through a tricky operation on his neck muscles. The specialists thought
two further ops. would be necessary, but he must recover completely between each. Mr. Tracy was
relieved to hear that she and Don had settled into a routine at the store, and he told her not to worry if
the receipts were down. They all needed money just now, but it wasnt everything. They would get
through.
Because it was mail-day, custom was brisk throughout the morning, and in the afternoon she saw to
the permanent stacking of the bags of mealies and flour and beans, in the thatched shed behind the
store. It was an airy shed but not large, and the stacking had to be done systematically and rat bait put
down. Dirty and hot, she went into the office to make a cup of tea, and it was there that Don found
her, at five oclock. He came in quietly, smiling, tugged at her hair before clearing the other chair for
himself.
At twenty-seven, Don Caldwell was probably little different from what he had been at twenty-one.
He was a Rhodesian, and until his father had died about two years ago he had been a civil servant in
Salisbury. But his inclination was towards farming, and when under his fathers will he and his
mother found themselves with a joint sum that would buy land and finance planting and livestock to a
modest degree, neither had hesitated.
Now, his thinnish face under the dark curly hair was eager and boyish. His slim brown neck went
taut as he leaned towards Maggie.
Well, I got itthe dairy equipment! A rustless steel churn, fine big pans, a cooler, the whole
Works. When the little building is completed Ill be able to handle a hundred gallons a day, and thats
not bad, for a start. Ill still have to send my tobacco down to Malkinsons for curing, but you cant
have everything at once. I feel really good about my purchase yesterday!
Congratulations. When can I see the stuff?
Tonight? Come and have supper with us.
Maggie hesitated. Did your mother tell you I called in yesterday?
Yes, Im sorry I was out. I was itching to tell you about the sale, and then I had a feeling I might not

get the equipment, so I was cautious, and waited. I got home late, or Id have come over last night.
Mother said youd only dropped in for a minute or two.
Thats right. Maggie paused, decided that Mrs. Caldwell had probably been sensible in forgetting
the reason she had gone to the farm. Ill wait till the dairys finished, Don, and then come over.
Weve had a tiring day today.
He looked his concern. Ive never known you to say you were tired before. I thought you could
stand anything. Been doing something extra?
A little. Then, because she would have to mention it some time: Heard about the new arrivals in
the district?
Oh, yes. Palpably, they meant very little in Dons life. The bridge is going through at last.
Theres a sketch of it in the Orvumba daily today. Seems to be an important project.
Looks wonderful, doesnt it? A curved steel span with a concrete road over it, and the Hippo
River far below. Do you know the man whos putting it througha Mr. Heward?
He shook his head. He did come this way when they were surveying, but I never met him. The
paper says hes a superlatively clever engineerthat there are only half a dozen or so of these
bridges in the world and he built three of them. The whole thing will take about eighteen months, but
his part of it, the steel structure, will be finished in a year. The bridge should open things up for us.
He laughed. Your father will be able to expand the store.
She nodded. Maybe. Like some tea?
No, thanks. I had mine with mother. He watched the slack way in which she spooned sugar into
her cup. Maggie, Ive never seen you like this. Have you heard from England?
Yesfairly good news, but it seems that Roy has to go through quite a lot before hell be whole.
Luckily, hes as tough as old boots. She drank some of the sweet tea, rested an arm on the desk and
her chin in her hand.
There was a silence, one that obviously mystified Don. He said at last, tentatively, Maggie, you
know Ill do anything for you, dont you?
Youve proved it, Don.
Not really, because youve never asked much. I sometimes feel your father wanted me to do more
than I am doing in the store.
But it isnt necessary, and you do have the farm. Were getting along fine.
You dont hold it against methe fact that Im not doing as much as I promised?
Certainly not. Its up to me to ask, if I need you.

See you on Saturday, then. Probably mid-afternoon. Bye, Maggie.

She waved and turned back, preoccupied with working out just how much value there was in the
shed. About two hundred pounds worth, she decided, which was a large amount of staple foods only.
Thank heaven there was no necessity for her father to know the fruits of her independence!
The shop was closed and locked. She drove up to the house, washed and changed her shirt, and set
out the work she intended doing during the evening. Absently, she ate Georges offering of stewed
beef and tinned mushrooms, peeled an orange and poured some coffee. Tonight, there was no time to
sit in the little stoep, so she told the boy to clear.
He went at last, and Maggie spread her books over the table. She moved the lamp where it would
give the best light and sat down, remembering automatically not to fit the flat heels of her sandals
over the rung of the chair. She entered the bills and pressed them over a spiked holder, slapped a
mosquito from her brown arm, and started on the various notes which had been brought down by farm
houseboys during the day.
It was quiet, quiet as Africa can be. The cicadas shrilly sharpened their wings outside, something
close to the window was giving a loud metallic chirp, and the dog yawned and changed position just
beyond the door in the stoep. But there were few other noises till a car crunched outside and the
ridgeback let out a bark. But the barking ceased, and Maggie sighed. It must be one of the neighbors.
She called, Come in, to the rap on the door, stared a little as Nick Heward entered with the dog
wagging his tail beside him.
Seize him, you brute, she said mildly. Youre here to protect me.
What a hound, commented Nick disparagingly. Ill get you a real one, if you like.
What good would that be? Hed be on your side.
He grinned. You dont train them right. For one thing, you probably let this chap sleep under your
bed.
What of it?
They respond better if lifes a little hard. No fondling, unless they do something you want. Rigid
mealtimes and discipline, no kicks but definite tones of voice to indicate your pleasure or otherwise.
Thats the way to treat a watchdog.
I couldnt do that to Bobs now, hed be hurt. So you even find time for training dogs?
Not recently. Its common sense that if you want respect from an animal you dont beg for ityou
command it.
The human animal, too?

Again the narrow smile. No, thats a little different. Mind if I sit down?
If youre staying, youd better. Youre quite a long way up. He lowered himself to one of the
dining chairs on the other side of the table, shifted the lamp and looked across at her. Youre curious
as to why Im here, of course. I admire your restraint. Its fairly new, isnt it?
If youre harking back to yesterday morning, you neednt. Its in the past, and I always live strictly
in the present. What can I do for you, Mr. Heward?
This is a friendly call on a business matter. You may not have realized it, young Tracy, but you
annoyed me yesterday.
Im glad, she said evenly, and dont call me young Tracy.
I dont like Maggie. Its too jeans and faded shirt.
Its what I am. You didnt show any annoyance yesterday.
I dont think I noticed it myself till youd gone, then it came to me that Id been shouted at by a
small piece of nothing with red hair. I didnt care for the sensation.
Too bad. What did you decide to do about it?
Ill overlook it, he said with maddening calm, if youll behave normally, and let me have the rest
of those supplies. You didnt send them back, did you?
She pressed the cap over her pen, looked down at the litter of papers in front of her. I meant what I
said yesterday. I want nothing further to do with your supplies. Go ahead and fix things up for
yourself. Im out of it.
Supposing I let you have part of the order every monthenough to keep you busy but not enough to
worry you?
No, it wouldnt do, she answered at once. From your angle it would be ridiculous to deal with
different suppliersa nuisance. In any case, the company will save money by dealing themselves
with the wholesalers. You dont have to be charitable, Mr. Heward. We make our way.
Your pride has prickles, he said, but its foolish. You said yesterday that all I need do was to
send orders and youd fill them. I shall do just that, and youd better keep your word. He paused,
pushed the pen back to her. Are you living here quite alone?
Theres a boy and his wife at the back. Even though he did let you in, Bobs is quite a good housedog, though we dont really need one. People dont break into houses in these parts.
Still, its lonely. Got any girl friends?
Theres no one unmarried of my age because most of them go off to the towns, but I wouldnt have

much time for them if they were here. Im never lonely.

He sat back and took in some of the details of the room; the upright piano whose top was crowded
with china figures, the pretty curtains and cushions, the tapestry pictures of English cottage gardens,
the many hand-painted plates ranged along the high shelves round the room.
Maggie isnt you, but this isnt you, either. Do you play the piano?
I used to, but I got angry because I couldnt do better and gave it up. My mother plays.
Debussy?
Well, yes. What made you pick on Debussy?
The room; its hers, not yours. What would you do if you could please yourself entirely about the
future?
The question was a little startling. Just what Im doing now. Why in the world should you ask
that?
A shrug. I merely wondered. Its such an odd life for a girl to like. Do you ever go out anywhere?
Occasionally. Theres a cinema in Orvumba, and a river pool we use for swimming, about two
miles below the gorge. The Malkinsons have a tennis court and they sometimes lend me a horse.
Do you go to the Orvumba Club?
She shook her head. Too expensive. You seem to have found it rather soon.
In our position out at the camp, we need to know everything about the district. After all, a man
needs to play in order to work well.
You surprise me. I thought you hadnt time for play.
He lifted a brow. Not much, but I fit it in now and then. I found that swimming pool of yours this
morning, by the way.
Oh, did you?
You sound as if you resent it. Why?
I dont really. Youre here for a year and youll have to find pleasures where you can. But you do
seem to have ... taken over, rather. Oh, by the way, she spoke a little hurriedly, not looking at him,
the Malkinsons are the biggest farmers round here and theyll supply you with home-cured bacon
and fresh eggs and butter. Meat, too, if you likeenough for you three men, anyway.
So, youre coming round, he said almost teasingly. Youre a funny kid, and Ive a notion theres

some part of yourself that you dont even know exists. Now tell me what happened to the lorry-load
of goods that was supposed to be arriving yesterday afternoon.
Ive cancelled everything with the wholesalers, she said flatly.
The hell you have! He sat up straighter, and the smile went sharp and watchful. I told you Id
take all youd already ordered up. What was the idea?
I let you have enough yesterday to get you started. Im out of it now.
You actually sent the stuff back? he demanded, getting swiftly to his feet. If Id guessed you
might do a damfool thing like that Id have gone back with you to the store and waited for the lorry to
turn up! Dont you realize the hole it puts us in? I have to get someone off first thing in the morning to
collect all we can get, and that means a day wasted. We havent even any kind of telephone rig-up.
Do you suppose the store will ever be a success if you go on letting your absurd girlish pride feel
every pinprick?
Giving me the business and then taking it back was hardly a pinprick! she was stung to retort.
You got the business under false pretenceslet me think there was a man in charge!
I did no such thing, she returned swiftly, but Im not going to argue about that. My reasons for
doing the thing alone were my own concern, and all you had to worry about was whether the goods
arrived when you needed them. But you had to insist that a girl couldnt manage it, and you wouldnt
even let me try. Very well, deal with it in another way! I dont want to hear anything more about it.
The lazy inflection was gone from his voice. Only a woman would do as youve done. I ought to
have known better than to trust you even as far as I did. Goodnight! He stalked out and the door
slammed.
Maggie was dumbfounded. At one moment while he was speaking she had been on the point of
telling him about the loaded shed, but how glad she was now that she had said nothing at all.
She was a fool to stick to the huge quantity of supplies she did not want, but this was a case in
which she valued her independence rather higher than the cost of the goods. With luck, she would
shift the stuff within a month and get back to the usual rate of ordering; but even if it took longer she
wouldnt regret having acted as she had. Too terrible to have to be grateful to such an overbearing
creature!
But he had destroyed her peace for that evening. She tried to get back into the accounts but found her
mind full of their exchanges here in this room. He had no right to come here; he was just so darned
full of his own problems that she had merely been a trifle to be fitted in after dinner.
The weekend passed as it usually did. She saw Don on Saturday and was persuaded to go to the
farm for tea on Sunday. Mrs. Caldwell was no different from usual except that perhaps her light
brown eyes looked brighter and happier. She spoke with the customary calmness, mentioned the little
house-warming party she intended to give the following Saturday.

Ive invited four friends of ours from Salisbury, she said. Itll be a houseful for us, of course, but
Dons willing to sleep on the veranda for a few nights, so that the two girls can have his room. Their
parents will use the spare room, so we shall manage comfortably. We shant put on a big party
havent the space for itbut the Nevilles and Malkinsons will come along. And you, naturally.
Thank you, Mrs. Caldwell.
Just a plain frock, my dear. Itll be an ordinary convivial gathering, but if you should care to bring
a young man along hell be very welcome.
Don laughed. What a thing to say! Maggie doesnt keep a string of admirers.
No, she doesnt, does she? said his mother gently. Young men dont really care for selfsufficient girls. Never mind, Maggie; one of these days youll find someone who does. More tea?
It was only after she had reached home that night and recalled the talk with Mrs. Caldwell that
Maggie realized the difference in the womans attitude to herself. It was so subtle that Don would
never notice it, but to Maggie, who had schooled herself from childhood to the lights and shades of
her mothers moods, it was unmistakable. It didnt matter a great deal, but for Dons sake she wished
it were not there. Of one thing it made her very sure; her decision to get along without Don at the
store had been very wise.
For a day or two she almost forgot the shed crammed with sacks and cartons. She had plenty to do
during store hours, and as the season of evening winds was passing it was pleasant to go down in the
dusk to the pool and take a swim before supper. She met Nella and Leo Malkinson there and had fun
with their horses. The Malkinsons were both around forty and of the sporting type. Being also
monied, they had built a farmhouse typical of themselves; expansive, with stone verandas, a campfire site, tennis courts and stables. They kept open house, and it was only a reluctance to turn up there
always looking the same that kept Maggie away.
But that Wednesday evening she was persuaded to accept their invitation to go back with them for
the evening meal. George, the houseboy, was sick in his stummick and Sofy too weighed down
with caring for him to work in the house. Maggie had decided to eat whatever happened to be in the
fridge, but the fridge, she found, was almost empty. Well, there were always tins. She had put on her
swimsuit, pulled slacks and shirt over it and started out for the pool.
The evening had gone hazy, and there was a feeling of change in the atmosphere. The wind got up
suddenly, just as she pulled in beside the usual big rock near the river, and when she got out of the
van her hair was whipped up from the scalp and her breath from her body. The Malkinsons were
wading from the water, fighting the wind and laughing at each other.
Caught! Nella cried, against the gale. Lucky you hadnt time to get wet, Maggie.
Its a let-down, said Maggie. What is thisthe last blow of the season?

Maybe. Leo gave her a shove into the seat of the van. Dont stand in it, loony. Mind taking Nella
back to our place? Ill round up the horses.
Wrapped in a large maroon bath gown and breathing loudly, Nella plumped into the seat beside
Maggies. Thanks. I certainly dont fancy the ride, all wet in the wind. Leo has no sense or feeling
so he wont mind. Youll have to have dinner with us, Maggie.
Sorry. Im still wearing my workaday trousers.
Well, you have to eat, dont you? She pushed back her wet hair. I mostly wear slacks myself
ours is that kind of house. Phew, that last bit was some swim!
Maggie drove along the by-road and was soon moving between the Malkinson acres of pastures and
tobacco and citrus. She turned under a ranch-style stone archway and along a neat gravel drive, to
stop in front of the modern rambling dwelling with its stone pergolas draped with bougainvillea and
white feather, its half-covered veranda where bright chairs and tables were set. There were lawns
and beds of canna lilies, hibiscus and poinsettia, flowering ginger and jasmine.
Come on in, said Nella. The boy will give you a drink while we change.
Ill come some other time, said Maggie.
Got a date?
No, but...
Then come along. We dont see enough of you.
So Maggie entered the extravagantly contemporary lounge; beechwood and black and yellow
upholstery, cerise rugs and angular ornaments. The colors were startling, but as before when she had
come to this house, Maggie found them warming and exciting. In a way, they were typical of Leo
Malkinson and his wife; rich, a little chaotic and friendly.
Nella waved to a chair. Help yourself to cigarettesIll send the boy with some ice. Shant be
long.
Maggie sat in a foam rubber chair and got up again. She pushed her hands into her pockets and went
over to examine a picture which seemed to be composed of an eye, an orange and the skeleton of a
fish. All very ultra-something or other and very amusing, though she rather thought one was supposed
to be awed, not amused. Still, Nella herself probably appreciated the thing with her fingers crossed.
She passed to another picture which seemed to have been stamped out of pewter, and tried
unsuccessfully to dissect its constituents. There was a sound at the door, and because she was thirsty
she turned about at once, to smile her thanks for the ice.
But the newcomer came from the terrace, and he was not the houseboy. Indeed not. He was a little
above medium height, slenderly built and fair. He had an aquiline nose and slanting features, palish

blue eyes that smiled knowledgeably, and he was rather handsome, except that there was a look of
ruin in the lines about his mouth and eyes. He couldnt be much over thirty, but he must have packed
an awful lot into his adult years.
Good evening, he said. Shall we have a light? He switched on one of the angular lamps, looked
her over with a smile of faint surprise. You must be the Tracy girl. Seeing that youre the only
floating member of the female population hereabouts, Im overjoyed to know you. Im Clement
Bryce.
Oh. Maggie remembered, looked at him with more interest. Youre the one whos been given a
last chance with His Nibs. How are you doing out at the gorge?
So-so, my child, so-so, he said mildly. You know, its not fair to judge a chap by hearsay. I
sometimes have to live the monastic life. After all, our surroundings at the gorge are not wildly
thrilling, and thats the kind of place we mostly camp in.
Still, you havent taken long to get in with the locals, have you? she commented. Its obvious
youve been here before.
Nellas a sweetie, isnt she? he said conversationally. And I like Leo, too, though rather less,
because I already know as much as I want to about men. Here comes some ice. Like a drink?
Nothing strong. Do you know where thats kept, too?
He opened a cabinet and lifted out bottles and glasses, told her instructively, Its one of the first
things you learn about other peoples houses. At least, it is if youre me. Try a spot of gin in fresh
lemona cube of ice. There you are, Maggie. It is Maggie, isnt it?
Youve learned a lot, havent you? Are you here for dinner?
I hope so. It takes a Nick Heward to stick camp fare indefinitely. He lifted his glass. Heres to
you, Maggie. More strength to that feud of yours with Nick.
She sipped. So you know about it. How much?
He shrugged, smiled with calculated charm. Youre just an unreasonable kid, says Nicknot even
mature enough to be in charge of a bazaar stall. Your father ought to be ashamed of leaving you here
alone, making an oddity out of you...
An oddity! How dare he!
Nick dares anything. Hes right about one thing; you flare easily.
But I dont. Its years since I last lost my temper. Its just him. Are his supplies coming through?
Of course. Everything comes through for Nick. He looked down at her indulgently. You lead a
rum life, but what does it matter, so long as it makes you happy? Youre possibly much more of a

woman than you think you are.

That sounds like the cue for a dangerous conversation.
No, youre not the type. Tell me, Maggie, do you have any spare time for a chap like me?
She laughed. I dont think so. What sort of chap are you?
Genuine, in that I never deceive any woman about my intentions. I can be a good companion, a fair
listener, a dancing partner.
Sounds interesting.
So if you ever feel you need a man about the place for a while, let me know. He added, with his
easy smile, Now be as frank with me. Would you like to fall in love?
How do I know? It has to happen first.
Perhaps it does, at your age. What is itaround twenty?
Twenty-one.
Im only eleven years older than you are, yet the very sight of that dewy freshness makes me feel
like a cheese crumbling away on a dusty shelf. Thats what comes of misspending your youth. By the
way, I hope youre here for dinner, too?
I am, though I cant stay long because Ive work to do at home.
Work! he said disgustedly. I choke in that atmosphere all day. In any case, a girl like you
shouldnt work at all. You should ease some poor mans loneliness.
Yours? she asked demurely.
You might find it worthwhile. Will you go down to the club at Orvumba with me?
No. I wouldnt mix.
Then to the cinema?
They show ancient filmsyouve probably seen them all.
But, dammit, there must be somewhere a man can take a girl! What about inviting me out to one of
your friends?
On the point of laughing a refusal, Maggie paused. A glint in her eye, she asked, Would you really
like that?
Well, it would be a sight better than nothing!

Ive been invited to a house-warming party and have the option of taking an admirer. Would you
mind calling yourself my admirer for an evening?
Ill do it for ever, he assured her, with an attractive, jaded smile. Tell me about it.
She did, enjoying his groan when she mentioned that there would probably be two drinks offered all
evening, one as a toast and the other as a nightcap. She felt oddly lighthearted. She couldnt
remember ever having met anyone like Clement Bryce before. He was experienced, perhaps too
experienced, and his outlook, on the whole, was rather shocking to one who knew so little about men.
Nevertheless, there was an air of honesty about him.
Getting into bed that night, she decided the evening had been the most enjoyable she had known for
a long, long time.

CHAPTER THREE
THE winds persisted for the rest of that week. There would come an intermittent lull, when the trees
were stilled and the dust settled and the air would seem hotter than ever before.
By Saturday, Maggie was glad to close the store and look forward to a little private life. Don had
called in one afternoon and she had told him about Clement Bryce and received his consent to bring
the man to the party. Obviously, Don had affectionately thought her a little mad, but as Bryce was
friendly with the Malkinsons he decided there could be no harm in the man. Maggie reserved her
opinion, and said there would be no need for Don to call for her. She would arrive with Mr. Bryce.
By evening the wind was fierce but it had steadied. Maggie could hear it in her little room which
foamed with flowered voile, and she could also hear Georges relations, who had come in from their
village for the evening. Tonight, in spite of the wind, they would join with Zeth and his family and
any others who happened along in a sing-song about their fire.
She dressed, feeling strange in the sleeveless green and white print silk. Her hair stood out with
brushing, but it was short and had a slight natural wave; a scarf and a quick run to the car should keep
it orderly. She took from a drawer the lipstick she had last used about four months ago, when her
mother had had visitors, touched it sparingly to lips which were already a healthy pink. She picked
up the powder compact but put it back in the drawer without opening it. Make-up, she had found, did
not always enhance a tanned skin, and in any case she had no particular wish to look beautiful. So in
a surprisingly short time she was ready.
Clement Bryce arrived on time, at a quarter past seven. He wore tropical beige with a flowing
midnight blue tie, and he looked Maggie over half appreciatively, half critically.
You look sweet in a frock, he said, but a trifle countrified. Id love to take you in hand.
I could take myself in hand, she answered, smiling. In an up-to-date frock and clever make-up
Id look like any other girl you know. I dont happen to be hunting a man.
But you should, wee Maggie. Theres nothing like it for keeping a woman on her toes and the man
guessing. Still, when I get used to it I may like this better. Youre so very untried.
Not in everything. You measure only in one dimension.
Look here, he said, with mock tartness, Im not going to be taught by a girl like you! Next thing
you know Ill be shedding sophistication myself. Shall we go?
His car was one of the big tourers owned by the construction company, and he let it out on the eight
miles of road between the store and the Caldwell farm. They arrived straight behind the Malkinsons,
so that all four went into the small house together. There were introductions to the friends from
Salisbury, Mr. and Mrs. Pearce and their two daughters, Celia and Jill.

Maggie heard Clement say close behind her, Well, what do you know! Two more girls, all in one
evening. Competition, Maggie!
Both girls were blonde and good-looking. The elder, Celia, had a queerly cynical look about her
mouth, and a glance that was cool and challenging. She bowed and murmured something, turned and
spoke to Don, who was at her side.
Jill Pearce was about Maggies age, vivacious but wilful, judging by her pouting red lips. She
looked as if she were aching to get away from old Mrs. Neville, who, with her husband, grew
vegetables for market in a five-acre plot just south of Pyanga.
They went into dinner, a particularly good one prepared by Mrs. Caldwell herself, and Maggie
found herself seated between Mrs. Neville and Clement Bryce. She caught Dons apologetic smile
across the table, where he sat between the two Pearce girls, and she smiled back at him cheerfully.
By the time they all wandered out of the small dining-room, she knew why the Pearce family had been
asked to make the long journey from Salisbury for the occasion and to spend a few days at the farm.
The reason was in Mrs. Caldwells lively smiles at the two girls, her occasional coupling of Celias
name with Dons.
Good luck to her, Maggie thought; but somehow she couldnt see Don in love with a girl like Celia.
Hed be afraid of that faint hardness in her expression, afraid of the fact that she had travelled
considerably and studied subjects of which he knew little. Although he must be three or four years
older than Celia, he had a youthful diffidence which she had probably never known. Celia Pearce
was one of those women who are born knowing everything. She even looked at the worldly Clement
as if he were just another parasite on the face of the earth; she must have recognized his type
instinctively.
It was a pleasant evening. There was little splitting up, so that conversation was mostly general, and
in spite of the lack of drink Clement behaved impeccably. Mrs. Caldwell warmed towards him.
I daresay you find it a little boring over at the camp in the evenings, she said. You must come in
whenever you like. It was nice of you to escort Maggie.
He insisted on it, said Maggie.
Well, youre very lucky. Celia, dear, wouldnt it be pleasant to arrange a picnic tomorrow, for you
young people? You and Jill, Mr. Bryce and Don. Maggie might like to go along, too.
Don said, Of course she would. Ill get hold of another man, if I can. Thats a good idea, Mother.
Mrs. Caldwell looked pleased, Leo Malkinson said injuredly that it was too bad to be classed an
old fogey at forty, and the inevitable nightcap was suggested. With the wind still whistling there was
no question of going outside to enjoy the drinks. They talked a little longer, and then the Nevilles got
up to go, causing a general move.
Maggie sat silently in the car beside Clement Bryce. She was sleepy but thoughtful, and presently he

commented upon it.

I suppose that was quite a binge, for you? Fancy this picnic tomorrow?
Well, yes. Its not in your line, though, is it?
I dont know. Ill try it out.
She smiled drowsily. Because of the girls?
Theyre lookers, arent they? he excused himself. Two more than I expected in this wilderness.
Make anything of Celia?
You mean, did I realize she was brought here for Don?
Thats right. But Don wants Maggie.
Youre intuitive about situations. Why dont you write stories?
Theyd have grisly endings and wouldnt sell. Doesnt the admirable Don pluck a heartstring?
I like him. Hes gentle and he has integrity, but...she lifted a hand and dropped itno, he
doesnt get under my skin. I dont believe Ill ever feel that way about anyone.
He threw back his head and laughed. Thats really funnya redhead without passions! Youll feel
it all right, my Maggie. He just hasnt happened along yet, thats all. Personally, Im glad it isnt Don
Caldwell. You dont want a rabbit.
Thats unkind. She forgot what else she was going to say, because she had suddenly noticed a
glow above the trees. Look! There must be a fire. Those natives must have caught the bush alight. At
this time of night, too. Therell be no one around to organize the beating out.
Seems to be localized, he said. Could be its just an immense camp fire. Must be very near your
place.
Its the shed, she said faintly. A spark must have caught the thatch. Oh, my heavens, what am I
going to do?
Clement didnt say anything. He ground to a standstill on the beaten earth in front of the store,
dragged her with him round the building, where they met a heat so fierce that it drove them back.
Dark figures were there, beating with sacks wherever they saw a spark ignite the surrounding bush,
but there was nothing whatever to be done with the shed. It was a furnace, the walls cracking wide
with the intensity of the heat within.
Long terrible moments passed before Maggie looked upwards to see what was happening on the
roof of the store. She saw figures up there, saturating the thatch with water passed up to them in
buckets. Dazedly she walked right round the front of the store to the other side, and there she saw the

back door smashed open, and an African inside, filling new pails at the tap and passing them out to
another, who passed them on again. And forcibly directing operations in the lurid light was a white
man. Nick Heward.
He saw her, shouted something at the men and moved towards her. He was blackened and sweating,
but he grasped her arm and pushed her backwards. Go and sit down somewhere. You cant do a
thing. When were sure the roof is wet enough well douse the shed.
But ... but cant you save anything in there? she gasped. I just cant lose it. I cant!
Impossible to get near it, he said, above the crackle and hissing. The blazing thatch fell inwards
and the whole shed is a dead loss. But the store will be all right. Get back, theres a good girl.
I must do something!
Sell spades in the shop?
Yes.
Give them to a boy for me. Water and earth together ought to kill it. And stop worrying. No ones
hurt.
And then it came to an end. The Africans vanished by ones and twos, Clement Bryce made some
sort of remark and added a thankful, Goodnight, and Maggie was left there near the ruin with Nick,
big and grimy, at her side.
Thank you, she said a little hoarsely. Thank you very much.
He put an arm across her shoulder. Come on, he said. Lets get a wash and a drink.
In a kind of trance she walked with him, out to the littered lane and along to the house. She opened
the door, automatically felt her hip pocket for matches and discovered she was wearing a frock. But
Nick struck one and set the flame to the lamp. He adjusted the shade, looked at her.
It could have been heaps worse.
She nodded wordlessly.
Got any Scotch? he asked.
A little. I ... Ill pour it while you wash. The bathroom is just out there in the corridor.
She slopped the drink, pushed her hair back with a shaking hand. He came back just as she was
manipulating the siphon, and took over. The small glass was nearly full, and he placed it to her lips.
Go on, take some. Having to watch that sort of thing is always worse than doing the fighting. Thats
it, swallow the stuff like medicine. Then, when she had obeyed and drawn back: Youre insured, I

suppose?
No. Only the store and contents. The shed wasnt even built when my father took out the insurance
four years ago, and he never bothered because we seldom had much in it.
But it was packed out and padlocked. By the time Id ripped out the iron staples the door was
flaming on the inside.
How did you know about ... the fire?
He took down half the drink. Id driven along the top of the gorge to take a few measurements, and
stayed there smoking for a long time after it was dark. It had been rough going over the rocks and
grass, so I made my way out to the main road, and had to pass the store to get back to camp. I must
have gone on for about half a mile when I saw the red glare in the rear-view mirror. So I turned
back.
And the blaze had begun, she said, looking down at her fingers. It must have been caused by
sparks on the wind.
The boys fire was too close to the buildings for such a night, but it was just one of those things.
Lucky there was a bunch of them on the spot to deal with it.
And that you were there to direct them, she said in low tones.
Quite gently, he said, It must have been a shock to you, but one has to use ones sense of proportion
in these things. They were just goods, and they can be replaced.
Yes, I know.
Money tight?
Ill manage.
Im not sure of that, with the merest trace of sharpness, but you dont have to do it alone. What
were the store and contents worth?
Im not sure. The goods were worth about two hundred pounds and they werent paid for.
He weighed this, probed casually. It smelled a little as if youd stored up those supplies which
were meant for me, but you wouldnt have done anything foolish, would you?
She glanced at him briefly. Well, you can laugh at me now. Ill have to live with that smell as a
reminder for days.
What makes you think I might be glad to see you hurt? You acted a little childishly, but I wouldnt
wish this sort of experience for anyone, let alone for a lone girl. But youre not to get upset about it.
Well put things right.

Youve done enough. I ... Ill work it out tomorrow. Where did you leave your car?
Away from the blaze, near some trees. He paused. You shouldnt be here alone tonight. Can I
take you to a friend?
She shook her head. Im perfectly all right. But her voice trembled. Its very late. I wont keep
you any longer.
The time doesnt matter, but I think youd better go to bed. Isnt there some woman I can bring
along to stay with you?
No one. Please ... Im used to it here.
Then go to bed right away. Ill wait till youre settled.
It was the only thing to do, really. Maggie hesitated, blinked her smarting eyes and moved towards
the door.
Youre very kind, she said bleakly, and went through to her bedroom.
Slowly, with painfulness that was almost physical, she undressed in the darkness and slipped
between the sheets. She remembered she hadnt washed, wondered if he had put out the lamp in the
living-room, yet was too fast in the grip of lethal inertia to get up and find out. Surprisingly, she slept.
Maggie awoke late, for her, and at once she remembered last nights disaster. There was a beeeater chirruping in her mothers cherished magnolia outside the window, and dainty blue butterflies
fluttered against the dark green of massed foliage. The sky was harmless azure, and it seemed that the
wind was sated, for this morning it hardly whispered among the branches.
She got up and went into the bathroom, came back refreshed and slipped on slacks and a shirt. When
she deliberately sniffed, she could smell that flat acrid odor from the burnt-out shed, but from close
by came the aroma of frying bacon.
She went into the living-room, saw that the table had not been set, and walked through to the
kitchen. She stopped precipitately, said blankly,
Mr. Heward! I thought it must be George. She stared at him almost accusingly. Have you been
here all night?
His smile was careless and cool, much more normal for him than the gentle one of last night. No, I
hung around till you were asleep and then went back to the camp.
How did you know when I was asleep?
I went into your room to find out.
You did? Scarlet came up under her skin. Why should you do that?

He shrugged, shook the pan on the stove and leant back against the wall. You were upset and I
didnt think it right to leave you. Dont jitter. You look astonishingly young and innocent when youre
asleepwell worth seeing.
She smiled faintly but vexedly. It sort of puts one at a disadvantage, and I dont care for it. Why
did you come back this morning?
I thought wed have breakfast together, he said companionably. Table all right?
She looked at it; fruit juice, cereal, cups, cutlery, all as they should be. Theres more space in the
living-room, she said, undecidedly whether to be glad or angry.
Yes, I know, but my talents dont run to keeping food hot, and I guessed your boy wouldnt be in
this morning. Tea or coffee?
Ill make it.
No, you wont, he said firmly. Ill take credit for the whole meal or none at all. Which?
Coffee, please, She sat down on the opposite side of the table and looked across at him. He was
freshly shaved, his shorts and shirt were spotless, his brown hair crisp. Youre a most amazing man,
you know.
He nodded. I even astonish myself at times. Juice all right?
Delicious. Mr. Heward...
Make it Nick. He was lifting eggs and bacon on to the plates. The way I see it, youll need
someone like me around till your father gets back. This Don fellow is about as much good as a foggy
weekend.
You dont understand. Don would do anything for me, if I asked him.
He sat down, reached back to the stove for the coffee pot and placed it on the table. Hastily, Maggie
shoved a plate under it, and he grinned.
Sorry. I ought to have remembered that this is a very particular type of house. He pushed the toast
towards her. But you have a special reason for not begging favours of Caldwell. Ive already
gathered that.
It could be awkward, she admitted, and thats why I dont use him much.
Right. He poured coffee. Don Caldwell is not to be counted upon, but you have to have someone.
By the waynarrowing his eyeshas Clement Bryce offered his services?
In a superficial way I suppose he has.

Feel you could depend on him?

I honestly havent thought about it. I never do think of depending on other people.
Ive noticed that, but youre now in a spot where you have to. That shed has to be replaced, and
theres still the matter of the stuff that was destroyed. It was through me that the shed was crammed,
so the responsibility is mine, anyway.
But thats absurd! If I hadnt been pigheaded...
Ah, now we strike the kernel of the matter. Eat your breakfast, young Tracy. I half believe were at
last going to see eye to eye.
Till the eggs and bacon were disposed of and second cups of coffee were poured, the discussion
ceased. Then, when he had had her assurance that the breakfast wasnt half bad, Nick sat back and
offered her a cigarette.
If you were a boy of twenty-one, he said, youd be quite happy to accept whatever assistance I
could give.
But Im not.
Youre the next best thing, he remarked lazily. Youve said you arent interested in man-andwoman business, and from what Ive seen of you I believe its true. You wouldnt do anything crazy,
like seeing me as the man in your life, would you?
Good lord, no! she answered automatically.
Splendid. Ive no time for that kind of thing, either, so there wont be any complexities. If were
both agreed on that angle, whats to prevent our working things out together? To get the best out of it
you merely have to keep well away from the high horse.
You dont understand how I felt about the ... supplies order.
Im beginning to, but lets forget all that. Im going to fix things with the wholesalers so that
everything comes out in your name but is delivered to the camp; that way, theyll have to pay you a
commission on the orders. Now dont start protesting; its only till your father gets back and can
handle things for us. The account for the goods which were destroyed can be spread over some time,
so that the commission will eventually take care of it. That way, everything will even out. We can
soon shove up another shed.
You take my breath away, but Im really very grateful. I wish Id known before that underneath the
iron youre tolerable; it would have saved me a lot of worry.
You didnt give yourself a chance to find out, he said mockingly. In time, youll get used to me,
just as youve already got used to the smell of burnt maize.

I dont see the parallel.

There isnt one. How would you like to go for a drive today?
With you? she asked, wide-eyed. I think it might be instructive, but Im expected at a picnic, I
think.
He shook his head, negligently. No, youre not. Bryce mentioned it to me when I got back last
night, and I said you were too done-up for it. He decided to go without you and explain when he got
there.
But Don will...
I told Bryce to tell them what happened but to curb their curiosity.
Busy man, arent you? she said a little uncertainly, and squashed out her cigarette.
The broad shoulders lifted. I think well be rather good for each other. When theres no physical
attraction between a couple there might be friendliness of an unusual type, and you and I havent
really a thing in common, which makes for interest. I think Im going to find you refreshingly honest.
And what shall I find you, besides overpowering?
He laughed. Lets wait and see. Agree to the drive?
Well ... yes. And having agreed, Maggie felt happier than she would have believed possible when
she had tumbled into bed last night.
She washed the dishes while he took a cooked chicken and some salad from the fridge and wrapped
them. They filled a flask with coffee and stuffed the corners of the basket with fruit. A couple of keys
turned in the locks, and they were outside.
He took the road to the camp, but where it forked he carried straight on between long stretches of
savannah and patches of cultivation. There was a native village, an experiment in irrigation where
banana groves stretched away into the hills, and then the bush again, mile upon mile of it.
Clement Bryce says you always work in wild country, she said. Dont you get tired of it?
Do you get tired of living here? he countered.
No, but Im not a nomad. We have a home and settled ways. We can be reasonably sure of keeping
the same friends for a good many years, perhaps for ever. In your position you cant put out roots, can
you?
Its a great life, all the same. Roots are nearly always connected with marriage, so Im likely to
keep clear of them for ever. What part of England did you come from?

I grew up near the Lakes and went to school at Morecambe. After my father had come out here, my
mother and my brother and I lived in a flat just outside London for a few months, waiting for his
verdict on the country. Do you know the Lakes?
Very well. Some friends of mine had a weekend cottage at Grasmere, and I often went there. Wed
make a foursome and scratch along as best we could.
You mean you were all men?
Heavens, no. They were a married couple, and the other member was a sister of the man. But both
women were career girls and accustomed to living on bread and cheese and being taken out to dinner,
so the food during those weekends was pretty bad. I think we men served better meals than the
women.
Was the other woman your fiance?
He glanced at her briefly, cynically. For a while, yes, but we didnt break it off because she
couldnt cook.
Why, then?
Youre curious? Yes, I suppose you would be. Well, it was fairly simple. She was keen on her
job, but I didnt mind that till I received my first assignment in Africa. It seemed to me then that we
ought to make a decision. Either we married and she went where I went, or we ended the engagement.
The thought of life without cocktail parties and theatres and all the rest of the hurly-burly was more
than she could bear, so we decided to be free of each other but remain friends.
Does that work?
It seems to. We parted three years ago but were still friendly. I take her out when I go home, and
she writes sometimes.
That means, she persisted, that neither of you has found anyone you care more for. You should
have stayed together.
He shook his head. No, the experience was a proof. One can come pretty close to marrying
someone and yet if something intervenes go on quite serenely without them. Therefore, domesticity is
really the tie, not any particular woman.
Wouldnt it worry you if she married someone else?
I havent thought about it, he said equably. Im quite sure Auriol wouldnt even feel slightly
attracted to another man without letting me in on it from the first. When she does, Ill give it some
consideration, but not before.
It still seems that you shouldnt be so emphatically against marriage. You certainly didnt come to
harm.

He smiled. Do I detect censure in those tones? Should I have collapsed under the strain of a broken
engagement, or stayed at home? Youre extremely innocent, young Tracy, but the day will have to
come when youll learn the prosaic facts of love. Still determined to wait till youre thirty?
Maggie looked out of the window. One cant make rules about it, can one? she replied
reasonably. Id like to get married because I feel everyone should experience family life, and I do
believe theres a lot of joy in it. But I dont want any of those things to happen to me too soon. She
paused, and added distinctly, And I dont want prosaic love. Ive only just realized it, but I dont!
He laughed. I knew it the moment I first saw you. Youre built for heady romance and plenty of it.
Thats why it was so obvious that Don Caldwell couldnt possibly be the man.
But you dont know Don!
I know the set-up, he said easily, and in this case its enough. Getting hungry?
The topic, which was now developing a fascination for Maggie, was shelved. She picked on a spot
where cycads grew thickly beside a dried-up river bed, and when they were seated and eating she
thought no lovelier spot could exist anywhere.
They ate and talked a little, lay back and smoked cigarettes. He told her about his training in
England, about his father who had recently retired from business in London, and about his first
venture into bridge-building on his own. To bridge a gorge, he told her, entailed fractional measuring
and manufacturing. The steel arch was constructed in two halves, one on each side of the gorge, and
when they were completed these were lowered very gradually the process sometimes taking many
hourstill they met and could be joined. After that, the rest of the steelwork was fairly simple. He
never stayed to watch operation concrete, but he went back to see the finished job opened to the
public.
A very proud man, I suppose, she commented. How do you get supplies backwards and
forwards across the gorge while youre on the job?
The good old log ladders, some fording equipment and plenty of labourers, he said. We fasten
the ladders to the sides of the gorge, several of them where theyre most needed, and the boys become
really agile on them. We occasionally get minor injuries, but I lecture them fairly often and make them
use safety belts where its possible.
Id love to go down the ladders to the river.
I wont promise to take you, he said. Women are definitely not permitted on the site. That
doesnt mean the camp, of course.
Lying there on one elbow, she lifted a golden-brown eyebrow at him. Oh? Do you encourage
visitors there?
Lets say we allow them. After all, were expecting to receive hospitality in these parts, so were
bound to return the compliment. By the way, I ought to warn you about Clement Bryce. Where women

are concerned hes not dependable.

I gathered that, but hes honest about it. Im afraid he wont get much of that sort of excitement
here.
Thats why Im mentioning it. If youre the only unmarried woman around ... well ... you know?
She nodded, and pulled at a blade of tough grass. Yes, I know. But I doubt if hes really much of a
threat, and Im far too busy for that kind of thing, anyway.
After that, they were silent for some time. Then he suggested a walk and pulled her to her feet. They
set off slowly, winding among wild lantana and berry trees and always keeping within sight of the
sandy river bed.
It was a drowsy, pleasant afternoon, and when they got back to the ranch wagon Maggie found
herself feeling sleepy and dependent.
He drove almost in silence, and just as the sun was making its usual early descent he turned into the
lane near the store. Maggie saw the forlorn, smoke-blackened remains of the shed, smelled that odour
of burnt maize, and she noticed that already the Africans had been raking over the remains for
whatever they could salvage and use. Nick got out with her at the house.
Maggie said, Its been a lovely day, Nick. Thanks so much for giving me your time.
Youre welcomeoffhandedly. Ill start on the shed for you tomorrow.
She looked away. I really think I ought to deal with it myself. I know more or less the procedure.
No, leave it to me, he said abruptly, Ill use local boys and take them on at the camp afterwards.
And dont worry about the financial side of things. Ill look into it. Will you be all right tonight?
Yes, of course. The boy will be back on duty now.
Good. Then Ill get going. So long.
Goodbye ... and thanks again.

CHAPTER FOUR
THE fire at the Tracy store caused little stir. Sheds and native huts were often razed through thatches
igniting, and everyone in the district knew that the shed in question was smallish and could easily be
replaced.
Don had come over on Sunday evening, only an hour after she had reached home, but even he saw
no reason for undue concern.
Tough luck, he told her, but it could happen any time. Ill help you to get a new one erected
before your father comes home.
Thats all right, Don, she answered. For some reason, Mr. Heward feels he ought to make
himself responsible. Seeing that hes had so much experience of quick building for his workers, Ill
let him go ahead.
But Don didnt care for this. What business is it of his? he demanded. Hes been in the district
less than a week, and hes already pushing into our affairs. Im quite certain youd have been happier
out with us today than stewing here.
But I didnt stew here, she said quietly. Mr. Heward took me for a drive.
Oh, he did! Don absorbed this, and said with displeasure, Well, you shouldnt have gone with
him. Hes a stranger, and he doesnt even care for people very much. Clement Bryce said so. And I
think it was a bit peculiar to go out with a man of his kind, after youd turned us down.
I didnt turn you down. If Id made the arrangement with you alone, Id have kept it. But watching
the place burn last night was a grim experience, and I didnt feel like making myself agreeable and
pretty for your girl friends. In any case, I knew that in your party Id be the odd one.
I wouldnt have let you feel odd. Youre important to me, Maggie. You know that.
There was a little more of the same, and then Don had to go. The Pearces, from Salisbury, were
leaving tomorrow morning, and his mother was putting on a special dinner for them tonight. Maggie
declined an invitation and wished the dinner success.
A couple of days passed fairly uneventfully.
Then, on a Wednesday, a lorry load of fresh supplies for the construction company drew up outside
the store, and the driver asked Maggie to sign for them. The delivery notes were made out to the
store, but she refused to sign.
Take them to the camp and get a signature there, she said. The goods have nothing to do with
me.

About an hour later the empty truck came back and the driver appeared again in the store. He
showed her the delivery notes with Clement Bryces signature at the foot of each, and a note on the
final one which read, Signed for M. Tracy.
Just had to point it out, he said. The boss over there told me to.
Maggie was determined not to take commission for no work at all, but seeing that it would not be
paid for some time she did nothing about it at once. Rain was threatening, and at such times business
was always brisk, because heavy storms often cut off farms and native villages for days. She
pampered the dik-dik, fed him milk and green corn, and let him wander a little. He made no attempt to
escape, even ignored the surrounding bush.
On Thursday, Clement Bryce came in for the companys mail. He sat on a high stool at the other
side of the counter, and untied the bundle, let it spray across the worn wooden surface. Carelessly, he
slipped his own couple of letters into his pocket, and then began shoving the rest of the
correspondence into some sort of order.
Practically all for Nick, he commented. Business stuff and... He broke off, lifted a blue
envelope and sniffed at it. Ought to be perfumed, but it isnt. Thats from the former girl friend.
Maggie looked at the rather dashing handwriting on the envelope. Auriol Something, isnt she?
she mentioned casually. Did you ever see her?
Of course, but she never saw meif you know what I mean. Still, Im not likely to be important to
a woman who could have had Nick.
Is she dark or fair?
Dark, with rather uncommon blue eyes. Shes a magazine artistvery successful.
Were they ever very much in love?
Clement gave his jaded grin. Theres no knowing, sweetie. The fact that they still write to each
other shows there was something fairly powerful, doesnt, it? What do you think of Nick?
Hes incalculable. Ill never forget how he worked on that blaze at the back.
I worked, too, he reminded her in injured tones. Nicks such a positive blighter that we ordinary
chaps get overlooked. He re-tied the string round the parcel of mail. Are you going over to
Caldwells tonight?
Tonight? she asked, mystified.
Theyve bought a brand new ping-pong table. Ive been invited to the christening and I naturally
thought youd be there.
Who invited you?

The old lady herself, by note. He leant an elbow on the counter and eyed her quizzically. Mrs.
Caldwells working hard, isnt she? Yet somehow I think shell miss out with the fair Celia. Dons
flattered by his mothers innuendoes, but hes one of these slowpokes who get an idea into their heads
and wont shift it. At the moment, youre the idea.
Maggie looked interested, but puzzled. Do you mean that Mrs. Caldwell still plugs Celia now that
shes gone?
Gone, my dear Maggie? But she hasnt gone. Nor has sweet little slant-eyed Jill. The parents left
on Monday morning, but it seems that at the last moment the daughters accepted an invitation to stay
on for a while. Hasnt Don told you?
Not a word.
Thats bad ... or is it good? I thought he came over to see you every day.
Not every day, and sometimes he calls when Im out. But Maggie hadnt been out this week. You
were with them on Sunday. What do you think of Celia now that you know her better?
Shes been around far more than Don has, and theres something about her that... He broke off,
smiling in a way that might have been described as self-conscious in anyone else. Clement, though,
was hardly the type to be ashamed of his emotions, if he had any. He started again. I daresay that of
all the men about here Im the most likely to understand Celia Pearce. Shes the sort of person Id
have been if I hadnt let myself go soft at an early age. Shes clever enough to see it herself, and thats
probably why she despises me.
Good Lord. Does she?
Oh, yes, he said philosophically. I might have been what Nick is now, if Id had that extra
something. Celia has it, but shes never wanted a career because theres always been plenty of cash
in her family, so with her it takes the form of being the perfect woman.
But theres a hardness in Celia. You noticed it yourself the first night.
He shrugged. Theres a hardness in Nick.
But it goes with his job. It doesnt line up with being the perfect woman.
There are different kinds of perfect woman. I suppose. If you set out to be one youd be the human
type, fallible in little things but the more appealing for your mistakes. Celias the marble statue kind; I
dont think shes got much of a heart.
If Don marries her...
He wont. Only anyone as blind as Mama Caldwell could dream up a marriage between Don and
Celia.

Does Celia despise him, too? demanded Maggie warmly.

Oh, ho! Does the thought touch a spot? No, she doesnt. She admires him for the farm hes created,
flung him in my teeth, as a matter of fact. Im actually in bad with Celia, but Mrs. Caldwell finds it
convenient to have another man, to balance things. I must say she turns out some good food, though I
can see what a girl like you would have against her as a mother-in-law. Shed smother you.
If I were in love with Don Id find a way out.
Im sure you would. Still, its a sticky position at the moment.
A few minutes later he left the store, carrying away the mail and a supply of cigarettes. He left
Maggie wondering, and a wee bit anxious for Don.
Maggie tried to recall Jill and found it difficult. Enchantingly pretty, she thought, small, slender,
bright-eyed and lively. Not quite stable enough for Don, but a better proposition than Celia, anyway.
But Mrs. Caldwell would prefer Celias common sense and cool approach. She was likely to distrust
prettiness.
There was no word from the Caldwells that day, and it came to Maggie that this was something of a
milestone in her relationship with them. For the first time she had not been invited to one of their little
parties. Was Mrs. Caldwell getting her way with Don? Maggie had no time to think it out.
But next day Leo Malkinson came in to remind Maggie that she was due to dine with the crowd at
Meranti Farm on Friday evening.
On Friday afternoon a note came from Don. What with entertaining their guests and the work of the
farm, he had been unable to look in at the store this week, but he would pick her up for the
Malkinsons party tonight at seven. Maggie wondered if he had had to be asked, or whether he had
offered, and then decided she didnt care one way or the other.
After she had had a bath that evening she put on the slacks, dark brown ones, with a sleeveless
cream blouse which was open at the throat. She brushed lights into the golden red hair and used a
touch of lipstick, and finding herself ready in good time, she took a chair into the stoep and looked out
at the fitful flitting of the fireflies and beetles.
She was enjoying the peaceful sensation when Don drove up in a rather flashy car. Strawberry pink
it was, with acres of chromium plate. He got out and came round, opened the back door for her. She
glanced at him, saw a look of happiness in his face, and smiled at him.
Some conveyance, she murmured. Whose?
Celias, he said. Mind getting into the back with Mother and Jill?
Not at all.
She greeted Mrs. Caldwell politely, spoke to Jill and thanked her for shifting along. She sat back as

the car moved off, looked at the smooth fair head of Celia, who sat next to Don. While they zoomed
along the road towards Meranti Farm she felt it was all a little unreal. Mrs. Caldwell wore a plain
dark frock, but the two Pearce girls looked ravishing in sheer silk pastel blouses cut on sporting
lines. Jill wore decorative black jeans, and Celia, Maggie noticed when they arrived, was wearing a
severe black skirt with a heavy belt of gilt links.
They were welcomed by Leo and Nella, said hallo to other guests. Nick Heward had risen from a
bench near the brick fireplace where logs glowed beneath a cooking grid. And in a moments silence
Maggie distinctly heard a caught breath. She looked quickly at Jill Pearce, saw the shining blue eyes,
the parted red lips. She felt a dull little stab somewhere inside, and because of it spoke to him
offhandedly.
Wonderful setting, isnt it? The smell of those grilling chops makes me hungry.
But Jill said to him a little breathlessly, Im not hungry. Im so glad youre here, Nick. Clement
said you might not come.
There was a little trouble threatening, he answered in his lazy way, but we postponed it till
morning. Come and sit here, Jill. And heres a specially nice place for you, young Tracy.
But Maggie accepted a seat on the other side of the fire from him, near Don. She felt a little lightheaded and pushed-out. It seemed that the two girls knew Nick almost as well as they knew Clement
Bryce. The easy familiarity between them was a little hard to take. Resolutely, she spoke to others
who lived in the district, and presently she accepted a plate and had it filled. But the hunger had
departed.
Stars had come out overhead, but thunder grumbled in the distance, just as it had last night. In such a
balmy atmosphere no one bothered with threats. There was the smell of jasmine and eucalyptus trees,
of woodsmoke and frying meat and jacket potatoes. A gramophone played popular tunes, and the
houseboy looked after it, between exchanging plates and bringing out fruit pies and trifles, cheese and
coffee.
The air grew more oppressive, but as Nella said, the weather could now do its worst, because there
was always the lounge and dancing. But while the rain held off no one would attempt to go indoors.
Maggie kept the seat she had chosen earlier, and Don remained more or less at her side, with Celia
and his mother close by. Maggie talked little, but she heard and noticed a great deal. Leaning back
into the shadows, she caught a conversation between Celia and Clement Bryce.
He was saying nonchalantly, You do no more good in the world than I do. Why should you expect a
pedestal?
Celia replied coolly, in bored tones: You mentioned the pedestal, I didnt. Going through life one
either learns or one doesnt. You dont, Im afraid.
Learns what?

How to handle ones own existence, how to be a success. You admit youve made a sloppy
business of living, and you certainly arent a success. Frankly, Clement, I find you a bore.
Apparently he was not put out, for he asked idly, In what wayas a man? Or merely as an
acquaintance?
Both. You just dont care enough about anything.
But surely thats better than caring tremendouslybut only about myself?
There was a pause, during which Maggie expected fireworks. But Celias response was without
heat. I dont deserve that, and you know it. I never get angry, you know.
I rather guessed it, he said. After all, you never really get anything, do you? I suppose its
because you have pretty well everything you want and theres nothing left to get worked up about. But
you must admit that you do care rather a lot for yourself.
Dont be ridiculous. You have the weak mans way of retaliating when you cant justify yourself.
So Im a pretty poor type, he said pensively. Ah, well, once youve accepted it the sting goes.
Was I rightyou do have everything you want?
A pause. Then Celia replied carelessly, Almost everything. Id like to marry some time, but theres
no hurry.
Clement got in a dig. Youre not getting any younger, honey. Youve chosen everything else you set
your stony little heart on and it would be too bad if you grew too long in the tooth to get your man.
Be quiet, she told him equably. I dont rise to that kind of jibe.
A minute later, Celia had shifted slightly and was talking to Don and his mother, and Clement left in
the shadows just behind. Maggie looked across at him, caught his wink and felt like a conspirator.
She smiled back at him, a smile that was meant to convey that he had brought it on himself. He must
have understood, for he lifted his shoulders resignedly and got up to take a walk.
Then Maggies gaze was drawn once more across the dying glow to the fire, to where Nick lounged
in a chair with Jill on a heap of cushions at his side. Jill had it badly, and she didnt care who saw.
Her blue eyes looked up into enigmatic grey ones, and she smiled unceasingly, as if she had never
been so happy. She asked for a cigarette, and slanted it to the flame of his lighter, but after she had
taken it from her lips the cigarette was forgotten and it died while she held it.
Don was leaning over Maggie, speaking to her. She shook off a sense of helplessness and
frustration, looked up brightly.
What did you say, Don?
You were miles away, he said, smiling at her. I was asking you to come for a walk. Its going to

rain so we cant go far. Id like you to come, if you will.

Maggie walked with him out of the light and into the blackness of the garden. They followed a path
and went down steps to a lower terrace where, their vision becoming accustomed to the darkness,
they wandered on towards a log sunhouse, past it, and down a lane through the orchard.
Then Don spoke, a little urgently. Ive been desperately wanting to get you alone, away from the
store, Maggie. Somehow, there youre always so busy and full of the place. And youve been refusing
to come out to the farm; though even if you had couldnt have been alone. I... He broke off, and
started Maggie, weve arrived at the point where we have to make a decision. I hate explaining this
because ... well, because Im not conceited enough to believe Im a knockout.
Yes? she prompted him quietly.
There was a silence before he said rapidly, Maggie, you know I love you and have been hoping to
marry you. Perhaps Im a bit slow about these things, but that doesnt make me any the less sincere.
Ive been waiting till the farm was on a paying basis, which it isnt, quite. Itll come, thoughits
inevitable. Im not headstrong, and it was natural to me to wait till the whole place was free of debt
and showing a profit. But the way things are going, I just darent wait any longer. Do you
understand?
Not entirely, but I shall. What are you really trying to say?
His hand covered hers on the top bar of the gate. I want us to be engaged, he said, not very
distinctly. I want to go back there and tell them all right now. Please say yes, Maggie.
But ... but I cant, Don. She looked into his thinnish face, away from the entreaty in his eyes. Im
fond of you, but Im not in love. Im just not ready to marry.
Oh, Maggie, please! He grabbed both her hands. I know I put it badly, but it all leads back to the
fact that I love you and couldnt think of marrying anyone else. It wouldnt be right to marry before
the last of the bond is paid and we begin to show a profit on working, but it would be marvellous to
be engaged, to know that it was going to happen within the next year or so. You think I ought to have
made love to you, but maybe Im too scared of losing something through impatience. Besides, if one
goes in for too much lovemaking ... dont you see how unsatisfactory it could become?
No, I cant say I do. I should have thought that if you loved someone youd want to make love to
them.
Naturally, but its also apt to make you hurry everything up.
The other way is a little cold-blooded, dont you think?
Maggie, youre such a babymore of a baby than Jill. Shes a few months older than you are, but
she does understand how Im placed.
Youve confided in her?

Not specificallyonly put a hypothetical case. She agreed with my own opinions.
Because she wants to stay on with you, Maggie said bluntly. Shes fishing in the local pond,
too.
But Don was only mildly interested in Jill; his own affairs had become too urgent. Once my mother
knows youve accepted me, shell be sweet to you and forget Celia. And you and I will really be
working together, for our own future.
Maggie asked distinctly, Hasnt your mother told you why she suddenly invited the Pearces?
They were friends of ours in Salisbury, he said, with a worried frown. What are you getting at?
Only that your mother didnt think of the Pearces till I told her I couldnt be more than friends with
you.
Don slumped a little and abruptly let go of her hand. The lightning which had been flickering in the
distance was suddenly vivid, the prelude to a loud rumble of thunder. Maggie looked up and felt a
huge splodge of rain on her cheek, and then another. She turned back quickly towards the house.
Its coming, she said. Well have to sprint.
But somehow, Don couldnt move swiftly, and he had caught her arm again, holding her at his own
wooden pace. The rain swept over them in a gust of wind, and it was only then that he began to run.
Into the sun-house, he shouted above the thunder. It may be just the edge of a squall.
They raced across the terrace garden and round to the opening of the summer-house, stood inside in
the dark, panting and close, while the sudden torrent fell over the garden.
And then, quite suddenly, Dons arms were round her, his cheek on her hair and his heart beating
hard against her. His first muffled words were unintelligible, and all she was aware of was a need in
him, something which he must have quelled until it became intolerable. Suffocatingly, she thought, its
real; he does love me ... what am I going to do?
He said, Oh, Maggie, I do want youmore than anything in the world. All this has made me so
damned unhappy, but I was determined not to let go. And now I ... Ive done it. You cant run out on
me now. You cant! I just havent any defences left. Maggie...
Hush, she said, appalled at this spectacle of the staid young man she knew gone to pieces.
Everything will come rightyoull see. Don, please pull yourself together!
Which is easy to advise but difficult of accomplishment, once one has relinquished control. Dons
arms tightened, he found the corner of her mouth with his lips ... and a man filled the open doorway.
A man who held a couple of raincoats and looked immense in the one he was wearing himself.
He spoke crisply, against the storm. Sorry to interrupt, but in case you didnt know, its raining

outside. Shall I just leave the waterproofs, and go?

Abruptly, Don released her, pushed a hand over his thick dark hair and said shakily, Its ... its
you, Nick, I ... hardly know what Im doing.
Id know, in your shoes, Nick answered in the same bald tones. Is it too early to congratulate
you?
Well, were not telling ... anyone yet. Perhaps in a day or two...
Poor Dons emotions had really given him something to shake about. But his faltering ceased, and
trance-like, he took a raincoat and got into it. Maggie, meanwhile, had already been thrustthat was
the word, thrustinto the other waterproof and pushed towards the doorway. The three went out into
the storm, and she felt a hand which was quite different from Dons gripping her arm and shoving her
on as if she were a child who had badly misbehaved.
Streaming, they arrived in the veranda. The hooded coats were shed and they were laughed at.
Laughed at by everyone except Mrs. Caldwell, who sat right back against the wall in a wicker chair
and let her pale, watchful glance rest first on her son and then, narrowing, upon Maggie Tracy.
Maggie sat down and took off her shoes, wiggled her bare toes till they dried. She turned up the wet
hems of her slacks, and lounged in the deck chair, and presently she became convinced in her mind
that she had exaggerated those moments in the sun-house with Don.
The houseboy brought out a trolley loaded with tea, coffee and snacks and the eating began again, on
a smaller scale. Some of the guests drifted off in the rain to their homes, and after a while Celia and
Jill thought it time to express their thanks and depart.
Maggie looked at those two headsthe smooth, wavy one of Celia and the rough pretty curls of Jill
and she wondered why it was that some girls seemed to have everythingfeatures, good coloring,
fine hair and teeth, a figure to be proud ofwhile others were singularly unblessed. She herself made
no move to join the party in the strawberry pink car, nor did she look at Don when he murmured an
imploring goodnight.
Well, said the cool and sensible Nella, you two from the camp and Maggie are all thats left to
us. I dont like to suggest it, because you ought to have thought of it for yourselves, but the road out to
the store and the gorge must be getting trickier every minute. Are you taking Maggie, Nick?
Well drop her off, he said, looking at her with apparent disinterest.
Then he bent forward to peer at her leg, which was bare below the calf, slid down on his knees and
got out a penknife. Maggie hadnt seen the big red tick clinging tenaciously to her calf, but she
watched him lever it off as if it were happening to someone else.
Thanks, she said. I must have picked that up down near the pasture.
So you didnt spend the whole time in the sun-house, Nick commented.

We spent long enough, she said.

I believe you. Think youll sleep tonight?
Clement Bryce roused from a kind of coma. Whats that? Maggie been indiscreet?
No, she said flatly, and trod into her shoes as she stood. Thanks for a lovely evening, Nella.
Come againsoon! Im growing curious about you, Maggie.
Thats what Nick intended, Maggie said. He wont ask me questions himself, but he was trying
to prod you into asking them, so that he can hear the answers. But Im too sleepy. Goodnight, Nella.
Goodnight, Leo.
Nick and Clement went with her to the ranch wagon, and when she insisted on sitting in the back
they let her have her way. Rain washed over the vehicle, so that the dim figures of the Malkinsons
were soon lost to view, and when they were out on the road Nick put on speed, so that there should
be no question of stalling where the road was awash in the dips. They ploughed through a river of
mud, but soon became accustomed to the noise.
Clement sat sideways, so that he could gaze myopically at Maggie if she had a mind to talk. But she
was silent, so he said finally, You say youre tired, but you still look fresh. It must be great to be
your age.
Cant you remember? she asked.
No, and maybe you wont remember when youve put on a few years. By the way, are you coming
out to the camp on Sunday, with Caldwell and the Pearce girls?
I havent been invited.
Nick said with sarcasm, I intended asking you out, but the rain got in the way. Naturally, if Don
Caldwell is coming youll be there too. His voice changed slightly, but he continued to speak in the
direction of the streaming windscreen. Were you sorry I broke it up?
Broke what up? queried Clement, with patient exasperation. What was our Maggie doing in the
sun-house? I cant imagine her ever being anything but cool and sweet and distant.
She was probably sweet, Nick said, conveying more by what he left unsaid.
I dont see that it concerns anyone else, Maggie remarked. But if were going to start poking into
one anothers privacy, I might put a few pertinent questions myself.
Such as? from Nick.
Wellwith a shrugwhen did you begin the affair with Jill Pearce? How far are you going to
take it? And so on.

It began the moment we met near the river, he said conversationally. Entrancing child, isnt
she?
Very. But misguided. Does she know your views about women?
No, and neither do you, young Tracy, though you may think you do. You should see more of those
two girls. Even Jill knows how to manipulate a man when she wants to please him.
Theres lots more to life than merely pleasing the male, Maggie remarked. In any case, half the
battle is already won if youre prettyand Jills certainly that.
Oh, sure. But youre not repulsive to look at yourself, little one. You should give yourself half an
hour alone with your reflection some time. What about Sundayare you coming?
No, thank you.
Clement broke in. Oh, but you must, Maggie, or well be a girl short. Youre just the right mixture
with the Pearce girls.
Am I? Why?
Well, theyre rich and spoiled and glamorous. Youre none of those things.
You cant lump them together like that, she admonished him. Theyre not a bit alike, really.
Celias quite a beauty.
She sees too much, faults first. You dont mind my saying youre not glamorous?
Certainly not. Im far too earthy for that.
I wonder? said Nick. Ive told you before that youre not quite what you seem, young Tracy.
She said, from the heart, I do wish youd stop calling me young Tracy. You only do it to annoy.
No, I dont. I cant see you as Maggie; it grates. Some day, when you dress and behave as you
should, Ill call you Margot. Till then, I cant imagine any name thats likely to suit you better than
young Tracy. The way you are now, its you.
All right, leave it. Theres the store, just ahead. The lane is treacherousyou must let me walk
through.
But Nick, of course swung the car into the lane and accelerated, so that the invisible potholes were
less felt. He drew up close to the steps, got out and waded round to the open back door. Without a
word, he put one arm round her as she sat and the other under her knees, and lifted her out. He carried
her up the steps and set her down, took the key from her fingers and opened the door. Almost before
she could call goodnight to Clement, Nick had persuaded her into the living-room and was lighting
the lamp. He stood back, looked down at her with a queer set smile.

Worried about something? he asked.

No, she said hardily.
Not even a little uneasy?
Why should I be?
Its risky, you knowstirring a man up; even a man like Caldwell.
She said coolly, I can manage him, thanks. I dont know why you have to keep harping on it.
I dont myselfexcept that I was utterly confounded. The very last thing I expected was to find you
in a mans armseven Dons. His smile was tight and a little unpleasant. It hasnt happened
before, has it?
No.
Yet you dont appear to have experienced anything soul-shaking.
With all the indifference she could summon, she said, Whats in a kiss?
Would you really like to know?
Maggie didnt even have time to look up at him. He simply placed a hand firmly at the back of her
head to keep it where he wanted it, pressed his mouth with painful accuracy upon her own, and made
a job of it.
Then he let her go, said, Sleep wellif you can, and went out into the rain.

CHAPTER FIVE
FOR three years Maggies life had slipped along serenely. Perhaps because she wasnt ready for
them, she had admitted no men even to the outer reaches of her heart, and no doubt that had formed
the basis of her untroubled existence. Had she been asked, she would have said she was not ready for
romantic adventures now, but then such excitements do have a way of catching up with one, and the
only way to deal with them is to accept them or throw up a few defences. Maggie, of course, had
determined to be defensive.
While she worked automatically in the store on Saturday morning, she made a dozen decisions and
rejected every one of them. Repeatedly, her thoughts returned to the astonishing fact that Nick
Heward had kissed her last night. He hadnt enjoyed it very muchshe was sure of thatbut some
feeling within him had forced the action, and she wanted to work out what that particular feeling
comprised.
Maggie was beginning to understand. He had been with Jill all the evening but wisely curbed any
feelings she had roused. It had rained, and he had come to the sun-house, to find ordinary little
Maggie Tracy in Dons arms. Perhaps his arrogance had received a jolt.
They had driven home, and because she had shown no signs of emotion and was unlikely to take
advantage of the act, he had given her the kiss he had wanted to give Jill. Got it out of his system, so
as to speak. All very convenientfor Mr. Heward!
For Maggie, though, the incident had been disquieting, to say the least. She, who usually slept only a
moment after her head reached the pillow, had lain awake in bed, at first furious and then querulous.
What outsize conceit the man had! What imperviousness! What a darned, bulldozing sort of nerve! He
stirred everything in a woman, even pure hate. But she wouldnt stand anything more from him. Let
him get his enjoyment from Jill Pearce, and take the consequences.
She went on making up weekend orders, and called Zeth to fill some of the emptying shelves.
She was almost ready to close up when the strawberry pink car stopped outside and Celia Pearce
came in.
This morning, Celia was spruce in pale blue linen which had an inset of white guipure just below
the round neck. The blonde head was immaculate, and so was the smile she gave Maggie.
Immaculate, but a little friendly.
Good morning, she said clearly. Do you keep pink sheen, Maggie? Ive ripped the hem of a
frock Im rather fond of.
Maggie pushed forward the box of cottons. Pale or medium? This one?
Oh, good. Im afraid I dont want anything else.

Take it on the house. How are the roads this morning?

Filthy, but drying quickly. Celia dropped the reel of sheen into her fringed white bag, but did not
move away. She looked about the shop, and said politely, So this is what it looks like inside. Dont
you get awfully tired of it?
No. I shant spend so much time in here when my father gets back. At the moment I dont have
much time, of course.
Still, you do get asked around. It was a nice party last night.
Nellas parties are always good.
A brief silence. There was nothing to keep Celia, but she lingered, apparently absorbed in the stack
of bales at one end of the counter. At length she said, I didnt only come in for the cotton, Maggie. I
really wanted a word with you.
Did you? said Maggie, startled.
Celias cool smile rested for a second on the small tanned face, the shirt-clad shoulders behind the
counter. Except the Caldwells, you know everyone here better than I do. There are some types that
one recognizes at onceClement Bryce, for instancebut others are less easy to read. What do you
know of Nick Heward?
Not much, Maggie answered guardedly. Hes only been in these parts for ten days.
But youve had dealings with him and he doesnt seem to mind what he says to you. What sort of a
man is he?
Just what he seemsclever, hard, a bit careless about other people.
Celia nodded thoughtfully. But theres more than thatanother side to him. Havent you met it
yet?
Oh, yes, Maggie had met it, but she couldnt put it into words. Your sister might know it, she said.
Hes not hard and clever with her.
Celia shrugged, a little impatiently. Its for Jills sake Im asking these questions. The idiots
really taken a toss this time, and I ought to take her away. But I dont want to leave Pyanga yet.
Im sorry for Jill, said Maggie soberly. Nick has no intention of being serious with any girl
ever.
Well, I wouldnt want him to marry her, anyway, Celia said with a grimace. Shes years younger
than I amtheres plenty of time. The trouble is, I cant simply send her home and stay on here
myself.

Does it have to be Pyanga, for you? There are other places you could take her to.
Yes, but if we moved on elsewhere it would cause a riot at home in Salisbury. I cant explain it all
I dont suppose youre that interested, in any casebut I do have a good reason for staying on at
the Caldwells. Her mouth tightened into a cynical line. Jills an absolute fool. Shes hardly any
older than you are, but shes been in and out of love a dozen times. There never was anything like this
before, though. It annoys me.
But it shouldnt, said Maggie impulsively. She needs understanding. I thought she seemed happy
enough last night.
Oh, shes happy! She believes in miracles. Celias cynicism became more marked. I know men,
and she doesnt. I could never fall for anyone like Nick Heward, because Im aware just what hed
demand of a woman if he married. Hes one of these outrageously confident men; nothing could ever
throw him off his stride. Unfortunately, such men have a profound effect on girls like Jill.
I shouldnt worry too much. You cant go on loving a man who doesnt encourage it.
Celia looked jaded. A lot you know about love ... or men. I noticed you last night. There was Don,
Nick Heward and Clement Bryceand you were almost unconscious of them all, till Don took you
off to the garden. By the way, is there some sort of understanding between you and Don?
Maggie shook her head and smiled. What about you?
The slim shoulders lifted. Hes decent enough, but at present Im off men altogether.
Particularly Clement Bryce? said Maggie mischievously.
Celias expression was one of complete dislike. Clement Bryce is an incompetent fool. Hes
thirty-two, and in ten or twenty years time hell still be assisting someone to do something bigif
theyll have him. Failure is bad enough, but when a man doesnt even care, what good is he?
I wouldnt call Clement a failure.
You probably have a good word to say for everyone. I cant think of any that apply to Clement
Bryce, though.
Yet you dont mind his company.
He seems always to be about, thats all. And it does give me a kind of pleasure to tell him exactly
what I think of him. Celia apparently tired of the subject. Well, I havent got far, have I? I hoped
youd tell me that Nick had said something to you about Jill.
Well ... he did seem to be impressed by her looks.
Which means just that. Id rather hed said something cruel. Jill wouldnt believe it, but it might
sow seeds of doubt. It seems that we have to carry on as we are for a time. Well, goodbye. See you

tomorrow, maybe.
Maggie wrote to her father that afternoon, and enclosed a note for Roy. She didnt mention the
burnt-out shed because it might cause anxiety, but she did give a few facts about the construction
company at the gorge. She found she could write quite a few lines about the projected bridge and the
link-up with the main roads, without revealing herself in any way.
Nothing unusual happened for several days. There was another brief storm, a washaway on the road
to Orvumba, a couple of cattle deaths by lightning, but such things happened every rainy season. The
walls and the iron roof of the shed at the back of the store were completed, and the boys got busy on
cementing the interior walls and the floor. The last job on it would be the thatchers, and the bundles
of elephant grass stood out there already, drying a golden brown in the sun.
A delivery of printed cottons and silks got through on Wednesday afternoon, and Maggie stayed late
at the store, checking it over and marking up the prices. It was dark when she locked up, and Bobs
was sitting on the house step waiting for his dinner. She went indoors and gave him the bowl of
scraps and meat, had the usual wash and change of shirt, and came back into the living-room to find
Mrs. Caldwell standing near the table, her light, bright eyes taking in every detail of the plain cloth
and cutlery set for one.
She was wearing one of her severe tailored silk frocks, and her hair was drawn into a knot on the
back of her head. Her shoes, as always, were serviceable flat ones, but at her neck she wore a saving
band of pearls which had once belonged to an elegant Victorian grandmother.
Good evening, Maggie, she said in her thin, wellbred tones. I see youve already forgotten the
prettily-set tables your mother likes.
I havent forgotten them, Mrs. Caldwell. Im afraid I shant have time for them till shes home
again. Its nice to see you here.
Well, its not exactly a social call, my dear, the other returned a little stiffly, and I cant stay
very long, Celia was good enough to bring me, and shes waiting outside. She knew I wished to
speak to you alone.
Oh. Maggie couldnt make much of this. She said politely. Sit down, wont you?
No, thank you. Apparently it was not too easy for her to begin, for she looked about her again
before saying, Maggie. I had a talk with Don last nighta most distressing talk. He saidthe
words came through jerkilythat he cant marry anyone but youthat you already know this.
Maggie felt her breath come faster. That was rather unfair of him. Ive never said Id marry him. I
dont want to marry at all. It was true! It must be.
But you must have been leading him to believe in the marriage, Mrs. Caldwell asserted, her tones
higher. You know how I feel about this. Now that he has the farm he must settle a wife, or all the
effort will have been pointless. He chose you from the beginning, but youve been so casual with him

that Ive sought other ... means. Now, it seems, my efforts are to be unrewarded. Because you are still
here, he wants you. As a boy. He was stubborn, and in creating the farm he has been tenacious in the
best sense of the word. He has done wonderfully, and deserves the best. As far as Im concerned the
best wife for him is one whom he loves. Maggie, this is very difficult...
Yes, I know, she broke in swiftly. Please dont go any further, Mrs. Caldwell. Dont you think it
would be wiser to let Don work things out for himself?
The thin nostrils whitened. What is there to work out? He wants younot Celia Pearce. But if you
werent here, hed have to change, wouldnt he?
If I werent here? Maggie echoed. Im here for goodjust as Don is. This is my home.
So youre quite willing, said that fine, high angry voice, torment him for the rest of his life! I
think you must be totally heartless. But I wont have it, Maggie. But for you, everything would have
gone smoothly. Celia has had an unhappy love affair in Salisbury, and would be willing to settle
down here, Im sure. She would be good for Don, far better than you wouldand she has money for
developments. Theyd be happy together, and if she decided to go off for holidays abroad. Don
wouldnt object. Id be there to look after him, and any family they might have, and the house would
be kept perfect for Celias return. Her breath caught, with anger. After you told me you had no
deep feeling for Don, I quickly arranged for the Pearces to come here because there were the two
daughtersfar prettier girls than you, Maggie! Jill was obviously hopelessshes pampered and
full of romantic nonsense. But Celia is different. I get along with her well.
Surely its Don who has to find her compatible?
There would have been no trouble about thatbut for you. At the moment, Celia is not a happy
woman, and Im convinced that if Don had shown that he loved and needed her everything would
have turned out well.
I doubt it. Theyre not at all suited to each other. Maggies lips were dry. I really cant see that
theres any need for us to talk about this. You cant run Dons life for him, Mrs. Caldwell, and I
certainly cant have any say in it.
Mrs. Caldwell seemed to have some difficulty with her speeches. It sounded strangled. Her eyes
were yellow and brilliant.
When are your parents returning?
In six or seven weeks.
In that time you can spoil Dons life for ever!
Please! Im fond of Don...
Fond! What do you know of fondness? Let me tell you of the talk I had with him last night. She
stood there like a ramrod, throwing off the words as if they hurt. The girls had gone to bed and we

were tidying the sitting room together. We were ... laughing, and as if in jest I mentioned that he had
known Celia for long enough to propose to her, if he felt inclined. Then he told me he was going to
marry you. I hedged around a little, and finally he told me that the other evening, at the Malkinsons,
you and he were ... happy together in the garden. She paused, as though in almost physical pain. I
knew what he meant. You let him make love to you, clung to him, no doubt! You didnt want him
yourself, but neither did you want anyone else to have him!
It wasnt like that, Maggie protested, her nerves now trigger-edged. It wasnt a case of making
love, or petting. Nothing like that at all. I wish I could explain!
But you cant, can you? Theres no explaining why a girl will encourage a man to bare his heart
and then hurriedly disclaim any responsibility for his happiness. Mrs. Caldwell pressed one tight
little fist into the palm of the other hand. I want a clear understanding, Maggie. Either you marry
Don and make him happy, or you leave Pyanga!
Maggie stared at the bright gleam of fanaticism in those light brown eyes, the suggestion of menace
in the throbbing vein in the womans temple. She said, unbelievingly, You cant know what youre
saying. I have as much right to live here as Don.
But you are not tied to the land, as he is. Our people back in England were landowners in the old
days, and he has the land in his blood. This farm is an absorbing passion with him, with both of us,
and were not leaving it!
Of course not. Honestly, Mrs. Caldwell...
Dont use the word to me! You dont know the meaning of honesty. I warn you, Maggie. If you
spoil Dons life, Ill spoil yours. Theres not much more I can say just now, but...she put a hand
to her throatIm terribly serious about what Ive said already. For Dons sake, I would still
welcome you as a daughter-in-law, much though Id prefer Celia. If you refuse him, you must leave
the district!
Normally, such an ultimatum would have brought out the militant in Maggie; but this was no normal
interview. She had known Mrs. Caldwell to have a streak of iron; she had also been aware of the
womans intense and possessive love for her son. But she had not guessed at the terrible fixity of
purpose, the blind striving against all common sense and reality.
I wouldnt leave, she said a little flatly. I have a duty here to my parents. The store has to be
kept going.
Write your father to return. Let him give up this holiday abroad. Yes, holiday! Your brother is in
no danger, and surely it is enough to have your mother there. A boy never has the feeling for his father
that he has for his mother.
Thats our business, surely!
But Don is mine, and I wont have you torture him. If you were out of the way, hed feel differently

towards other girls. Her mouth was a pale thin line as she turned resolutely towards the door. So
its up to you, Maggie. You marry him or go! For Dons happiness, I can be absolutely ruthless.
She paused, and might have voiced something even more final, had not Celia tapped lightly at the
door and come in.
Celia, fair and coolly smiling, brought a breath of sanity into the atmosphere. She seemed unaware
of the extraordinary currents in the room. She said carelessly, Hope Im not interrupting, but I
wondered if Mrs. Caldwell remembered we were having Nick and Clement for dinner.
With admirable calm, the older woman said, Of course I remembered. Im ready to go now. It was
good of you to be so patient, Celia.
Dont you think we might take Maggie back with us?
I have accounts to enter, said Maggie hurriedly.
Celia lifted a well-groomed eyebrow. You amaze me. The three most eligible men in the district
will be with us tonight, and you turn down the opportunity of their company. Youre an odd girl,
Maggie. Still, I must say a spare young man rather adds to the fun. Well give you Clement Bryce,
Mrs. Caldwell.
Mrs. Caldwell made no comment. She went ahead and down to the pink car. Celia lingered a
moment in the porch, said softly, with her aloof, ironic smile,
Shes not so bad, when you know her. The vinegar disappears when everythings going according
to plan. So long as Don worshipped his woman, the old girl wouldnt make such a bad mother-inlaw, at that.
Maggie didnt wonder how much Celia had guessed. She stepped back into the living-room and
closed the door, sank weakly into a chair and rested her head against the wing. It was the most
exhausting scene she had ever had with any woman, and the frightening thing was that there had been
no real conclusion to it. It could re-open at any time.
Ridiculous to take the woman seriously, of course. When it came to rights, Maggie was as much
entitled to stay as Don himself. Granted, he had been born in this country, but she had a stake in it,
too. In any case, no person could force another to leave a district; it was silly even to contemplate
such a possibility.
But something incredibly distressing had come into Maggies life, and there were moments during
that evening when it seemed that she would actually have to leave Pyanga. She felt touchy and
couldnt eat, and when it came to sitting at the table with the account books, she found herself
quivering, her hand too unsteady for writing. It was too absurd; she would have to sleep it off.
But she did not sleep. She lay listening to the cicadas and wishing desperately that she could
telegraph her father to come home.

CHAPTER SIX
THE following couple of days were uncannily tranquil. Don, breezily confident, came into the store
to apologize for being able to stay only a few minutes. The final crop of his tobacco was being pulled
and he intended to put some heart into the land at once and replant before the big rains with something
short-term. Hed be busy all weekend, indeed for the next couple of weeks, but he knew Maggie
would understand. Thankfully, she said she did.
Clement Bryce dropped in for the mail on Saturday morning and said that he had an invitation from
Nick, who suggested she might like to go down to the club at Orvumba for the evening, with Jill and
Celia, Clement and himself.
Five? she queried.
Well pick up another man at the club. Theres always a surplus.
Thanks all the same, but tell him, no.
And what if he wont take it for an answer?
Hell have to. I havent a modern frock to my name.
Still, youd better be ready in something or other. I was told to tell you well pick you up at six.
Maggie gave a negative shrug and changed the subject. Things going well at the camp?
According to plan, he nodded. Did you hear the blasting operations?
Yes. How long do they go on?
Theyre finished. We had to make a cradle each side of the gorge for the preliminary stays. The
main job hasnt begun yet. By the way, Nick didnt like your note about the supplies. He says the
wholesalers are only by-passing you till your father returns; when hes here, he can handle the whole
thing on a proper basis.
Very kind of Nick, but Im not taking commission for nothing. If hes sorry about the fiasco at the
beginning, hes atoning handsomely with the new shed. The thatching will be complete next week,
and he may use the space if he wants to. Tell him that.
Clement leaned negligently on the counter. I cant think why you two dont let up on each other. As
if it matters who has the commission! By the way, our boys get their first pay envelopes next week, on
the last day of the month, so youll be besieged. Want any help?
I dont think so. Africans love standing about in the shop and watching others buy, and in these
parts theyre surprisingly honest. Just in case we get a wrong one, Zeths son stands in the doorway

on rush days to give the alarm if anything is stolen. We havent had a theft for more than a year.
I like a bit of a binge on the last day of the month myself. What about spending the evening with
me?
Well...
Oh, come on, loosen up, Maggie! You wont have to dress up. Well stay clear of people.
All right. Thank you very much.
Good girl. Ill have to be shifting now. Be ready for us at six oclock tonightand dont tell Nick
you and I have a date for next Wednesday. I need a break!
After the store was closed she had lunch and worked for a while in the garden. Then she washed her
hair and ironed some of her own shirts that George had left wrapped in a towel on the kitchen table.
A cup of tea, and then she got into a cotton skirt and blouse, locked up the house and started out in the
van for a distant smallholding, where an old English friend of her fathers had settled some months
ago. She reached his house before six, was welcomed by the old man and his wife, and invited to stay
for the evening.
They were quiet, enjoyable hours. She talked as she had not talked for a long time; about poetry and
travel, music and novels. She helped to get the supper, did some of the old ladys knitting, and thought
how peaceful it was here. She had always loved old people.
She left them at nine-thirty and drove home at a moderate speed. The house was as she had left it,
with Bobs just inside the kitchen on the mat. She brushed her teeth and washed, went straight to bed.
On Sunday morning there was church again, at the African village. George stayed there, as usual,
and Zeth asked to be put down at the familiar spot. But when she was alone again, Maggie decided
not to return to the house. She would be on her own there, anyway, for the rest of the day, and
somehow she didnt fancy itnot today. She wasnt hungry, so it wouldnt hurt to go for a long drive.
The petrol tank was practically full.
She drove for two hours and stopped beside a little tributary of the Hippo River. Maggie had been
here before, had become absorbed in the teeming life as she did now. She always felt that no one else
ever came here to disturb the wild life, the long tresses of Spanish moss from the branches overhead,
the flowering grasses and rock-plants. This was one stream which never quite disappeared in the dry
season, and now it was filling again, with the rains. The seasons in Africa were fascinating in their
contrasts, but there was no stark difference between summer and winter. Maggie found that she could
hardly remember the bare black trees and hedges of England.
It must have been well after two when she turned back towards Pyanga, and getting near four when
she sighted the main Hippo River. She ran alongside it till the banks began to climb towards the
gorge, and then made for the usual road. Halfway along the track she heard the blare of a klaxon and
looked swiftly into the mirror. She saw the ranch wagon swerve out, Nicks arm ordering her to stop.

He pulled up in front of her, got out and reached her just as she stepped a little stiffly from the van.
He wore shorts and white shirt, had a smile on his lips but not in his eyes. Been places? he asked
pleasantly.
Just for a drive. I enjoyed it.
Did it take you all day?
No, but I lazed near the river for a while. It was heavenly.
Ive been to your place twice today. You left the dog.
I forgot. He wasnt around when I came away, but he had water and food. Did you ... want me for
something?
He nodded towards the shade of a gum-tree, and moved with her. You were missing last night as
well, so I wondered.
I told Clement I couldnt go with you to Orvumba. I went to see a friend of my fathers.
Chill sarcasm came into his voice. When did you decide to do thatabout five-thirty?
She said evenly, I dont have to accept every invitation the goodness of your heart dictates. You
seem unable to believe that most of us managed quite well for our weekend enjoyment before your
camp existed.
I dont even think about what you did before we came, he said tersely. When Im turned down I
like there to be a good reason for it, not to find out that youve been escaping from your own house
just to avoid me. He looked down at her closely. Your colors not so good as usual. Tired?
The lack of pink under her tan was something Maggie had noticed herself, just recently. It dated, she
thought, from Mrs. Caldwells visit. As a matter of fact, she said, I didnt have any lunch. I stayed
out longer than I expected.
Then youd better have some, hadnt you? he said abruptly. Come to my house. Well pick up
your bus later.
Involuntarily, she shrank from his touch on her arm. Theres cold meat at home, thanks. The boy
always prepares it for the weekend.
Well go to my place, just the same. I abhor loose ends.
Oh. Am I a loose end?
Several, he said grimly, and a damned great tangle as well. Come on, young Tracy. No more
backchat till youre fed.

They reached the camp, where only a few natives, lolling near their tents, were in evidence. All
three of the white mens houses looked shut up and deserted, and when they entered Nicks abode,
she found they were to be alone, without a servant. It didnt matter, though. A woman who realized
how little he cared about the sex would always be safe with Nick.
He made her sit down and gave her a drink while he went into the kitchen. Presently, he returned
with a tray of sandwiches, biscuits and fruit, refilled her glass and sat down in the other easy chair,
so that they had the low table between them. He spread a napkin over the knees of her slacks, heaped
a plate and gave it to her. Then he took a sandwich for himself, and sat back.
Conversationally, he asked, Heard from your people lately?
My father writes about every ten days. Theres a letter due in the next mail.
Nothing from your mother?
She spends a lot of time with Roy. My mothers one of those people who can dodge hospital
regulations. Roy has a private room.
I guessed Mrs. Tracy would see to that, he said. Thank God my mother left me alone after I was
about sixteen.
Did she influence you as late as that? she commented. I imagined youd taken care of yourself
ever since you were born.
You imagine a good many things, he said, among them that Im getting at you most of the time.
Im not, you know.
This was slightly dangerous ground; Maggie knew it instinctively. She answered casually, Youre
rather incalculable, and it always seems wiser to take you at face value. Im not experienced enough
to work out the light and shade of a mans personality.
And therefore you call it all shade, he said, with a sardonic smile. Sandwiches all right?
Theyre perfect. Youre quite a hand at such things.
Practice, over the years. Ive camped in places where Ive had to eat every single thing from tins.
This is easy. Try some coffee?
Thanks. She took the cup and dropped into it a lump of sugar. Youre not angry now, about last
night?
I wasnt angry in the way you mean. I understood, a little, why you didnt want to go with us to
Orvumba. But your reasons seem all wrong, for a girl of your age. What has your mother been
thinking of all these years?
My mother? she echoed blankly. What has she to do with it?

He shrugged, exasperated. Shes kept you around here working with your father when you should
have been off with other people, getting experience, wearing pretty clothes, learning how to use that
beauty of yours!
Beauty? she exclaimed, utterly incredulous. Do you feel quite well?
He laughed suddenly. The fact that you take my opinion that way shows Im right. Let me state a
few facts. He paused. You have lovely hair, not too curly and a good red-goldyet you wash it
with plain oatmeal soapIve smelled it.
Whats wrong with the smell of oatmeal soap?
Its prosaichas no nuances.
The light and shade again? Do you expect glamor in a trading store?
Let me go on. You have fine teeth and your skin is good, but for your own sake you should learn the
art of make-up. You should also eat rather more than you do, or lead a lazier life. Youre too bony.
Ive already noticed that you like your women rounded. What else?
He sighed. Those eternal shirts and jeans. I hate to see women in trousers.
Every woman owns a pair of slacks!
On occasions theyre permissible, but even then there should be something unmistakably feminine
about them. If you had your hair cropped you could pass at ten feet as a boy.
She looked down at her coffee, coloring slightly. I dont see anything to be ashamed of in that. I do
a boys job.
With the hint of a savage undertone, he said, Youve decided that Im mocking at you again,
havent you? Well, Im not. When your father gets back Ill take you on, young Tracy. Ill push you
into the Orvumba Club circle, train you to play a good game of tennisand not in shorts!make you
want to go dancing and wear the right clothes. Youre so sane about such things that I may even teach
you how to make love!
She stared at him, startled. Sounds grandexcept the last bit. But why should you feel so strongly
about me?
I detest waste, he said, and thats whats happening to you. Im telling you all this so that you
wont squander yourself on Don Caldwell or someone like him, without knowing theres another
world which might be yours for the taking.
Oh, she said inadequately.
Did you notice I said nothing about your eyes when I was enumerating your credits? he added

forcefully. Theyre one of the reasons youd have to stand ten feet away before anyone would
believe you a boy. Theyre the most womanly part of you. Big, clear green things that send out sparks,
or go all soft and dreamy. Heard enough?
Plenty. I think youre piling it on a bit because you feel you ought to shake me out of it, but I dont
really need that kind of jolting. Ive always known I could make myself more attractive if I tried, but
you dont have to be pretty for the kind of life I like.
Rubbish. Youre not satisfied with your life; youve only convinced yourself you are. He was
smiling now. I mean every word, young Tracy. When your fathers back on the job Im going to
launch you. Ill even bet that before I leave Pyanga youll be engaged to someone who thinks you the
most beautiful girl in the world.
This jarred; Maggie didnt know why. She finished her coffee, put cup, saucer and plate together
and placed them on the tray. Im going to wash up for you, she informed him in an unnecessarily
dogged tone.
The boy will do them when he comes in later.
I want to do them myself. Im inquisitive about your kitchen.
He threw up his hands. What a thing to be curious about, at your age! Come on, then. Its only a
cubby-hole.
It was, but she felt more normal in there, disposing of the few things they had used, and poking into
the fridge, the stove, the pantry cupboards. He stood close to the door to give her room, leaned back
with his hands in his pockets and watched her enigmatically as he answered her questions.
Do you always live in a house like this on the job? she asked.
I had a mud hut last time and had to eat outside and take a bath out there, too, in a galvanized tub.
Our nearest neighbor was twenty-five miles away, but we always managed to meet up at the
weekends.
She tapped the wall. Metal? Looks well, painted white, but I expect the rain is deafening,
particularly if the roof is iron as well.
It isnt, its asbestos. The houses were made in sections in England, and shipped out here. If they
wear well we shall be able to take them on to the next job.
Everything portable. She closed the saucepan cupboard, looked into a baize-lined cutlery drawer.
Well thought out and terribly precise. What would we do without engineers?
Youd go on the way you are now, he mocked her. Finished?
May I peep into the bedroom?

Yes, from the living-room. Come with me and Ill show you. He led the way back, shifted a chair
from the inner wall and revealed a cord that was caught over a hook. The cord was released and
gently manoeuvred, and down came a section of the wall, to make a square platform on the floor. The
aperture revealed a white-covered single bed, a white enamelled cupboard and dressing-chest, all set
in a narrow rectangle.
Theres a door to the cubicle from the corridor, but the wall lets down for air and to prevent
claustrophobia. The designer only really spread himself in the living-room, but the place is more than
adequate.
Quite fascinating, she nodded, but soulless. Dont you sometimes yearn for somewhere to put
your possessions?
I dont have them, little one. The books and gramophone records that I buy wherever I settle are
generally passed on to a mission when I move.
And you go off each time without a regret?
Well ... no. He pulled the wall back into place, fastened the cord. One does become attached to
a particular spot, and to a particular band of workers. You all get to know each other, the Africans
problem become ones own, and very often its a little painful to have to send them back to their
villages. Actually, though, by the time theyve worked for eighteen months or two years on a contract
theyre more than willing to laze for six months.
Do you three white men stick together?
On different jobs? He nodded. Ive had Villiers since my first big contract, five years ago, and
Bryce has been in on the big stuff, tooexcept for the last year or so. He went slightly off the rails.
She looked up at him. And you kicked him out?
He appeared to dislike the trend of the conversation. You cant fool about with bridges and
aqueducts. Hes doing well this time. By the waywith irony he has an especially soft corner of
his heart reserved for you.
Thats nice. I like him, too.
Cosy. Our construction company is starting its own unit here in Central Africa, and Clements
hoping to get an inside job, on the planning staff. Hed be stationed in Salisbury.
Before your bridge is built?
Only if I released himand while hes pulling well Im not likely to do that.
And if he doesnt pull well youll keep him out of the new unit, anyway?
Hell do that himself, automatically. His wide shoulders lifted. Ive had various ideas about

Clement and the way to keep him straight and happy, but this time I havent had to do a thing about
him. Hes going along in his own way and without any bother. Maybe at last he feels hes meeting the
right kind of woman, he ended sarcastically.
Deliberately, she misunderstood him. Its possible. I always think Mrs. Malkinson is a good
advertisement for married life.
He had no time just then to reply. There came a tap at the door and he opened it, to find a large
African there asking for the bwana to come at once, because there was a quarrel in one of the tents.
Nick quickly told Maggie to sit down with a book for a few minutes, and went out, pulling the door
closed behind him.
Maggie stood near the window for a moment, watched him stride along the front of the house and
out of sight. She felt rather sorry for any African who might be answerable for a disturbance to Nick
Heward.
She moved over to the bookshelves above a small writing-table, pulled out the flap of the table so
that she could rest a book there and leaf through it. Except for half a dozen highly advanced
engineering manuals, the books were light reading; a few novels and thrillers, travellers diaries,
biographies, and so on. She sat down at the writing-table to turn the pages of a book of famous
cartoons, became absorbed in the captions. But the humor became monotonous, and she stood up
again, closing the book as she did so. With too much haste, apparently, for the covers clapped smartly
over the knob of a small notepaper drawer mounted at the back of the table, and yanked it open.
She reached to push the drawer in, and hesitated. A scarlet purse lay there inside the drawer, a
vivid suede thing with a huge J in brilliants across its centre. Jill Pearces. It was an evening bag,
so she had probably left it here last night, after they had returned from Orvumba. But to get here, they
would have had to pass the Caldwells farm; surely it would have been simpler to drop both Jill and
Celia there on their way home? Well, it wasnt her concern.
But as she closed the drawer Maggies face was oddly strained and lean. She felt as she had felt
yesterday, when another blue envelope addressed in the sophisticated, racy handwriting had topped
the bundle of mail for Nick. It wasnt a feeling she could have explained, but as it subsided her
thoughts took the direction they had taken then.
Nick thought of her as a boyish type who worked too hard. She wasnt someone to be played around
with, as Jill was, though he felt it would do her good to change a little in that direction. That was why
he had kissed her, why he had promised to bring her out somewhat when her father returned.
Earlier, while they had been eating the sandwiches, she had wondered, fleetingly, whether it would
be possible to tell him today about Mrs. Caldwell and her warning. Now, she was glad she had kept
silent on the subject; the less he was brought into her affairs the better.
She took down another book, but found she couldnt read even a paragraph. She went back to the
window, saw the gorge, the craggy rocks on the other side, the very distant hump of hills. The sky
was still blue but the sun had vanished, so that even the few stunted trees hereabouts had shadows.

She went outside and waited.

He came at a long pace, grinning. A matter of ownership of a bottle of kaffir beer, he said. Want
me to take you back now?
Yes, please.
When they were moving he gave her a sideways glance. That outing today was too much, after a
week at the store. Why are you so wise in some things and such a dumbhead in others?
Arent we all?
Maybe. He paused. Would you come to me if you were in trouble?
I doubt it. Youre almost a stranger.
Thanks. Who would you go to?
It would depend on the trouble. If it was connected with money, Id consult the bank.
Thats sound, anyway. What if it were something private?
Id shelve it till my parents return.
Thats not so sound, because youd have periods of worry about it while you were waiting, and
theres the risk of it snowballing on you. Im not quite a block of granite, you know, young Tracy. Id
help you.
She looked out of the window. Yes, I realize that.
But youre still not telling?
She answered after a moment, I do have friends, you knowLeo and Nella are particularly good
ones. Actually, she tacked on hardly knowing why she did so, I could solve every problem I have
by marrying Don Caldwell.
Really? he said crisply. Then you must give it serious consideration, musnt you? You might
keep me posted on developments.
And that was just about all. He stopped in the lane where they had met, saw her into the runabout
and watched till she had turned on to the main road and was only a hundred yards from the store.
Then he got back into the ranch wagon and swerved sharply back towards the camp.
Maggie began counting the time to her parents return. About forty days, she calculated: then thirtynine, thirty-eight, thirty-seven ... down to thirty. Those ten days, at least, drifted away almost
unmarked. Maggie went out at the end of the month with Clement, had dinner with him at a farm and
was returned to her home at ten. They had talked, he in his usual uncaring manner about everyone they

knew, and she normally and not very much.

Another weekend, punctuated by a brief but smooth visit from Don on Saturday and the sudden
descent of Celia and Jill, Nick and Clement, for Sunday tea. That had been good, except that Jill had
seemed tremulous and a little unhappy. There had been no change, however, in Celias tolerant
cynicism, her acid comments about Clement and his unfailing good temper in reply. And Nick had
gone back to the lazy satire; Maggie got the impression that he was merely passing through Sunday
and saving his undoubted vitality for the technical problems of Monday.
It got through to mid-week, and more rain. The air again grew hot and wet, and Don carried on with
feverish planting. Looked back upon, those ten days of troubled quietude were unbelievable. The
shed was quite finished and some goods stacked into it. The wages of the laborers from the bridge
had swelled the turnover at the store to a greater sum than it had ever readied, and Maggie even had
to drive into Orvumba to choose a new supply of mens clothing and trinkets of all kinds.
She stayed several hours in town that day, called on a couple of her mothers friends and watched
one of them in a bowls match.
On her way back to the van she hesitated at the long plate-glass window of the main store, and
looked at pretty nylon frocks, gay skirts and blouses, cocktail jackets and a selection of tropical sunwear. But she bought only a lipstick at the chemists next door.
It being a slack, mid-week day, she did not hurry back to Pyanga, and when she did arrive there Zeth
had already padlocked the wire proofing and was sitting on the step, awaiting dismissal. She said
goodnight to him, decided to postpone the small amount of accounting till tomorrow night and drove
straight up to the house. She braked behind the strawberry pink car, saw there was no one at the
wheel, but nevertheless felt her heart in her throat as she went into the house to confront Mrs.
Caldwell.
But Mrs. Caldwell was not there. Celia had come alone, and she was sitting in one of the flowery
armchairs and smoking a cigarette. She looked up at Maggie with her knowledgeable smile.
I hope you dont mind my making myself comfortable, she said. Your houseboy said you were
due back for supper, so I came right in and waited.
Im glad you did. Maggie struck a match and set it to the table lamp. Will you stay and eat with
me?
I cant, Im afraid. Ive really come to put you on guard.
The harshness came back into Maggies throat. That ... sounds ominous. Whats happened?
Celia tapped away ash, blew a few grains from her jade green skirt and the thin white blouse.
Well, we had a spot of upset. Mrs. Caldwell had a telegram from her sister-in-law way down at the
Cape, saying that her husbandMrs. Caldwells brotherhad just died. Mrs. Caldwell wasnt
terribly distressedhadnt seen him for donkeys yearsbut being a stickler for convention, she

insisted that Don go down at once by air, to represent her. Don was against it, but he just hadnt the
pluck to refuse her. He came tearing over here, but you were away. When he got back home he had
more couragesaid he wouldnt go without seeing you first. Mrs. Caldwell tried to make him shut
upshe gave a derisory smilebecause of me, I suppose. However, Don kept going. He said
outright, to his mother, Jill and me, that he was going to marry you and you had a right to know if he
went away. I thought Mrs. Caldwell would go cataleptic! Ive never seen anyone sit so white and
still.
Somehow Maggie managed to appear casual. Dons told her before. It wasnt a surprise.
But no one else knew, did they? Shes been working herself to death on meincessantly praising
him and the rest of it. I believe shes a little touched on the subject. Dons all right, but being married
to him would send me nuts. I wouldnt be such a bargain as a farmers wife, either. So there you have
it!
But ... how did it end?
Don had to leave for Salisbury and try for the first plane. He left a message for youjust wanted
us to tell you how things were and that he would return as soon as he could. His mother pulled round,
but she hasnt said a word about it since he left.
Maggie moistened her lips. It was awfully good of you to come and tell me, Celia.
Celia shrugged. Think nothing of it. I havent lived at the farm for two or three weeks without
learning a little. She pressed out the cigarette in the nearest ashbowl. You dont want the man, do
you?
Put that way, it sounds callous. Ive always got along well with Don.
Youre the last person one would accuse of callousness. Why take on any man against your will,
anyway? She sat forward as if to stand up, but she remained there, looking at Maggie. I feel the
same way about Jill and Nick Heward. The position is reversed with them. By the way, Jill and I
wont let this go any further.
Thank you very much. I think Id better keep silent about it myself, till Don returns. I do wish there
were some way of making him realize that I cant be more than friends with him.
Celia said with hard flippancy, You could behave as Nick does towards Jill. At first he flattered
her a little, when that didnt seem to be quite enough for her he teased, and tried being companionable
in a distant fashion. But Jill let go of everything and against all my advice was ready to grovel. I told
her the attitude was fatal, and so its turned out. Nick cant be bothered with her any more.
Thats ... cruel.
Its life, said Celia philosophically. I understand how he feels about it all, and though Im sorry
for Jill, I dont blame him. After all, if people make fools of themselves over us, we cant be held
responsible.

Perhaps not, thought Maggie, but one inevitably had a certain feeling towards those who loved one.
It would be unnatural not to feel even compassion. But just then she was unfit to delve into other
peoples concerns. She went out with Celia to the car, and when all sound of it had died she
remained there on the short drive, conscious of a weight of worry. It was most strange, but she felt
helpless in the hands of the Caldwells. She remembered, longingly, that Nick had offered his
services. With Nick, though, she would be powerless once he knew the problem. He would wade in
and deal with it, not caring who got hurt so long as she was rescued; that was his way. Because, of
course, it was inherent in him to guard the weak from the importunate strong. But she didnt want Don
hurt; didnt want, either, to wound his mother any further if it could possibly be avoided.
Without having come to any decision, she went out into the darkness and got into the runabout. She
drove out towards the camp, saw the distant lights and slowed, but kept going.
Then she saw Clement. He had come from his house, strolling with his hands in his pockets, his fair
hair gleaming dully in the pale radiance from the few lanterns and the stars. He was coming towards
her slowly, whistling something tuneless. Momentarily, she saw his face in a slant of light, and she
thought it looked tired and resigned. He had his troubles, too, it seemed.
He saw the van, took the last few strides more quickly, and looked in at her. Our Maggie! Why are
you sitting here in the darkness?
She gave him a rather tight little smile. I was trying to decide which of you to look up.
Nicks out, he said. Hes gone to see an old colonel who lives at the other end of Pyanga. Our
boys are asking for hippo meat, so were going out on a kill first thing tomorrow morning. The
colonel asked some days ago to be in on it, so he and Nick are arranging details. Like to go with us?
Nick wouldnt care to have a woman along.
Seeing youre more or less country bred, he might not mind. His former fiance was quite a
huntswoman, so he cant really object to women taking part in such sports. Though this is likely to be
an earnest business; the boys need that meat.
She got out and walked with him. Your boys seem to be keen on anything to eat and drink. I can
smell banana wine.
He laughed. Weve had to uproot no end of wild bananas down in the gorge and they stripped them
of fruit. I hope the doc pays his usual visit tomorrow! Were likely to need him.
Do you have Doctor Mahony from Orvumba?
Yes, he may not be modern, but Nick chose him because hes had dealings with the African
constitution for thirty years. Nick gets really mad if the severe tropical diseases show up in his
laborers. Hes great at preventive injections and regular hut spraying. On our last job together we
discovered a leper among our boys; he was only in the first stages and was sent away at once, but

Nick had a terrific row with the doctor because he hadnt recognized a small leg ulcer as leprosy.
You can imagine what he put the other boys through for the rest of that contract!
Did the boy recover?
Oh, yes. And Nick saw that his family was looked after till he could work again. Leprosy isnt
very infectious, of course, but some of the workers are under-nourished when they come to us and fall
ill easily. He grinned. Why the deuce are we talking like this? Im not usually given to grim
topics.
Perhaps, said Maggie quietly, youre not feeling too happy. You look a little worn.
He didnt speak for some moments, but stood there with her, about thirty feet from the van, looking
across the camp. Im all right, he said at last on a gusty sigh. Just occasionally I think of all the
years Ive used up and the little I have to show for them. Ive been kidding myself that if I were to
settle in Central Africa Id make something worthwhile of the second half of my life, but deep down
Im not so sure I could. After all, what Ive done so far is the basis for whatever comes after. Its a
sobering reflection.
Its the same for everyone, and none of us is by any means perfect, she said reasonably. I think it
would do you a tremendous amount of good to settle and marry.
Do you? His smile was affectionate. Who shall I marry?
The woman you fall in love with.
He patted her shoulder. It sounds good the way you say it, but for men like me it doesnt work out.
Thats the kind of thinking that makes me hate myself. I havent the right to fall in love with someone
young and innocent, and the worldly type knows me too well to take me on. For all that, I think youre
right, Maggie. I ought to marry, but I shant. What I still have to decide is whether to go on alone,
trying to make myself indispensable to some soulless construction company, or find some island
where I can live on next to nothing among the inhabitants and forget the world.
You cant escape, she said. No one can.
They did not talk for much longer. He took her back to the van, said if Nick agreed to her
accompanying the hippo hunters he could come down for her early in the morning, and waved her off.

CHAPTER SEVEN
NICK himself came to the house for Maggie next morning. The body of the green ranch wagon was
filled with half a dozen grinning Africans, but the space beside Nick was vacant, and as soon as she
had dipped her face in cold water and got into slacks and a shirt, Maggie came out and took the empty
seat.
Good morning, she said with reserve. I didnt expect you or Id have been up.
Thats all right. It was no trouble to tap at your bedroom window. He gave her a brief glance and
then set the car in motion. You look limp. Wish I hadnt come?
No, Im glad you did.
Like some coffee now, or would you rather wait?
Ill wait. I like the early mist, dont you?
He murmured assent, but said nothing more for a while.
Before we meet the others, said Nick, you might tell me why you came out to the camp last night.
It couldnt possibly have been a social call; you dont do that kind of thing.
I ... I hoped to see one of you. I did see Clement.
He said you werent in trouble of any kind, or Id have come over. What was it?
She managed a smile. I got cold feet about something, but its all right now. I only have to
remember that its less than a month to when my father returns and nothing is insurmountable.
So youre keeping it to yourself again, he said brusquely. I wish to heaven you werent alone
there at the house. It makes me hot even to think about it.
Then dont. Thank you for letting me come with you today.
I was reluctantwouldnt even have considered it if I hadnt wondered what was going on in that
red head of yours. Women and hippo hunting dont mix. Im surprised you even wanted to come.
Im not keen on the shooting, but I like the dawn.
And today, he said deliberately, you want to be with people.
Maggie digested this, said non-committally, Yes, I suppose I do.
Even with me, he added.

She made her tones lighter. You keep me on my toes, Nick, and thats good for my woolly brain.
With you, I have to be careful what I say and yet I can speak to you as I cant speak to others.
Thats a contradiction. Tell me more.
Not just now. Do you think your colonel will mind having me along?
Hell hate it. Look, theres a meerkat.
She looked, saw the long brown tail disappearing among the plants. Then she saw that the path he
had taken was petering out into a grassy trail which brought them closer to the river.
I havent been this way before, she said. Were still fairly high above the river, arent we?
Not more than thirty feet. Some way beyond the end of the track theres a hippo pool. We shoot
from above.
You came at dawn to be sure of finding them there? Hippos are quite funny and harmless. It seems
such a pity to kill them.
Come to that, he said drily, its a pity to kill a young bullock, but most of us enjoy a rare steak.
My boys will work double time once they get meat to eat. We just cant get enough of any other kind.
Do they shoot buck?
Sometimes, but one beast doesnt go far and were only allowed to kill two a month. Oddly
enough, theres no ban on the number of hippos.
Well, I suppose its taken for granted that you wouldnt want to cart away many hippos at several
tons apiece. Theyre very sweet. she ended regretfully. I remember my first sight of hippo, not long
after I came to Pyanga. I hadnt seen any other game but my father showed me several of them
sleeping in the sun. It was only then that I knew I was really in Africa!
He smiled tolerantly. I shouldnt squander too much emotion on the hippo. In fact, I shouldnt
squander emotion at all, if I were you.
I know, be self-sufficient and all that. I try, but it doesnt work. I can be independent, but ... but
people wont leave me alone.
No?sharply. He slowed the car. I heard Caldwell had had to leave for Cape Town. Whos
after you now?
Maggie heard herself saying, Its his mother. Shes a very difficult woman.
What did she do?
As far as I know, nothing. In her heart, she blames me because Im not as fond of Don as he is of

me. I expect this all sounds awfully childish to youlove and doting mothersbut it depresses me.
But, hell, he said grimly, why should it? You cant help how you feel about the fellow! His
mother will have to get over it.
He didnt understand, and it was too early in the morning for Maggie to explain. In a way, she
wished she hadnt been so rash as to tell him even a little.
Is this what you wanted to spill last night? he asked.
She nodded, was glad she hadnt gone further and spilled the rest. Things dont look quite so
gloomy this morning, though. I hope Don wont be away for very long.
Maybe youre fonder of him than you think, he suggested coolly.
Maybe I am, she agreed. As you once remarked to Clement, Im something of an oddity.
You just cant help it, little one, he said offhandedly.
After which he said nothing at all till they came upon the companys lorry, parked at the end of the
track. Then he turned and spoke to the Africans, stopped the ranch wagon just behind the lorry and got
out. The boys streamed away among the trees.
Stay there, Nick said curtly to Maggie. Ill pour some coffee.
But Maggie did not remain in her seat. She got out and stretched, sniffed at the damp air which was
already being warmed by the sun. The river was near; she could smell and hear it. She could also
hear the voices of more and more native boys who must be somewhere to the right beyond the stunted
berry trees.
She took the cup of coffee from Nick, sipped its dark sweetness. He drank his quickly, leaned into
the car and unlocked the glove box. A big revolver gleamed in his hand, and then was shoved into the
deep pocket of his tweed jacket.
Do you want to come to the pool? he asked, his tone uninviting.
Well, I ... I didnt come along just for the ride.
But youre not anxious to see any shooting, he said. Come on, child.
His whole demeanour had become ungentle, uncompromising. He walked at her side along the
track, went ahead where it narrowed and turned to lift her over an expanse of ooze and on to the
rocky little promontory where Clement Bryce and a white-haired man were awaiting them.
Nick made the introduction; old Colonel Black looked fierce and scarcely acknowledged it.
Clement gave a cheerful, Hi! Brought your gun?

Maggie shook her head, smiled nervously and wished she had stayed in bed. She walked forward to
the edge of the promontory and looked down upon the snoozing hippo. There were at least twenty
pairs of the huge nostrils visible above the dark treacly water, and one or two hippo nearer the bank
showed their vast skulls and absurd little ears. The Africans were pointing and laughing excitedly,
sharpening their knives and preparing ropes as thick as ships hawsers.
The Colonel gave Maggie a piercing look. What do you think this is? he demanded. The
launching of a ship? You here to fire the first shot?
Oh, no. Ill go back to the ranch wagon.
Youve never used a revolver?
Leave the girl alone, said Nick. Go back to the car, young Tracy.
Tracy? echoed the Colonel. I didnt catch it the first time. Are you Robert Tracys daughter?
Thats right, said Maggie.
Youre alone at the store, arent you?
Yes.
Then you should have a gun and know how to use it. The Colonel thrust his revolver into her
hand. Go on, take a shot down there. That first hippo skull.
Maggie almost dropped the heavy thing, but clung to it with fingertips. She looked desperately at
Nick, saw him aloof and watchful; she turned to Clement, but he only shrugged as if he hadnt any
idea of how to help her.
Shoot! commanded the Colonel.
If I miss it, itll make trouble for you, wont it?
Nick drawled, Thats what the Colonel wants, little one. As the hippo sit now theyre too easy. Go
on. Show us what youre made of.
Just now you told me to go back to the car.
Well, do one or the other, he said coldly. The boys are getting restless.
Shoot! repeated the Colonel irritably. Or are you afraid of the bang?
This was too much for Maggie. She aimed straight across the pool at a belt of trees, fired six shots
in quick succession and, rather white about the mouth, turned to hand the revolver back to the
Colonel. Without looking at anyone she said,

That should have stirred your prey. Ill leave you now, Blindly, she went back up the track, but
she had hardly covered a dozen yards before there were exclamations from the Africans and the swift
firing of three guns. She got into her seat and closed her eyes, kept her mind almost blank till Nick
and Clement came up from the pool.
Clement got into the ranch wagon and sat just behind Maggie and Nick slid into the drivers seat.
They moved away.
She asked woodenly, Are you leaving the boys?
Thats why we brought them dear, said Nick with that sarcastic drawl. The Colonel will
supervise the lugging of the carcasses from the pool and getting them skinned and loaded on the lorry.
How do you feel?
As if you cared!
Clement said peaceably, It was my fault you came, Maggie. Im sorry.
Thats all right, Clement. If Im wishing I hadnt come its because of Nick.
You had your choice, said Nick in hard tones. I was trying to prove something, thats all.
I hope you were satisfied.
Not particularly, but you did what I expected youd do. You hated even holding that gun, but
simply because you were being pressed and help was withheld you went the whole hog and emptied
it. A pause. Looks as if you wont have the pluck not to marry Don Caldwell.
You work things out, dont you? she said coolly. Clement, will you give me a cigarette?
He offered a packet over the back of the seat, and when the cigarettes were lighted he began at once
to talk about the ease of the kill down there at the pool, and mentioned that before their arrival he had
walked along to the river itself and seen hundreds of hippo strung out from bank to bank.
It was bright now, the mist swallowed by the sun which turned the dew on the trees into topazes and
sapphires. The rutted track improved till it became the gravel road to the gorge. The car swept past
the turn for the store, and Maggie asked,
Did you ignore that purposely? I open the shop at eight.
Well give you breakfast, said Nick crisply. You can open the shop at nine, for once.
The breakfast table was already set in the open air, just outside Nicks house, and almost before the
three of them sat down a boy had come from the kitchen with a skillet full of bacon and sausages and
a plate heaped with toast. He went back for coffee, held his own mug while Nick filled it and
wandered away to wherever he had left his own food.

The sausages and bacon lay in an inch of fat, but to neither of the men was this unappetizing. Maggie
took a sausage and some dry toast, and somehow managed to get through them. Nick was called
away, and Clement gave her a sympathetic smile.
Somethings got into him. You musnt mind. I thought you did very well with the Colonels gun.
I surprised myself, she said, but Nicks right. I only did it because no one would help me out. If
one of you had laughed Id have laughed, too, and wriggled free of it. As it was. I didnt seem to have
any option. She paused. Nick thinks Im weak.
No, he doesnt. He merely expects you to be stronger than you can be at your age.
He compares all women with that girl he was engaged to, doesnt he? Was she good with a gun?
Excellent, I believe. She could do everything except cook.
Then he should have married her, Maggie said doggedly.
Theres still time. Clement finished his coffee and sat back. Has he told you that the construction
company is opening up in Salisbury? He had a letter a day or two ago appointing him managing
director of the new company. Theyre building soon, and will go into operation at about the time
when the steelwork here is completed.
Oh. Does he want it?
Not much. He never did care for ties.
Does he have to take it?
No, but its the highest compliment the company can pay him for the work hes done. He hasnt
decided about it yet.
Is that why hes touchy?
Could be. But youre touchy as well, and I feel a bit on edge myself. I wonder if its this damned
place?
Maggie didnt wonder about it at all. She looked at her watch and found it was a quarter to nine.
Will you drive me to the store, Clement?
Yes, of course. He stood up, looked towards the road and shaded his eyes. Someone coming.
That big pink thing of Celias, shrouded in dust. To be abroad at this hour of the day must be
something of a record for Miss Pearce.
Does she often come here?
Only when shes invited. Now dont take it into your head that theres trouble over at the

Caldwells place. Theres probably a simple explanation.

Celia braked near the big marquee, and got out of the car as Clement and Maggie came round to
meet her. She was sensibly dressed this morning, in a tan linen suit and plain white blouse with a tan
cap on the fair head, and she was alone. She gave Clement her usual rather cynical glance, said with
some surprise,
You get around early, Maggie. I noticed the store hadnt opened, and decided to call on my way
back from this place. Still, as youre here, I can say goodbye right now.
Leaving us? said Clement. Isnt this sudden?
She sighed, a little impatiently. There are reasons. Wheres Nick?
He was called down to the gorge. Ill send for him.
No, dont, said Celia quickly. Just tell him weve left. Ask him to call in next time he comes to
Salisbury. Theres very little one can say to Nick.
Clement shoved his hands into his pockets, and Maggie looked at his face. It was rather curious; a
shade pale, his mouth slightly tightened but otherwise carefully expressionless.
Am I included in the invitation to call in on you next time Im in Salisbury? he asked evenly.
You? Celia flashed him a glance which could have meant anything. Yes, do, if its imperative.
Though I cant imagine you being impelled to do anything at all.
Thats because you have a very limited imagination, my dear Celia, he said. Are you going back
to that chap who wanted to marry you?
Perhaps. The more I see of other men the more I realize he wasnt at all bad. We didnt quite break
it off, you know.
Oh yes, you told me. You came away to think it over; you stayed on here because you still werent
sure. You did say he was in a good solid business with his father?
Yes, and I dont want any cracks about it.
Send me a piece of wedding cake, he said.
Celia ignored this. She turned to Maggie. Jill sent her love. She would have come with me as far
as the shop, but she isnt feeling too good.
What a pity. Is that why youre leaving?
Yes, I suppose it is. After all that business yesterday we knew it wouldnt be so pleasant at the
Caldwells, and I suggested to Jill that we make a tour and come back this way in about a month. It

seemed a good idea, but she suddenly gave way and said shed rather go home. Celia moved back
towards the door of the car. Well, I wont prolong it. Goodbye, both of you.
Maggie asked hastily, Will you drop me at the store, Celia?
Glad to. I did want to talk to you alone. Well, goodbye, Clement.
He kept his hands in his pockets. So long, he said. Its been nice knowing you.
Sorry I cant return the compliment. And she set the car in motion.
You were cruel to Clement, she commented. It wasnt fair to leave him like that.
Im only ever fair to myself. He makes me sick.
But, why?
He harps on his pastgloats over it. He boasted how he used to drink heavily after hed been a
few weeks on a job, how when a job ended he got through the accumulated salary of perhaps a year
in a matter of days.
Hes never told me that. I expect he wanted you to know the worst right from the beginning. He
didnt want a false start.
A false start to what? said Celia witheringly. He didnt have that much effrontery.
Its not effrontery to like someone very much, said Maggie quietly. Its something you cant help.
I believe he does rather care for you, Celia.
Oh, come! Clement Bryce was never fond of anyone in his life. In any case, I dont believe in
reformations. Ill make a bet with you, Maggie. Ill lay five pounds that before this bridge is well on
its way Clement will begin soaking. Will you take me up on it?
Yes, and Ill treat myself to a frock with the winnings. She hesitated. Youre going to keep in
touch with us, then?
Celia lifted her shoulders and gave another sigh. I honestly dont know. Im worried about Jill.
This halfbaked affair with Nick has made her really ill. Im hoping its only infatuation, but while it
lasts infatuation is more explosive than the real thing.
It seems that neither of you has gained much from Pyanga, said Maggie. Im terribly sorry for
Jill.
She asked for it, poor sweet. Look here, Maggie, you have troubles of your own. Mrs. Caldwell is
still white as a ghost, and I doubt whether she should be left at the farm alone. I dont suppose you
want to go over and see her, do you?

Id do more harm than good. But Ill send Zeth over for an order and see what comes of it. And I
could make sure that the Malkinsons know shes alone. She cant drive, so she has no transport, but
she does have a houseboy whos a good messenger. Theres nothing from Don, I suppose?
He only left yesterday afternoon, Celia pointed out. You wont hear for a day or two. I half wish
we werent running out on you like this, but Jill has to come first with me.
Naturally. Youve been very kind, Celia.
Oh, moonshine. If our positions were reversed youd do a sight more than I have. Tell you what
come down and see us in Salisbury as soon as your parents show up. I think its possible well all
feel far more normal away from Pyanga.
She stopped opposite the store and let Maggie out, waved a hand and drove on.
Later in the morning the mail came, some of it from England, but there was nothing from her father.
His usual letter was already a mail overdue, and it occurred to her suddenly and warmingly that
perhaps he would have real news for her this time; possibly he had waited to be sure of the exact
date of departure from England before writing her. If so, she didnt mind waiting, not a bit!
She sent Zeth to the Caldwells and he came back without an order but bearing polite thanks from
Mrs. Caldwell. Relieved, Maggie put from her mind the thought which had haunted her all daythat
she was the only one in Pyanga who knew how Dons mother had reacted yesterday, when he had
said he intended to marry Maggie Tracy.
The day lengthened, and she felt better. She closed the shop and went home, took a hot bath and put
on a clean shirt. While George served her supper he did not grumble as usual about Sofy. He was
perplexed but pleased.
Sofys cousin die, he said blithely, so we have the baby son. Sofy like a mother to this baby.
Really? Where is the child?
I bring it for missus to see. Want two eggs?
No, only one. Is Sofy very happy?
Like different, he said expansively, but with bewilderment. So happy she cry for this cousin who
leaves the baby. More salad, missus?
No, thanks. I must buy the baby a present. Have you a cot?
He sleep on the floor. Is all right.
But there may be rats. Ill get you a cot, George.
Sofy say she sell new shoes to buy little blankets.

Ill give you some from the shop. Do you feel like a father, George?
He thought this over, rolling his eyes. Better than a father, he said simply. The baby is already
here.
Maggie finished her supper, wrote up the accounts and was stacking away the invoices and orders
when George heralded his approach by a smart tap on the door. He entered the room, followed by the
obese Sofy with the child in her arms. Apparently she was unwilling to let the baby out of her sight,
even with George.
Hes beautiful, Sofy! exclaimed Maggie. Whats his name?
Sofy let out a long string of clicking syllables, and then said, We call him that name for ourselves,
but for white people he is Solomon.
I hope hell live up to it. Did George tell you about the cot?
Yes, missus ... thank you. Please ... missus has an old blanket for tonight?
Ill find something. What about his food?
Sofy whipped a tin from somewhere in her skirt. At the mission they give thisbut is empty now.
All right. We stock it in the store. Ill go down for some. And no feeding him with anything else,
Sofy! You understand?
Sofy looked offended; what could this young missus know about babies?
George shooed his family out the back way, and Maggie took up her keys and walked down to the
store. She found a tin of the baby food, then looked out a couple of small blue blankets and a roll of
Terry towelling. She put them all into a small galvanized bath, added a carton of safety pins, some
talcum and toilet soap, a box of tissues, Vaseline and a tiny soft hairbrush left over from Christmasgift stock, and then pushed the bath out on to the stoep. She put out the light, locked the door and tried
the weight of the bath. It was fairly heavy, but the awkwardness of its shape created most difficulty.
A native woman would have hefted it on to her head, and sailed along. Maggie could only hold the
two handles and take short steps, with her hip holding most of the weight. Strong though she was, the
bath had to be set down several times on the way, and she was not quite at the house when the ranch
wagon caught her up.
What the deuce! said Nick. What are we likely to find you up to next?
Very calmly she answered, As youre here you can put it in the car for the rest of the way. Id like
it left in the porch, please.
Starting a crche? he asked.
Not exactly. She passed him and went into the living-room. My servants have adopted a new

baby and I want them to look after it properly.

Well, why the dickens didnt you get the boy to go with you to the store? You wont charge him
and the least he could do was to carry the stuff!
I only went for milk and thought of the rest while I was there. She looked at him. Were you
coming here?
He nodded and said casually, Wondered how youd got through after the unusual start to the day.
We were a bit annoyed with each other this morning.
Oh, thats all right, she said politely. Id forgotten.
Are you sure?
I certainly didnt brood about it all day. Ive been busy. Did you get your mail?
Yes, thanks. I had a letter which put me in a forgiving mood.
She avoided the mocking smile. I noticed it. She writes regularly, doesnt she?
Every other mail. Very faithful. He was still standing, big and incongruous in that dainty room.
Clement told me that Celia brought you back here this morning. Shes left us, it seems.
And Jill, she said hardily.
Ah, Jill. He spoke philosophically. Shes a crazy kid, all effervescence. Clement Bryce didnt
seem to know why Celia cleared out. Do you know?
Yes.
Some girls stick together, dont they? he said. I wouldnt have thought you and Celia could be
buddies, though.
You dont believe in proper friendships with anyone, she told him evenly. People have to give
in to you all the time or stay out of your way. Where women are concerned...
Go on, he said softly, as she hesitated.
She shrugged. Whats the use of putting it into words? You probably know yourself far better than
any of us know you. But I dont suppose youve admitted, even to yourself, that you treated Jill
badly.
His eyes narrowed in a penetrating stare. So thats it. Dont make any rash statements, young
Tracy. I didnt encourage Jill Pearce to make a fool of herself.
She felt her temper rising, controlled it. Is that all you can say about it? You flattered her, took her

out, even took her to your house...

Where did you get that? Jill was never at my house without Celia. She was there only three or four
times all told. Whos been kidding you?
No one. I saw her evening bag in your writing-desk that day when you made sandwiches for me.
She left it in my car; I found it when I got home and returned it to her a day or two later. So much
for that! He was glinting at her now, speaking with the distinctness of exasperation. What did you
expect me to do about the girl? Shed had dozens of little affairs and she was silly enough to think
that because I was older than her usual partner she could make me into a big affair. The first few
times she was good company, but the type is boring, and I refuse to be bored if its unnecessary. Does
that answer you?
It quiets your conscience.
Damn it, he said tersely, why should I have a conscience over Jill Pearce? Im not responsible
for the unbalanced ideas she got into her head.
You played around with hermocked at her. You didnt do that with Celia! The very fact that you
behaved that way with her was enough to encourage her. Jill fell in love with youand it was your
fault!
For heavens sake, he said roughly. Am I to blame for her ridiculous reactions? As soon as I
saw she was getting ideas I dropped her flat.
Was that kind?
This, apparently, was too much for Nick. He came close to her, gazed down at her steely eyed.
You have less logic in your make-up than anyone I know! Would it have been kinder to continue
taking her about? I couldnt fall for anyone like Jill, and she knew it. Shes one of these unstable
wenches who have to fasten themselves on somebody. I happened to be the somebody.
You were cruel, she said flatly, looking away. Jill was so hurt that she left without saying
goodbye to anyone.
Wellin metallic tonesWhat do you think I should do about it?
You could ... just write and tell her...
Oh, no! I dont go in for scribbling letters to emotional girls. Shes gone, and in a day or two shell
be casting round for someone else to cling to. Far better for her to write me off as callous.
Better for all of us to do that, she said. Its odd, but almost any time I speak to youon any
matterI wish I hadnt. I cant think why I expected youd be different this time; you never are.
You should know why it is, he said grimly. Theres something big in my mind, just as theres

something big on yours. These small things keep getting in the way...
I wouldnt call hurting Jill a small thing! I still think you were insufferable to lead her on and then
drop her without warning.
Im getting, he said with a warning glitter in his eyes, so that I dont care what you think about
Jill Pearce. I cant be responsible for every crazy girl who happens to come my wayjust as you
cant take on every young man who happens to think you might make a good farmers wife!
I certainly wouldnt hurt Don as youve hurt Jill!
Youd better, or youll land in the whale of a mess. His teeth went together on a sharp breath.
For the love of Mike, lets be sensible! I didnt come here for this. I came because I wondered what
was really on your mind this morning.
You think Id tell you? she said with bitterness. Youve got no more heart than your beastly
girders. I disliked you this morning. Tonight I ... I believe I hate you.
Thats fineand all for Jill Pearce! I thought you had a better sense of proportion, more
understanding. Youre a complete idiot!
Then how can you bear to be in the same room with me?
I cant, he said, and slammed out of the house.
He was steel all through. Jill had been someone who amused for a while and then became a
nuisance, to be cast off. Celias type he had known rather too well to be deceived into making
advances to her; no doubt his flame, Auriol, was after Celias style. As for Maggie Tracy, he
wouldnt want to bother with her again, and he had never thought of her as a woman, anyway; no, not
even when he had kissed her. And what a mockery that kiss had been.
Maggie put fingers to her cold lips, pressed them over her hair. It wasnt good to stand about
thinking of these things; they made her feel sad and helpless, and Maggie had never cared to admit to
helplessness; it undermined ones independence, and she was too much alone to risk it.
She did not think very deeply before she went to sleep. Time enough for that tomorrow, or even the
day after. Life seemed to stretch ahead endlessly, without highlights. Maggie couldnt know just then,
of course, that the next mail would bring disturbing news.

CHAPTER EIGHT
THAT morning the mail arrived rather earlier than usual, at about nine. Correspondence for the
construction company was so large that the post office was providing a private bag for them, and the
official asked Maggie to pass on instructions for the empty bag to be ready each time he called, so
that the mail could be transferred to it.
She sorted the mail for the farmers and sent Zeth out on delivery. Then she went through the bills
and circulars addressed to the store, keeping the letter from her father till last. The letter remained in
her pocket while she dealt alone with the customers, and it was not till Zeth got back at noon that she
slit open the bulky envelope and took the several pages of her fathers writing into the office, for
reading at leisure. Even then she was not able to get down to it at once, for Zeth knocked and put his
head round the door.
Forget to tell the missusthere is this note from Mrs. Caldwell which she gives me when I take
the mail. She say I must give it to you at once.
So the letter from Robert Tracy was laid aside and Mrs. Caldwells neat little epistle was read.
Mrs. Caldwell wanted Maggie to know that Don had telephoned a friend in Orvumbawho had
transmitted the message to the farm saying that he would be home at the weekend. But Mrs. Caldwell
found it necessary to do a little business in Orvumba before his return and she wondered if Maggie
would be good enough to drive her to the town this afternoon. If Maggie was willing, there would be
no need for a replyMrs. Caldwell would expect her at two oclock.
Well, that was all right, thought Maggie, being firm with herself. Not so long ago it had been
unusual for Mrs. Caldwell to call on the Tracys when she needed assistance, and what more natural
than that she should ask Maggie to take her to town when she had no other means of conveyance? It
would have been easier for the Malkinsons because they had two cars and werent tied as Maggie
was, but perhaps Mrs. Caldwell was anxious to show that the horrid episode between them was
closed. If so, thank heaven for it. Zeth would have to look after the shop for the afternoon.
The few words from Mrs. Caldwell came between her vision and the first paragraph of the letter
from her father, so that she was brought to a sudden halt and had to race back to the beginning and
read again. And she read slowly, with nightmare creeping up about her.
Not much about Royhis second operation had been successful and now there was only a minor
one to come. But his accident and the protracted treatment of his injuries had convinced his mother
that she could never live so far away from him again. He, Robert Tracy, had given days and days of
thought to it, but there was no way out except to sell the store. Finances were such that he could not
again come to Africa: he was buying a partnership in a leathercraft business in the Midlands, and
had, in fact, already made the down payment from cash which had been paid in advance for the store.
It seemed that two brothers had already bought the store and the house and would be arriving by air
within a fortnight. Maggie was to move in with the Caldwells and give the new owners all her

knowledge and assistance.

I know youre fond of the store, Maggie, but I had no choice about selling it. I was fortunate to find
these two men who were so willing to buy up everything. They have even paid a good sum for the
furniture, but I am enclosing a list of things which remain your mothers. Have them packed and
despatched to England for meDon will look after the job.
And now about you, Maggie. Wed like to have you here with us. but perhaps you dont want to
leave the district. You are twenty-one and able to please yourself, but Ill gladly pay your fare and
get you fixed up here in some sort of post if youd prefer it. Talk it over with Don, but dont forget
that the occupation date for the store is not far away. Id feel very peculiar about placing so much on
your shoulders if Don were not there with you. Your mother sends her love...
She folded the letter back into its envelope, looked out of the window at the low bush which had
sprung up to hide the charred remains of the papaw trees. She would give herself a day or two before
saying anything to anyone in the district; she simply had to accustom herself to being homeless and
without an anchor, or her voice and expression might give her away.
Maggie went back into the shop, began to empty the till so that Zeth would not be left with much
responsibility this afternoon. He knew he must take cash from certain people, that those who ran
accounts would write everything down for him on the pad.
She gave out mail to a number of houseboys who had ridden in on bicycles, asked Zeth what had
happened to the private bag for the construction company.
Boss take it, he said. Just now.
Which boss?
Big boss. Him buy two hundred cigarettes and say please get more of his brand.
Why didnt you call me?
Boss say not to call. Him in a hurry.
Maggie couldnt feel it, somehow, though it did occur to her that the company would now have to
deal with two men who might be more obliging than she had been herself. She blinked a hot
heaviness from her eyes, locked away the cash and gave Zeth his final instructions.
Lock up till two, she said, and get your young brother over in case you need to send out. If Im
not back by five, close the store and take the keys up to George.
Yas, missus.
Im going up for my lunch now. Ill be leaving at about twenty to two.
At the house, though, she could not eat. She drank some coffee and took a shower, thought, a little

lightheadedly, that she ought to make a gesture to Mrs. Caldwell and wear a frock this afternoon.
Then she remembered that it was no longer necessary to placate Dons mother, or anyone else in
Pyanga. Still, she would get out of jeans and into the dark brown slacks and a cream blouse. The
jeans, suddenly, made her feel like a grubby errand boy.
With a thin brown leather belt at her waist, the redgold hair brushed back behind her ears and only
a rub of lipstick in the way of make-up, she looked young and vulnerable as she got into the runabout
and made for the Caldwells farm. She drove the eight miles without haste, was not surprised to find
Mrs. Caldwell sitting in the little stoep, waiting for her.
Maggie greeted her normally. Hallo, Mrs. Caldwell. I knew Id find you ready. Shall we go at
once?
The older woman gave her tight, well-bred smile. So good of you to do this for me, Maggie. Ill
just put on my hat and lock the door. The servant has finished and I dont like to have him in the house
when Im not there. Well, here we are. Did you bring this cushion for me?
Maggie patted it into the corner of the front seat of the runabout and held the door wide. Its quite a
way into Orvumba and the van wasnt built for passenger comfort. Are you all right there?
Perfectly. She tidily arranged the skirt of her dark print frock. Its really very good of you,
Maggie.
The fulsomeness was not characteristic, but Maggie was in a detached mood and unwilling to judge.
She set the small van in motion, drove out on to the dusty road.
Mrs. Caldwell looked back. Dont you think its a beautiful little house, Maggie? Cant you see
that Don built a great deal of love into it?
I remember seeing him do it.
Then you dont blame me for wanting him to be happy there?
Of course not. Its the most natural feeling in the world.
But you, said Mrs. Caldwell without a trace of unpleasantness, cannot bring yourself to share the
farm with him?
Had this been an ordinary day Maggie would have answered guardedly; as it was, she said openly.
No. Mrs. Caldwell. In his heart, Don knows that.
I understand far better than you think I do. Of course, if you hadnt been here he would have
married Celia Pearce, and her money would have been used to improve the lands and buy more
mechanical equipment to make Dons life easier. I know you dont think Celia would have married
him, but I dont see why it couldnt have happened. You spoilt things between Celia and Don, you
know.

No rancour in her expression, none at all; Maggie was grateful for that.
I dont feel I did, Mrs. Caldwell. Celias money might have been useful on the farm, but theyre
most unsuited to each other.
When a man has his mother to care for him that isnt important. Celia would have been as free as
she wanted to be. Still, shes gone, and now I have to find someone else for Don. Its very
disheartening.
It would be wiser to let him seek his own wife, dont you think?
Hes tried it, with you. Do you remember the granddaughter who came to visit the Nelsons last
year? Rather a solid-looking girl but very amenable. I hear shes coming again.
Maggie drove on along the dusty road she knew so well and tried to ignore the hollow sensation
inside herself.
Where would you like me to stop, Mrs. Caldwell?
At the lawyers. Im paying off the rest of what we owe on the farm before Don gets back. Its his
birthday next week, you know.
Yes, so it is.
Well, this is a present for himthats why I wanted to come to town while he was away. Im using
the whole of my own money and I shall present him with the deeds.
The light yellowish eyes glistened. Can you imagine how terribly happy hell be, to know that he
and I now own the place entirely?
Maggie said gently, Yes, I can imagine. Ill wait outside for you.
When Mrs. Caldwell had entered the small office, Maggie left the van and took a walk. She felt the
thick letter from her father in the pocket of her slacks, and it was a dull reminder of Mrs. Caldwells
fanatical desire that she should leave the district. Well, she was going, but ironically Mrs. Caldwell
didnt care any longer whether she went or stayed. It seemed that if one left things alone they worked
themselves out.
She returned to the van and sat in it in the blistering sunshine. Heat hazed her brain, and when Mrs.
Caldwell appeared carrying a long envelope, she stirred herself.
All set? she asked.
Yes, but Ill just go over to the chemist for some aspirin. Ive used a lot latelyheadaches, you
know.
Im sorry. Let me get them.

No, Id rather go myself.

About ten minutes later they left Orvumba. It was not yet four and Mrs. Caldwell remarked that she
thought it would be very pleasant by the river today. What a pity there was no true road beside the
river and into the town. A river always gave tone to a place, and towns in the bundu needed all the
tone they could get. She kept the long envelope under the bag on her lap, and now and then she
fingered the end of it, lovingly. It meant everything to her, the full ownership of the farm without bond
or any kind of debt. Perhaps her disappointment over Celia was assuaged by that stroking movement;
but one couldnt tell. She was an enigmatic woman, always had been.
Looking at her watch just before they arrived back at the farm, Maggie decided she had time to go
on to the store and do the locking up herself. But when she stopped the van in front of the house, Mrs.
Caldwell said.
Youve been kind, Maggie. Do come in and have a cup of tea.
If you really want me to.
My dear, it will be like old times, before we got angry with each other.
Maggie followed her with misgiving. Soft-toned, Mrs. Caldwell was unpredictable. Still, if she
started blowing up again there was the van outside. The door was opened, and a perfume came from
the living-room table, the perfume of Mrs. Caldwells precious roses; half a dozen cream buds and a
couple of full-blown red blossoms. The table was beautifully set with thin flowery china, silver jug
and sugar bowl.
You see? said Mrs. Caldwell lightly. I meant you to have tea with me. Sit down, Maggie, and let
me wait on you.
A trip to Orvumba hardly merited this! Uneasily, Maggie sat down and stared at the attractive table.
Celia might have seen it like this, but for Maggie Tracy, Mrs. Caldwell had never used anything but
what she called her cottage china. Was this the last inch of the olive branch?
Mrs. Caldwell carried in a chased silver teapot, went to a cupboard and brought out two dishes of
small cakes which she had made herself. She poured tea, remembered Maggies one lump of sugar
and that she liked nutty cakes. Herself, she ate nothing at all, but Maggie hadnt eaten since breakfast
and the cakes were good.
That was a delicious tea, she said, using one of the dainty lace napkins. May I clear the table for
you?
No. Leave it. Mrs. Caldwells voice trembled slightly, and those light-colored eyes went cloudy.
Dont go yet, Maggie. Ive a little headachethrough driving in the sun, I suppose. I was going to
ask you to take a walk round the farm with meIve even changed into walking shoes. Its always
cool down at the river end.
Ill go with you if you likebut arent you too tired?

Yes, I think I am. She paused, drew in her thin colorless lips. You like my china?
Its lovely.
Its half Dons, you knoweverything I have is half Dons. Her throat sounded horribly dry. But
I can only be a mother to himI cant be a wife. He needs a wife.
Not that badly, Mrs. Caldwell. Hes not even thirty.
She said tiredly, He loves you, Maggie. I can buy him many things, but I cant buy you. Youll stay
and torture him.
No! Maggies own voice was as husky as the older womans. Im leaving, Mrs. Caldwell
perhaps in less than a month.
When your father comes. But a month can be a lifetime. She touched the teapot, waved thin
fingers at the china. Wouldnt you like to use these things, Maggie? Id let you, sometimes. These
rooms are nice, arent they?
She closed her eyes. I really do need some air.
Come outside. Please!
In the porch, Mrs. Caldwell revived; she even smiled. I get lonely without Don; I think a great deal
and worry myself. Maggie, will you take me down to the river? Its only a mile if you go over our
land.
Maggie knew it. She had walked there with Don in the early days, before even the house was a
reality. She got behind the wheel, looked a little anxiously at the thin fine face of her companion, and
drove over the gravel track which led out to the farm road. The sun was going down now; only a
golden haze above the treetops showed where it was setting. Crows squawked as they flapped across
the lands, and a shrike let out a shrill note as it darted after a rainbird.
Mrs. Caldwell sat silent, looking out over the earth which her son had made productive. She let
Maggie slide out and open the farm gate at the end of the road, and she bore the jolting of the van
over the rough grass without a murmur. Maggie stopped about twenty yards from the steep riverside.
Do you want to get out? she asked. Its breezy.
Its what I need. Funny how you get a breeze out here. Don says its because of the gorgecreates
a current of air, or something. On very hot days we bring our lunch here, and he lets himself right
down there to the water and has a bathe before he eats. Freshens him up for the afternoons work, he
says.
I prefer the pool higher up myself.

Well, youre just a girl, arent you? Those light, hazy eyes turned upon Maggie. You havent
seen our farm so full of growth, have you?
No, its marvellous.
Not much more than two yearsthe house and the lands. Dons amazing, isnt he?
Mrs. Caldwell, said Maggie desperately, Im sure youre not well. Let me take you back to the
house. Youve done exciting things todaythe deeds, and so on. Please come.
Sweat shone along that thin upper lip. Im all right, Maggie. Quite all right. I wanted to look at the
house and farm because today its really oursDons and mine. She took a few steps nearer to the
edge of the rocks above the river. Ive been down there myselfthats where I got the rock-plants
for my garden. The river looks like a silver thread from this height, doesnt it?
And very untouched. I dont suppose many people come this way.
Theres so much river bank, and theres only a footpath just here. You see that ledge down to the
right? Don sat there and took photographs. I was scared!
Are you cooler now?
Oh, yes. I must look disgraceful with the wind blowing my hairbut I feel much better!
She looked strange, though, with that smile on her thin face, the wispy grey hair flowing, and that
golden glow of the sun in her eyes, making them appear sightless. Maggie was determined to get her
into bed and give her a sedative, but the only way to accomplish her purpose was to yield first. She
knew now that it hadnt been very wise to come here with Dons mother.
As usual, Nick and Clement Bryce had their breakfast outdoors, in the early sunshine. Both ate their
normal quota, though Clement seemed to find it difficult. Nick simply stoked, without apparent
enjoyment. He poured a second cup of coffee and lit a cigarette.
Better get a couple of welders busy right away, he said, and well finish the rock-clearing today.
Did you get a report about that boy Villiers spoke about?
Clement nodded disinterestedly. Mahony says its just an infected boil. He gave an injection and if
its no better when he comes this afternoon hell cut it away.
Youd better ask him for a pick-me-up for yourself, said Nick tersely.
A bottle of whisky would do the same job.
Dont chase trouble, old chap. Youre doing fine.
Oh, fine, echoed Clement in bored tones. Living here is like being abandoned in the jungle.

You were spoiled to begin with. Those girls shouldnt have been here, then you wouldnt miss
them now theyve gone.
I should be like you, I supposeenjoy them while theyre about and forget them when they arent.
I think Ill spend the weekend down in Orvumba.
Why not? You have friends at the club. By the way, in the mail yesterday I had confirmation that
you can join the staff of the new unit in Salisbury after youve finished here. The prospect of that
ought to keep you sober.
I dont want the job, said Clement.
Too demanding? asked Nick, with sarcasm. Or arent you keen to work with me any longer than
you have to?
It isnt that. Clement stubbed out his cigarette, blew ash from the check tablecloth. I just dont
care for the idea of living in Salisbury.
Its what you were agitating for a little while ago.
Oh, sure, but I went feminine and changed my mind. He got to his feet. I think Ill get busy.
I have a couple of letters to get away, but Ill be down there soon. He turned his head. Sounds
like someone on the track. Can you see?
Its just a boy on a bike. Clement paused. Looks like that assistant at the storeZeth.
Nick got up quickly, took a look, and strode round towards the dismounting African. Sweat
streamed down the boys face, showed up oddly among the hairs of his forearms. He wore store
overalls and an old shirt which had had the sleeves cut out, and he was panting too heavily to speak
at once.
Well, what is it? Nick demanded.
Zeth grinned, rather painfully. Sorry, bwana. I ride fast. I come here because it is only three miles
it is more miles to other neighbors. Bwana, we do not know what to do.
Miss Tracy? Did she send you?
No, bwana. This was difficult for poor Zeth; he was accustomed to dealing with a woman who let
him take his time. The missus is not at the house. She did not come home yesterday.
Come on, nowget it out, ordered Nick. Where is she?
Not know, bwana. George come to my hut this morning and say missus not come home last night
not come home since lunch-time yesterday.

When did you last see her?

Before lunch. I kept the shop in the afternoon while missus go in the van to Orvumba.
You mean shes never come back from Orvumba? Has she ever done that before?
No, and she would not do it if she not say so.
It was really hard on Zeth. He was by no means unintelligent, but this look on the masters face
almost paralyzed his thoughts. He swallowed.
Bwana, there was a letter from Mrs. Caldwell. I think it say young missus must go with old missus
to Orvumba. That is all I know.
She wasnt alone, thank God! Nick swung round to Clement. Take over down at the bridge, will
you? Ill have to follow this up. Is Villiers here?
Yes, Ill call him.
Nick turned to Zeth. Go over to my housethe boy will give you coffee. You can make your way
back to the store later.
Nick was halfway to the ranch wagon when Villiers caught him up. Want me, sir?
Only to ask you something. You spent last night in Orvumba did you see or hear anything of a
crashed vehiclethat light little van belonging to the store?
Nothing at all. Its a very safe road.
Yes, I know, and she wouldnt drive fast with Mrs. Caldwell inside. All right, Villiers.
Nick shot away in the ranch wagon, reached the store in less than five minutes and turned up
towards the house. George was in the garden, looking forlorn in his white apron and scuffed
plimsolls.
No, sir, he said in answer to Nicks barked enquiry. Not seen missus since she came for lunch
yesterday. Missus not eat the lunchnot hungry she say. I got some supper and left it like before, but
this morning it is still there and the bed is made.
If you hear anything before I get backoh, never mind!
Nick was back behind the wheel and swerving towards the road. The eight miles to the Caldwell
place were covered in record time. The house looked so normal, with a window open and a curtain
blowing gently, that instead of making for the back of the house he stopped at the steps and went up to
rap on the front door.
A thin, worried African opened the door a few inches, slipped back quickly when he saw the big

white man push his way into the room. Nick looked about him, saw nothing unusual and turned to the
boy.
Where is your missus?
Not know, bwana.
Tell me what you do know!
This boys state was even worse than Zeths for he was accustomed to the ladylike ways of Mrs.
Caldwell. However, he managed to tell what he knew. He had been in his hut when Miss Tracy had
turned up in the van, and he had seen the two women set out. After that he had gone out to see one of
his friends and returned at about six, to find the front door unlocked, tea things on the table but no one
about.
Clean tea-things?
No, bwana. Two people had had tea. That is all I know.
Nothing more at all? Didnt you wonder where Mrs. Caldwell had gone? said Nick furiously.
Didnt it occur to you that you should have told someone?
I not know what to do. I first wait. Not know what the white people do. So I go to bed.
It was no good railing at the boy. Nick went out of the house and down the steps. He stood there,
trying to work out what a couple of women might do after they had been out for the afternoon and had
tea together. Take a walk? But the van was gone. Another drive? Very unlikely, unless they decided
to visit a neighbor. If theyd called on friends they would later have returned to their homes. Even if
one of them had been taken ill the other would be about, to tell the tale.
But they had vanished. Had tea, got into the runabout ... and vanished.
Again he impatiently set the ranch wagon moving, towards the Nelsons smallholding this time. And
on the way he went on threshing it out. Young Tracy was half afraid of Dons mother but suddenly, it
seemed, they had come together in the most friendly manner, spent a half day in town, and so on. Had
some incident smoothed things for them? Possibly they had found some sort of message in the house
informing them of Dons return; they might even have decided to drive down to the airport in
Salisbury to meet him.
But not without leaving a message. However eager they might be to meet Don Caldwell, neither
young Tracy nor Mrs. Caldwell would have gone without first giving instructions to servants.
The Nelsons, when he loosed a volley of questions at them, were unhelpful. People did do funny
things, the old man said, and there was no knowing why those two had gone into Orvumba in the first
place. Give it a day or two and theyd probably turn up with Don, safe and sound.
The Malkinsons couldnt help either, though Leo was far more concerned than Mr. Nelson.

If you like, Ill go down the road as far as the police depot, he offered. Theres always someone
on duty.
I wish you would, said Nick. Im going back to the Caldwells. Seems to me that thats where
there ought to be some clue of whats happened. You might come there if you get any news.
The following few hours were strained and unusual for the people of Pyanga. Nella Malkinson took
her own small car and scoured the by-roads, her husband telephoned hospitals and distant friends
from the police depot, and others were alerted, so that they watched every cloud of dust till it
materialized into some kind of vehicle.
Nick searched the Caldwell living-room, stalked around the lands and drove the ranch wagon round
the farm. He questioned everyone he saw on the way, but Leo Malkinson had joined him and it was
getting towards midday before he met a clue. One of the farm boys who always came in by the back
gate had noticed car tracks coming from the gateway and leading towards the river; the gate had been
standing open, which had been most unusual.
Nick drove down the farm road, Leo opened the gate and both men saw the tracks for themselves.
Within two minutes they sighted the van as it stood abandoned and forlorn among low bush. It was
empty, with the key still in the ignition; the engine was cold.
Made any guesses? queried Leo, in odd tones.
Nicks jaw was taut. It got a bit sultry yesterday afternoon. They might have walked along the cliff
for the breeze. Well take opposite directions, and Leo...a pause take a look over the edge
every few yards.
Nothing like that could have happened, came the swift response, or one of them would still be
around.
Take a look, all the same.
How farhalf a mile?
Nick called back over his shoulder, Yes, and give a yell if you find anything at all!
He moved swiftly, very close to the edge of the rock face above the river. Occasionally he got
down and peered at as peaceful a scene as you might find anywhere in the world. Rocks and blowing
grasses, pink and blue clumps of flowers, a few karri bushes and then more rocks and grasses, till the
glance found the glittering ribbon of the river. The walls enclosing the river were nearly as high as
those at the gorge, but here the rift was much wider.
There came a sudden shout from Leo Malkinson. Nick turned and loped at speed, reached the
others side as he was getting down flat on his front to look over the cliff. Nick was beside him,
levering himself out for the best possible view, and a moment later he drew a sharp breath.
Maggie was there, about forty feet down and slightly to the left of their position. She lay

precariously balanced among bushes, head falling backwards so that the reddish hair shook in the
breeze like the ragged petals of a large flower. There was the blackness of congealed blood along
one cheek and above the temple, but the rest of her face was a strange clay color, the lashes like dark
pencillings on her cheeks. Her body, in the brown slacks and ripped blouse, looked slender and
fragile.
A sudden line of sweat stood out on Nicks brow; he said something under his breath, flung more
loudly at Leo, Theres a tow-rope in the wagon. Fasten it on to the back, drive as close as you can
and let the other end down to me!
There was no discussion. Nick let himself down over the edge, found impossible footholds which
crumbled the moment after he had left them, and descended with a recklessness which would have
astounded his sober co-directors in Salisbury. He reached the bushes but darent touch them till the
rope dangled close. By the time the rope was knotted about his waist he had the operation worked
out. He had also seen the faint rise and fall of Maggies breast. He leaned from his foothold and felt
slowly over the leaves till he found her waist; the pulse was shallow but regular.
He gulped down a much-needed breath, took foothold in the clump of bush and at the same moment
shoved an arm under Maggies shoulders; her body yielded as if she were boneless, and he sweated
again though his mouth was parched as a desert.
The rest was easy. He gave a signal and, within a minute, the engine of the ranch wagon was roaring
up there on the cliff. The rope jerked and very slowly as the car moved they were hauled up, Nick
with his feet hard against the rocks so that he could keep Maggie clear. There was a long moment
when the hauling stopped, and Leos anxious eyes looked down at them.
Ill finish the hauling by hand, he shouted.
No! Drive another dozen feet, then come round, bit out Nick. Get moving, man!
It was done. Nick himself lifted Maggie over on to the grass and flung off his rope. He felt along her
limbs and over her heart, and then lifted her on to the car rug which Leo had spread in the ranch
wagon.
Drive to your place, Leo, he said a bit thickly. Ill stay inside and try to shield her from the
bumps. Quick, for Gods sake!
Think shes seriously injured? asked Leo in a whisper over the back of the drivers seat.
Im not thinking, said Nick. Step on it.

CHAPTER NINE
BIRDS were quarrelling outside in the bougainvillea, and occasionally they sounded so close that it
seemed one of them must fly for protection into the bedroom. The french window was invitingly wide
and the only breeze was that from an almost soundless electric fan which was so placed that it
maintained a cool stirring of air about Maggies bed without causing the least discomfort.
It was a beechwood bed and the dressing-table matched it; the stool in front of the dressing-table
was tautly covered in scarlet linen. There was a scarlet foam-rubber chair and a powder blue one, a
white carpet, a powder blue bedcover folded and laid on a luggage rack, and powder blue curtains.
Oh, yes, thought Maggie slowly. This was one of Nella Malkinsons guest rooms. Luxurious,
modern, very comfortable. Funny that Maggie Tracy should be here, but no doubt she would
remember quite soon what it was that had brought her to Meranti Farm. She had never slept here
before.
She lay calmly, watching the bougainvillea sway and quiver with the movements of invisible birds.
She saw a slice of blue sky, heard the distant whirring of the watermill and the whinnying of a horse.
The sun was fairly high, so it must be nearly midday, which was a peculiar time to be in bed. Her
arms were lying on the stark white blanket, and she lifted the left one to look at her watch. But the
watch was gone; only its white shape on the pale brown wrist remained. And it was painful to lift the
arm; it was even painful to turn her head or press back her shoulders. And her face felt stiff down one
side, while just above the temple something was knocking. She would be well advised to lie quite
still ... and not to think.
For some minutes she managed it without any trouble at all; her thinking gear had forgotten how to
function. Then a houseboy came in, one of those clad in a smart white cotton suit, and she watched
him place on the table a jug full of water and clinking with ice, and set a tumbler upside down on a
table napkin. He was turning to go when inadvertently he looked at the bed. His astonishment
profound, he bowed and almost ran out of the room. Very queer; it probably meant that he had
expected to find her asleep ... or unconscious. Unconscious?
Maggie had no time to analyze this before Nella came in, looking cool and sensible with her dark
hair drawn back and wearing a plain white blouse with a dark red skirt. She came to the bed quietly,
looked down eagerly but spoke gently.
Well, hallo! So youre with us again. Got your bearings?
Not ... exactly. Maggie smiled weakly. My voice sounds as though it needs oiling. Why is that?
Possibly because you havent used it for some time. Youve been here two days and this is the first
real sign of life. How do you feel?
Foggy, and everything hurts when I move. Nella ... whats been ... happening to me?

Nella took her time about answering this. Well, youre pretty badly bruised, youve several
wrenched muscles, but no fractures. You had bad grazing down the side of your left cheek and a nasty
rip just above the temple which had to be stitched. You also had a very slight concussion. But, I
repeat, no fractureswhich was a miracle.
You really mean Ive been ... flat out for two days?
Nearly three days, I think. Nella didnt elaborate, but asked, Thirsty? Youve been drinking cold
water occasionally, though possibly you dont remember it.
No, I dont, except... She broke off, and then said, Yes ... Nick gave me a drink.
Hes been taking night duty, watching you. Hes a wonderful nurse, our Nick. She ended
laconically. Youd hardly believe it.
Im beginning to remember more.
Are you, dear? said Nella briskly. Dont be morbid about it. Come on, have some water while
its really cold. The weathers been terribly hot these last few days and weve had quite a job to keep
you thoroughly dry and warm and breathing cool air.
I do seem to have rather a lot of blankets.
Old Doc Mahony was afraid of shock and the effects of exposure. I told him you were as tough as
good leather, but he insisted on the warmth. So did Nick, come to that. If youre not too stiff I think
you might sit up a little for the drink. We cant massage you because you have the bruising and grazes,
but the doctor said your joints will ease as soon as you start moving about. He also said youre to
stay in bed for a week.
Maggie sipped the ice-cold water gratefully; then she felt the impact of Nellas words. A week!
she exclaimed thinly. Whats been happening at the store?
Nella laughed. Nicks in chargedont you realize that? He sent to those wholesalers you deal
with in Orvumba and borrowed a clerk from them for a fortnightpromised double pay and whatnot.
They sent the best they had and I believe hes good. Seems obliging and honest and he gets along with
Zeth. Hes living in your house and Nick calls in every day to keep the man up to the mark. Ive been
told to offer you light fare as soon as you could take it. Buttered egg and thin toastlike it for lunch?
I might, if I could have a good wash first. Nella, about the store...
Sorry, honey, Im forbidden by you-know-who to discuss it with youto discuss anything with
you. But I can tell you this: theres not a thing for you to worry about. There are never more than two
or three customers in the shop at a time, which means the substitute can cope, and George is running
your house just as if you were there. For the rest, Clement sends his love and Leo likewise.
Is Don home? asked Maggie.

Nella went over to the french window and twitched at the curtain. Yes, hes home, she said
casually. Come into a spot of money, I believe, from the relative who died. Lets have that wash,
shall we? Maybe the doc will let you have a bath tonight.
Obviously Nella was going to avoid anything debatable, and for the moment Maggie hardly cared.
Remembering was difficult, and nearly as painful as moving. She sat higher and surrounded herself
with towels, insisted on doing everything for herself. This appalling stiffness must wear off soon; she
had so much to do!
When the towels had been removed Nella helped her into clean pyjamas; her own plain tailored
ones, she was glad to note. And Nella helped her to brush her hair, and she dabbed a pad of cotton
wool soaked in eau-de-Cologne over the young brow. Then she brought a mirror. And Maggie stared.
Her face was pale brown untinged with pink, and down the left jaw stretched a red-brown area
which shone between the dark scratches. Above her temple a patch of hair had been cut away to make
room for a bulky dressing; she put a finger to it, caught Nellas glance over the top of the hand mirror.
Nella turned away, said cheerily, Well, there you have the horrible truth. Youll have to keep the
stitches in your head for a week, but the grazing is already clearing up. You heal well, my dear. Close
your eyes for a while. Ill bring your tray myself. With the room once more to herself Maggie did
close her eyes. She tried to think, but thinking made her drowsy. It would come some time; she knew
it. She also knew that she did not want it to come too swiftly. When Nella brought the dainty little
lunch tray, Leo came in too, but he did not stay long.
Gave us a fright, you know, he said in his gruff fashion. You cant imagine how good it is to hear
you speak again.
Maggie smiled faintly. Im sorry, Leo. Its so good of you and Nella to have me.
Rubbish. Were only sorry you had to be chipped all over before we got you here for a spell.
Youre staying on with us, Maggie, indefinitely.
His wife pushed him out of the room, then she placed the legs of the tray each side of Maggie, shook
out the napkin and poured some coffee.
Press the little bell on the tray if you need anything, she said. Leo and I will be lunching just
along the terrace.
Maggie thanked her, found herself not very keen to eat after all, but managed the buttered egg. When
she had finished her coffee, she resolutely lifted the tray and leant over to place it on the floor. When
she had recovered from the first pull and ache in her back, it was not so bad. She leant over again,
first one side of the bed and then the other, and then she tried moving her shoulders with a circular
motion. That brought dew to her forehead, but she persevered, and with eyes closed tightly was
actually swinging her right arm over to meet the hump of her knee when Nick came in.
He strode to the bedside, pressed her back into the pillows. Then he stood above her, his glance

anger-bright as it roved her damp face and the green eyes which showed sudden physical pain from
the throbbing head wound. Somehow he kept back whatever he had been on the point of clipping out.
He drew up a chair and sat down.
Get into your head the fact that theres no hurrynone at all. It wouldnt matter if you were in bed
for a month. Actually, youre not likely to be there more than two or three days longer. And, grimly,
How did you feel before you started the physical jerks?
Not too bad. Nick ... Ive got to talk to someone, and Nella wont...
I know. He slipped a hand over hers as it lay on the bed. Keep calm. You have to take things
slowly, young Tracy. That bang on the head concussed you a little and it may take you some time to
remember everything.
She moistened pale lips, found herself involuntarily drawing her hand from under his. I do
remember almost everything. I must talk about it.
All right. As though he hadnt noticed her withdrawal he kept his hand lying there on the bed.
You fell over the cliff. What more is there?
We ... we both fell. Was Mrs. Caldwell saved?
No, little one, he said quietly. She was older and fell farther.
Oh. It was a soft, unhappy little sigh. Poor thing! And poor Don.
Exactly. His voice wasnt crisp, but there was dismissal of the subject in his tones. What else?
She looked at him, couldnt bear his watchfulness, and looked away. Nella told me that youd
arranged for someone to look after the store.
It was easy. Hes a good chap, too.
He wont have to stay there long. My fathers sold the business and the house.
He nodded. You had his letter in your pocket, and I read it. Ill save my opinion about it till youre
fit.
There are three of them in England, she said defensively. He did the right thing for the majority.
He probably thought he was doing the right thing for me, too.
Quite, but there was a better way of doing it. However, let it pass. Anything else on your mind?
She said pleadingly, Couldnt you just talk about it? I woke up this morning and found Id lost three
days of my life. What happened after I fell?
He told her evenly. We didnt know you were missing till next morning. We searched, even got the

police on the job, and eventually found you halfway down the cliff. We brought you here and got Doc
Mahony in from the camp, where he was working that afternoon. We watched you night and day,
Mahony injected stuff to keep you going. Thats about all.
So I was out there all night?
His teeth seemed to tighten, but he answered in level tones. Thats right; river mist and hot sun, a
three-inch cut on the head and a bed of twigs. Its remarkable what the young feminine constitution
can stand.
There was silence for a while, and in the middle of it the houseboy entered to take away the tray.
Is Bobs all right? she asked at last.
He fretted a bit so I took him to the camp; hes settling.
Youve done a lot for me, Nick.
Non-committally he said, You know why, dont you?
Oh, yes. For my age I have a sane outlook; Im not likely to misconstrue your kindness. She said it
flatly, tiredly, then asked, How did you get me up the cliff?
He showed the first trace of mockery. Im an engineer, remember? Leo worked the crane.
If I thanked you youd be sarcastic.
Probably. Feel easier in your mind now?
A little. She had an urge to slip her hand back under his, to grip tightly. She couldnt do that, so
she took a handful of blanket instead, before saying, low-voiced, Youre evading it, arent you?
Youre not quite sure how much I remember. What did you find out?
He answered almost carelessly, Youre being silly, young Tracyunless you know something that
I dont. You should know me better than to think Id evade anything vital. By the way, how much do
you remember of that afternoon you had with Mrs. Caldwell?
All of it.
You went to the lawyer in Orvumba, came back and had tea together. Weve deduced that much
from teacups and papers lying around. Do you want to tell me what happened then?
She lay back, felt her body trembling under the bedclothes. She ... was unwell. She kept saying
shed make me happy if I married Don, and she looked fanatical again, but not like that other time
when she got so angry.
Other time? he said sharply.

Yes. She swallowed. Mrs. Caldwell came to see me one evening; she was beside herselftold
me I must marry Don or leave Pyanga. I tried to reason with her...
He was leaning forward, urgently, Why in the world didnt you tell me this at the time? We might
have stopped the whole business. What was the good of putting yourself through hell, when between
us we might have cleared the thing right up?
She said haltingly, I ... I tried to tell you, Nick. I even came out to the camp that night before ... the
hippo hunt. I might have said something that morning, but by daylight it appeared fantastic, and
somehow you and I ... well...
You did say that Mrs. Caldwell wasnt too pleasant because you couldnt fall for Don. but if youd
only told me how serious it had become! I merely thought that any ordinary mother would get over
such a disappointment.
She wasnt ordinary. said Maggie almost inaudibly. Don was the only person in her world.
Before he left for Cape Town he told her he was going to marry me. She knew my views about it, and
she couldnt bear his disappointment. It was intentionalher asking me to take her to Orvumba. To
me she seemed pathetic that afternoon. She drew her lip between her teeth, went on, We had tea
from her best china, and she tried to impress me with the house and everything. She kept saying how
hot it was, though I didnt think it was more than a degree or two above average.
Take your time, he said gently. So you took her for a drive to the river, where its always cool?
She nodded. She seemed to be braced but still slightly queer, and I remember thinking that shed
bought aspirin in Orvumba, and Id get her to bed and give her some. Then quite suddenly, she
pointed to something halfway down the cliff and asked if I didnt think it might be a dog in trouble. I
naturally went nearer... Maggies throat worked. Thats all, she ended baldly.
Nick had both her hands now, gripped between his own. Finish it, child, and then you can forget it!
How did you know that Mrs. Caldwell fell, too?
White to the lips, Maggie whispered, She ... screamed.
You felt her push you? he demanded softly, the grey-blue eyes glittering.
No, she cried. No!
He put an arm round her. But you did, still very softly. She wanted to get rid of you before Don
returned from the Cape. You felt her hand at your waist. She fumbled as she pushed, and caught her
fingers in your leather belt. Her fingers were still clamped on the remains of the belt when I found
her.
Maggie was too sick and spent to weep much. She lay for a few minutes against his chest, and then
she felt him reach over to take away one of the pillows, rearrange the second one and plump it a
little.

Now you lie back, young Tracy, he said without emotion. Ill tell the others as much as I think
they should know. Ill even make out your statement to the police, so that when they call here it will
be only for the formality of signing. No, dont start worrying again. I got rid of the beltitll be
accidental death. You were both looking at something and the fact of one falling made the other lose
balance.
You ... you promise?
I promise. The woman paid. He straightened an edging of sheet over the blanket. Thats why I
had to get you talking as soon as possiblewhy I didnt want you to talk to anyone else first. Youd
better rest now.
What about Don?
Wellcoolly. What about him?
He must have had a frightful blow. Be kind to him, Nick.
His mouth was harder. Im neither his mother nor his girl friend. Ill merely leave him alone, if you
dont mind.
You wont prevent him coming to see me?
Ive already done that. Hes not seeing you till this inquest business is all over. By that time, youll
be Maggie Tracy again, and youll have other things to think of. Youve done more than enough
talking for one day. Go to sleep.
Without another word and with only a half glance at her as she lay pale and worn in the bed, he
went out into the long terrace, and a moment later she heard the ranch wagon start up and speed away.
He was going back to his work at the bridge.
From all the superficial injuries Maggie recovered quickly, so that by the time Doctor Mahony
consented to remove the stitches from her head she was up and about and feeling as normal as was
possible in the circumstances. The stiffness was gone, the grazes were disappearing and she insisted
on wearing her usual jeans and shirt.
That day when the dressing was removed from her head Leo took her over to the store and she met
the young man who was making such a good job of running the place. He admitted to boredom, but
said he wouldnt mind carrying on for another weekthe extra money would help buy the motor-bike
he wanted.
The next day she went back to the store and chose some large cases, into which George was to pack
the household things for despatch to her mother in England. There were books, cutlery, and linens, a
few ornaments, the rest of her mothers clothing, the photographs and mementoes which were always
kept in the main bedroom. There was a small inlaid writing-desk and a framed sampler which had
belonged to a grandmother, and two or three watercolors which Mrs. Tracy had herself accomplished
in the early years of her marriage.

Maggies own private belongings were surprisingly few. Photographs of her parents and Roy, a
snapshot album, a few books, an old tennis racket and a paintbox she had never had time to use; her
clothes, none of them new, folded into a medium-sized suitcase, and she took them back with her to
the Malkinsons.
The following day she did more of the packing at the house, arriving there early in the morning. The
mail came, and she walked down to the store for her own correspondence. There was not much. Roy
had managed a note which merely said he was feeling fine and darned glad the parents had decided to
stay in England. From her father there was one of his usual air letters, but he had written more closely
and expressed concern that she had not replied at once to his previous letter about the sale of the
business. He had decided that all the cash now standing to his credit at the bank at Orvumba should
be transferred to her name. It would amount, he thought, to about three hundred pounds, and though it
wasnt riches he did think it might make her feel independent and able to take her time about deciding
what to do with the future; he had written to the bank manager by this same mail.
Maggie was unmoved; it was odd, but nothing stirred her these days. Not even the sight of that racy
writing on a blue envelope. She saw it as she transferred the construction companys mail from one
bag to the other, saw it without feeling. She also picked up a picture postcard depicting Florence by
moonlight, and read the words in that same writing on the back of it. Its heavenly here, darling. By
air you could join me within twenty-four hours. Blow your beastly bridge. I want my man! Ever,
Auriol.
Very touching. Maggie slipped the card among the manilla envelopes in the bag, shook them down
and fastened the strap. She was out on the earth yard when she met Clement, getting out of one of the
companys cars.
She stopped uncertainly. Hallo, she said. Why havent you been over to Meranti?
I went to Orvumba for the weekend. He looked and sounded evasive. Glad to see you looking so
well, anyway. Nicks been keeping us posted.
I really missed youcouldnt think why you stayed away.
He shoved his hands into his pockets. Ive been a bit seedy myself.
Oh, dear. And youve had to do more work, I suppose?
No. Nick works like a demonbut let him, I say. Im sick of it. Hell be kicking me out any time
now.
He was dark under the eyes, and a cynical line was etching itself at the corner of his mouth; a
couple of weeks ago such looks would have aroused compassion in Maggie, but now he only vexed
her. Did you have a weekend of drinking in Orvumba?
How did you guess?

Dont give me that jaded smile; you should be ashamed. Youve let me down, too. I bet Celia
Pearce five pounds that you wouldnt start drinking on this contract!
His light blue eyes were lack-lustre. She knew I would, didnt she? He shrugged. You should
never bet with a girl like Celia. Shes too smart for us. You heard the things she used to say to me
she meant them, every one. Shes strong, and she cant bear weakness. Too bad.
Come up to the house and have some coffee with me. You can pick up the mail on your way back.
All right, Maggie. But dont look at me too much. Im grey and disreputable.
She didnt say anything more till she had asked George for the coffee and they were sitting in the
stoep. From habit she put up a hand and gingerly smoothed the short hair over the scar; looking at him
as she did so, it occurred to her that different people take reverses in totally different ways. Herself,
she went a little numb and dogged and refused to look too far ahead. Clement, too, tried to carry on as
usual, but he disintegrated inside; she could only guess at the sort of reverse which had caused his
present breakup, but she was sure her guess was close to the truth.
Ever had to sell up the old home? she asked, with an attempt at flippancy. Its not half so
shattering as youd think, though it might not be so good if one had shared the home with a husband.
My people are settling in England.
So I heard. Going to live with them?
I dont think so. Once everything is cleared up Im going to take a holiday. My last was three years
ago, on the boat coming over. I shall probably go to the coast carrying a number of books about
careers.
Thats not so good. You ought to get married. He winced at his own clumsiness. Im getting so
that I cant even think straight. But you will get married, Maggie.
I dont think so. She thanked George for the coffee tray and began to pour. I rather wish I were
your sister, Clement. Id like to keep house for you, show you some home comforts. Supposing this
job does crack up. What in the world will you do?
Look for another, I suppose. He took two lumps of sugar and sat back. Its a frightful admission,
but I believe Id have gone along happily on this job if those Pearce girls hadnt turned up. They were
a couple from the outside worldused to clubbing and making love in Salisbury, where theres
plenty to do if you know the right places. They were the kind I get along with, but they came too early
in the contract. Ever thought about strangers meeting, and their past lives emerging and getting tangled
up?
Not deeply. It happens, of course.
Sure does. A lot depends on ones emotional circumstances when one meets someone new. Mine,
when the Pearces arrived, were uncomplicated, but Celia had just had an affair which ended in a
proposal she didnt particularly want. She came away to decide; she didnt say so, but I gleaned it.

He laughed a little self-consciously. I dont know if you see what Im getting at.
I think I do.
Dont get sentimental ideas, he said. I havent taken to drink to drown a hopeless love for
Celia.
Of course not, she said reasonably. You occasionally drank too much before you knew her!
He grimaced. You frighten me, Maggie. In fact, womens native intelligence always does frighten
me. A man has logic, but its no match for a womans intelligenceor intuition, if you prefer the
word.
Thats what you disliked about Celia, wasnt it? You didnt mind her seeing through to the sort of
person you are underneath, because others do the same and you dont seem to object. What you hated
was the way she continually tilted at that person youre not very proud of. We all have things we like
to hide, but Celia wouldnt let you hide anything. I wonder why?
Well never know, he said with philosophical melancholy. Im not sure I care a great deal,
anyway. Im just pipped with monotony.
So you really are hoping to leave?
Hoping? I wouldnt say that. Just slightly his voice deepened. I just wish I could feel as I did
when I first arrived at Pyanga and heard that you were the only girl around. Were back there
almostbut the feeling isnt the same. In any case, youll be leaving now youve nothing to keep
you.
For a moment Maggie knew a queer gnawing sensation. She would be leaving and they would forget
her, all of them. Except Don, and his memories of her wouldnt be happy ones. The sensation passed;
she didnt want ties with this place.
Have some more coffee,. she said, and give me a cigarette. Will you promise to come over to
Meranti next weekend? Itll be my last.
Ill try. I really would have dropped over there before if I hadnt been up poker-playing for a
couple of nights. I looked terribledidnt want to scare you out of your wits.
They talked for another quarter of an hour and then Clement said he must be getting back to the
grind.
Though she was gathering strength daily, by noon Maggie was a little tired. She took an orange
drink into the stoep and sat down to await Leo, who was to fetch her before lunch. She picked up the
newspaper from the other chair and read some of the Orvumba news.
She read about a marriage and a camp-fire party, about an African who had won a bursary to
medical school, about a cloudburst over the Zambesi. When she had decided the newspaper had no

more to offer she folded it and put it back where she had found it. She had picked up her empty glass
in order to return it to the kitchen when the lorry crunched along the gravel and on to the drive. Dons
new lorry.
Detachedly, she watched him get out and come up into the stoep. His color was not too good and
there was a slight haggardness about him, but he smiled very much in the way she remembered. It
seemed very much more than a fortnight since she had last seen him, and perhaps her detachment
showed in her expression as she greeted him, for Don bit his lip and sat down without speaking.
Like a drink? she asked.
No, thanks. He leaned forward with his arms along his knees, looked round at her fleetingly.
How are you, Maggie?
Practically a hundred per cent. And you?
So-so. I wanted to come and see you at the farm but I was told to keep away. I found out yesterday
afternoon that youve been along here in the mornings, so I took a chance today and came over.
Im glad to see you, Don, she said politely.
Weve a good deal to talk about.
Have we?
I hoped youd think the same. You were the last person with my mother. She was happy that day,
wasnt she?
Yes, shed paid the last instalment on the bond. It was her birthday present to you; knowing that
might help you a little.
It does. He was quiet for a minute, his attention apparently on the stone floor. It was a rotten way
to endfalling down the riverside. I dont mean to censure you, Maggie, but ... couldnt you see the
danger? She wasnt young and athletic as you areshe couldnt save herself as you did. Shed lived
such a good lifeit was a pitiful way to end it.
It was, Maggie said, without a tremor. It happened swiftly, and Ive no excuses to offer. Im
dreadfully sorry for you, Don, particularly as you left her in anger, when you went to the Cape.
Not in angerId never do that with anyone I love. You knew why we quarrelled.
Yes. Celia told me.
His head was still bent so that she saw only part of his profile, but she did see the jerk of a muscle
beside his mouth. Her ... going has altered things. She didnt know it, but I was named in my uncles
will as a beneficiary. I get a big house near Cape Town with five morgen of landthats about
eleven acres. I have to decide whether to live there and sell this placeor vice versa. Youll have to
help me make up my mind.

I dont come into it, Don.

You must, Maggie. I want us to get married soon. Youre free of the store now, and theres nothing
to wait for.
Except that were not in love. Its true, Don, and theres nothing to discuss. As soon as Ive handed
over the store to the new people Im going away. Thats all.
A silence. Then: You never have loved me, have you?
No, but weve been good friends. Lets remember each other like that.
Youve no wish to see me again?
Its wiser, I think. Whatever you decide to do, I hope youll be happy, Don. The worlds teeming
with nice girls.
You sound so ... cold.
Maggie sighed. I am coldright throughand I cant help it...
Perhaps it was fortunate she had to break off there. Leo arrived and sauntered over to the house. He
nodded to Don, smiled at Maggie and asked if she was ready to leave. With an almost inaudible word
of farewell, Don went back to his lorry, turned it and drove away. Leo put Maggie into the front seat
of his car, and as they moved off he cast her another of his brotherly smiles.
Weve been avoiding that for you, but you seem to have come through it very well. Is he still sorry
for himself?
He has reason. Hes lost an irreplaceable friend, and he doesnt make acquaintances very easily. I
think hell sell up here and go down to the Cape. Hes comfortably off now.
Hes never been a happy typecertainly not your cup of tea. I hope Nellas thought up something
good for lunch. Im famished. Nella always did arrange excellent meals, so this was merely a
gambit to finish off the subject of Don. Maggie smiled at him and asked what sort of morning he had
had. By the time they had arrived at the farm they were deep in tobacco and mealie prices.
The very next morning the Brownley brothers arrived at the store. One of them was nearing forty,
and he had a wife and two children who would be following him shortly. The other was quiet and
thirty, rugged in appearance and with a suggestion of hidden depths. Maggie remembered such a man
from her childhood; he had turned out to be not deep at all, but merely a lover of solitude.
Robert Tracy must have been exceptionally honest with the Brownleys, for they were delighted with
what they found, both in the store and in the house. They gave Maggie messages from her parents, and
straight after lunch, which she shared with them, they all got down to the accounts and stock books.
That evening Maggie wrote fully to her father about the Brownleys arrival. She thanked him for the

gift of money, which the bank had advised her was just under three hundred pounds, and mentioned
that she was taking a holiday before deciding about the future. Right at the end of the letter she put in
a short reference to Mrs. Caldwells tragic death. About her own accident it was safer to say nothing
at all. She didnt want her father torn between his feelings for his wife and son and his concern for
his daughter. She was over it, anyway.
For three whole days she was busy at the shop, putting the Brownleys wise about methods of
dealing with customers who often lived as many as twenty miles from the store, impressing upon them
the finer points of handling the Africans, who spent little, in vast numbers. The temporary assistant
returned to his clerking at the wholesalers. Nick came down to promise the new owners the
construction companys business, and by that weekend it did seem that the two brothers were safely
launched.
It was the usual weekend at Meranti Farm. Clement didnt turn up, but others called for tea and
sundowners, stayed to supper and talked into the small hours; among them was Nick, but Maggie saw
to it that she was never alone with him. There was distance between them, and she was determined to
keep it that way; the break would be simpler.
On Monday she found a letter from Celia Pearce among her mail at the store.
Ive been away (she wrote), but my mother saved the newspaper cutting about Mrs. Caldwell. It
said you werent seriously hurt, so Im hoping youre better by now. Still, youre possibly needing a
holiday. What about coming down to us for a month? Whoever has been looking after your store can
surely go on doing so, and Id love to have you here. Do come, if you can. From such as Celia it was
a warmhearted appeal, and to Maggie it was like a shaft of pure light.
Casual goodbyes, a month in Salisbury ... and no return to Pyanga. Leo would take her down to the
train at Orvumba, and she wouldnt have very much luggage. Also, it would be a month of breathing
space that she needed, and without heavy hotel expenses. She was on her own now, and she had to be
practical. In any case, she rather fancied a few weeks of Celias stringent company; it might restore
her own airy attitude to life.
At five oclock one of the Brownley brothers ran her out to the farm in the van, which now belonged
to them. She offered him a drink, but he wouldnt stay, so she crossed the lawn to the paved terrace
and sat down in a yellow chair. She took Celias letter from the pocket of her shirt and read it again;
she would reply to it right away and leave Pyanga on Wednesday or Thursday. What a relief to have
plans for a whole month ahead.
Maggie heard voices, looked up and saw the green ranch wagon parked over near the hedge and
wished she had noticed it before. But Nick didnt come out alone from the lounge. Nella was with
him, slouching happily in her slacks as she laughed at something he was saying. They paused at the
chairs, Nella sank into a green one, and Nick said,
I was just coming over for you, young Tracy. With two men on the premises Im sure its not
necessary for you to spend so much time at the store.

But havent you noticed, put in Nella with a grin, that the younger Brownley is good-looking in
his blunt British way? I think the inarticulate type is likely to fall for our Maggie; shes so
understanding.
This one overdoes his silences, said Maggie. I saw some of the books he unpacked and theyre
frightfully scientific. I dont know whether he knows what theyre all about, or if hes firmly told
himself that he must study something in his spare time or rot in the African sun.
Youre getting too wise, darling. Isnt she, Nick?
His mouth was sardonic. It was probably that crack on the head. Is the spot still tender?
She nodded. When I comb my hair; otherwise I forget it. Did you knock off early today?
No, I came straight here as we finished. Thought Id find you at home.
Came to see me? she asked casually.
Thats right, laconically. Shall we stroll down the garden?
Dont mind me, said Nella. Go for your walk, and think of me sitting here with a tall gin and
lime and chunks of ice.
I wouldnt mind something to drink myself, said Maggie quickly.
But Nick was standing and offering a hand. Well have one later. Come on, child.
He spoke lazily, but with a note in his voice which meant that this time she would not escape being
alone with him.

CHAPTER TEN
THEY took the path to the sun-house, but branched before they reached it and went by a roundabout
route towards the pasture. At Maggies side Nick reduced his stride to the length of hers; his hands
were in his pockets, the wide shoulders at the level of her crown. She looked up at him once, saw his
hair crisp in the evening light, his eyes dark and speculative.
The young gum trees were blossoming, pink and scarlet billows of fuzz against the hot blue sky. The
poinsettias were green but the exotic orange trumpets of hibiscus fell from their branches while still
perfect, to make way for immense new buds. A heavy perfume cooled on the breeze, a rainbird called
and gained a reply from its mate.
This place grows on you, doesnt it? said Nick. Do you wish you could settle here for good?
These days, I never wish anything, she answered. But I like Merantiit has everything, except
that its in Pyanga.
I thought youd say something like that. Its been obvious for days that you cant wait to leave us.
Im sure it hasnt! Im not so ungrateful.
Obvious to me, anyway. I suppose you have a headful of plans.
No. I did think of going to the coast, but its a long way and expensive. Im not poor, but I cant be
wasteful. Thats off now, though; Im going to Salisbury.
He sounded a little sharp. As definite as that? I was going to suggest something very similar
myself. I have friends at Umtali whod be glad to have you for a while.
Well, it seems I have a friend myselfin Salisbury. Celia Pearce has invited me to her home for a
month.
He thought this over. The idea has its points, he conceded. Celias lively, but shes hard as rock.
Shed try to harden you, too. Is that what you want?
Yes, I think it is.
Why? he asked disconcertingly.
Maggie pulled a leaf from a magnolia they were passing. It was you yourself who told me that in
this life you have to be self-sufficient. At the time it sounded cold and almost brutal, but Ive come to
believe youre right. When you weaken towards other people you get hurt.
Meaning Caldwell? It was just bad luck that you happened to be thrown in with him. You cant be
self-sufficient, my child. It isnt in you.

She said doggedly, I can harden off a bit, so that I dont strike people as an idiot the moment I meet
them. Besides, I want to be different.
In what way?
Ive yet to find out. You ... you dont understand me, Nick.
No? with sarcasm. Maybe I know more about you than you realize. For instance, I do see that
you need to be right away from everything here for a timethats why I was going to suggest Umtali.
But you dont have to wage war with yourselfstruggle to be different. Be yourself and youll get
along fine.
Im tired of myself.
Just as youre tired of Pyanga and most of the people here, he said without expression. Youll
come round, but it may take time. Believe it or not, young Tracy, but I do know how you feel. Since
that day you recovered consciousness after the fall Ive seen it a dozen times in your eyes. You dont
like to be touched physically, and mentally youre even more anxious to avoid contacts. All right,
leave it that way for a bit. But dont go away thinking you can re-make yourself in steel; it cant be
done.
They had reached the barred gate to the pasture and they paused there to watch the half a dozen
horses cropping lazily and flicking their tails. Nick leaned on the teak bar, got out cigarettes. He lit
Maggies saw her pull at the cigarette with an almost nervous haste, then set the flame to his own.
The lighter went back into his pocket.
For something to say she asked, Whats happened to Clement? He hasnt called at the farm since
Ive been there.
He took his time for replying. He went back to his old tricks. Ive asked him to resign.
For the first time she turned to face him, stared unbelievingly. You didnt do that to him? How
could you!
His jaw went hard. My dear girl, dont try to teach me my job! I told him at the beginning that if he
started drinking Id fire him. You cant build a bridge with whisky bottles.
I know, but... She gestured helplessly. Have you ever thought why a man like Clement should
drink? Hes not your sort; hes soft inside and he needs someone to depend on. Hes let you down
beforeI know that. But Im also quite certain hed have gone along quite cheerfully to the end of the
contract if ... if he hadnt been upset.
I havent found it all velvet myself, he said grimly, but I dont take to staying out of bed two
nights running and filling myself up with alcohol. If youd seen him when he turned up that Monday
morning... He broke off. Leave it. It isnt your concern.
You condemn Celias hardness, she said flatly, but youre far worse than she is. You could have

dealt with him more humanelykept him off the job for a few days and given him a warning.
Clements not himself. You must have seen that!
I know all about ClementIve known him for years. Now be quiet about him.
You hate thinking about it, dont you? she challenged. Hasnt it ever occurred to you that the
people who work with you have private lives? Perhaps even private heartaches?
Spare me. Im well aware of the nature of Clements heartaches!
Are you, though? Her eyes were very green as she looked at him. Im certain its never occurred
to you that he might be in love with Celia Pearce!
Its occurred to you, he jeered softly, because youre a woman, and looking for such things.
Unless he confided in you, which I doubt.
You do have some respect for him, then! No, he didnt tell me, not quite. Im sure of it, though.
Tell me why.
I saw him the other day at the store. We talked about Celia, and he actually said that I wasnt to
imagine he was in love with her, but it was unmistakable. Nick, you must believe me!
He looked down at her. Youre intensely appealing on someone elses behalf, he said coolly.
Quite soulful. What would you suggestthat I beg him to stay with me and nurse him through this
spell of unrequited love?
Her shoulders lifted, and she turned as if to walk back the way they had come. Youre an
extraordinary man. You forgot your work for a whole day while you searched for Mrs. Caldwell and
me, you helped over the statement for the police, you got that assistant for the store ... those things
were to help strangers. Cant you find it in that ... that barricaded heart of yours to help someone
youve known much longer! Clement is in love with Celia.
So instead of working out how to get the woman he goes on the hell of a binge.
Only because he knows its hopeless. She didnt careI was there when she said goodbye to him.
Im only telling you this because I dont think its fair to ... to abandon him.
One doesnt abandon a man of thirty-two, he said impatiently. Its dangerous to have him at the
bridge.
Is he still drinking?
Only moderately.
Dont you like Clement?

Look here, he said forcibly. If he were my own brother Id still kick him out for this particular
job. Hes a precision man, and we cant have mistakes.
All right, she said despondently. I was only thinking that if he leaves you now hell also lose the
chance of the inside post he wanted in Salisbury.
Hes changed his mind about Salisbury.
They walked in silence for a few minutes, down the lane beside the pasture and into the orchard
where peaches hung, golden globes turning red. The sky was the hyacinthine blue of brief twilight.
Nick said, Remember my promise to launch you at the club in Orvumba?
Yes, you were going to widen my horizon. You were even ready to bet that before your bridge was
finished youd get me engaged to someone who thought me the most beautiful girl in the world. How
times change.
Not only the times, he said cynically. Whenever I come to this farm I feel it wouldnt be so bad
to own a place of ones own. Im not a planter, but I wouldnt mind having a house and a few acres in
Rhodesia or Nyasaland.
Or a villa in Florence? she suggested, recalling a picture postcard.
An almost imperceptible pause. In Florence, he said evenly, Id sooner stay at a holiday hotel
and do the sights with a pretty girl. For settling, theres no place so good as Central Africa unless
ones drawn back to England.
To England, and a woman named Auriol. Maggie put her hand into her pocket and felt the reassuring
crackle of Celias letter. It wouldnt be long now.
They were almost back at the house when Nick asked, How soon are you going to Salisbury?
This weekabout Thursday.
Ill take you myself, on Saturday.
Nohurriedly. Ill go part of the way by train. Id rather.
Ill take you, he repeated inexorably. I have to go there some time to look at the new office
plans. Saturday will suit me fine.
Was there ever a time, she asked a little tightly, when you didnt get your own way?
Ease up, young Tracy, he said with cold mockery. Im not getting angry with you till you show
genuine signs of returning life. Why shouldnt I take you to Salisbury?
Because, she answered distinctly, Im determined to leave young Tracy behind. Im sick to death

of the creature. And she walked into the house.

As it happened, there was no further need for any discussion as to how Maggie should travel to
Salisbury, for Celia turned up at Meranti Farm the very next dayin her large strawberry pink car.
Shed decided, she told Maggie and Nella over a cup of tea, that a letter was hardly enough.
It wasnt until after Id posted the note that I remembered Maggie had only the store runabout,
which is presumably needed there. Now that you tell me the store is sold Im gladder than ever I
came. Celia shrugged in her slightly cynical but airy fashion. Can you put me up for the night,
Nella?
Of course. Stay a day or two and leave on Saturday, as Maggie planned.
Well see. Celia lay back in the canvas chair and surveyed her expensive shoes. Im thinking of
going to England when our summer is over and theirs begins. Im tired of doing nothing. You might
stay with me till then, Maggie.
Too long, Im afraidunless I can get a job in Salisbury.
Relax, sweetie. No talk of work for at least a month. Ive great plans for you.
Thanks. Are you going over to the camp?
No ... not even to see Nick Heward. Let the camp come to me or remain in limbo.
That sounds unsociable.
Im off menthat doesnt include your Leo, Nella. Hes the nicest man around these parts.
Nella grinned. You say that because with him you dont have to get out of your fishing tackle. Hes
hooked, and likes it. Bachelors are a nuisance because you dont know how far to put yourself out for
them. Ill invite Nick and Clement over for supper tonight. She went indoors at once, to pen the
message and give it to a boy. Celia sighed, and smiled.
You look better than I thought you would, Maggie. Being idle suits you.
I havent been idle till today. Ive actually finished now with the store, and luckily the new owners
are enthusiastic about the place, so I shall be leaving with a flawless conscience. My mothers goods
are already on rail for England.
And youre freeimagine that! Why are you still wearing jeans?
I havent much else, and anyway the people here expect it of me. If I turned up in a frock theyd
mockeven Leo.
Well change all that. She lit a cigarette, asked casually, Has there been any trouble with Don?

None at all. Ive only seen him once, for about ten minutes. I believe he took everything very
well.
It was a nasty businessworse for you than for anyone else. I rather kicked myself after Jill and I
were home. Wed left you in a sticky spot. Did she come round a bitDons mother?
Oh, yes, said Maggie quietly. She came round.
Celia left it there. I guessed youd be here with the Malkinsons after your accident. Do you see
much of anyone?
Nellas friends come in. Maggie paused. Clements changed recentlywe dont see him.
A change in him could only be for the better, Celia commented acidly, unless hes soaking.
Dont ... speak about him like that. I owe you a fiverbut hes not soaking. He only had a high
weekend.
Give him time, was the sarcastic answer.
The trouble is, said Maggie with the dogged inflection she always used when defending someone,
no one ever tries to help Clement in any way. Nick likes him, but hes too furious over this big
weekend business to be reasonable and understanding. People who ... who like Clement and might be
able to influence him never seem to want to get at the reason hes unhappy.
Unhappy? said Celia with a look of bored surprise. What on earth has he got to be unhappy
about? He himself created the muddle he wallows in.
Thats a horrible thing to say! Hes been working marvellouslyyou know that. Everyone lapses
now and then, but his particular method of lapsing is likely to cost him his career, unless... She
tailed off glumly.
As bad as that? Celia knocked ash from her cigarette, looked thoughtfully at the tip of it. If you
were about five years older, Maggie, you might do something with Clement Bryce. As it is, youre a
bit too young; hed feel he ought to protect you, and he knows hes incapable of it.
Good heavens, he never thinks of me in that way! But dont run away with the idea that he couldnt
protect a woman. He couldand do it splendidly. Its what he needssomeone depending on him,
someone who sees him as nearly perfect. They say thats how you do see a man when youre in love
with him, and he loves you.
Why, Maggie! At this rate of maturing youll never wait till youre thirty to marry!
It isnt a joke, Celia. Nick has already asked Clement to resign.
A veil seemed to slide across the others fair features. Did Clement himself tell you that?

No. Apparently he still has pride. Its such a waste! In his own particular line hes good
exceptionally good. But theres something that nags at him, and I cant think what it is except that ...
well, some men have a rigid backbone thats all their own and they dont need other people. Clement
isnt one of them; hes more human, and the more human you are the more frail youre likely to be in
some respects. Hes not dedicated to steel girders, like Nick.
Celia lifted an eyebrow, but she was not smiling. If you cant cure things, Maggie, it doesnt do to
think too much about them. To be trite, Clement Bryce is his own worst enemy, and its chiefly
because he cant see himself as of much use in the world. I dont do a job at all, and in some ways
Im a parasite, but Im not weak enough to decide Im not wanted so I wont bother. Ill find my
cubby-hole some time, but Clement will never find his because he doesnt believe there is one. Hes
lost in himself.
Its possible to get it back.
True, but you dont get anything without giving. He has nothing to give.
Maggie didnt try any further; there was no point in it with a woman like Celia.
It rained that evening, in a sudden squall, so that they had to remain indoors. With Leo, the three
women sat in the lounge drinking sundowners and talking of riding and tennis and next years
agricultural show. Nella was a little restive because supper was ready and they were still without
guests, but at a quarter to eight Nick came in through the french window, sloughed his waterproof and
accepted a whisky and soda.
No Clement? asked Nell.
No Clement, Nick said non-committally. Hallo, Celia. Hows that young sister of yours?
How like him to come right out into the open on the one subject he might have avoided. Maggie
looked at his arrogant jaw, at the smile on his lips, the enigmatic blue-grey eyes. No man in the world
had ever been so sure of himself, so ... so likeable in some ways, so hateful in others!
Shes seeing life, Celia told him gaily. Shes gone for a coastal cruise with some friends. So if
you care to come down to Salisbury while Maggies with us, you wont be cloyed by Jill.
I cant think of nothing sweeter than to be cloyed by Jill, he remarked pleasantly. So youre
taking our Miss Tracy back with you. When?
Tomorrow. I understand youd planned to drive her down at the weekend. You may still come, if
you like. Weve always a spare room.
Maggies eyes widened, and without knowing it she clenched a hand on the arm of her chair. Nick
looked at the hand, glanced coolly at her face.
Not this weekend, Celia, he said. Perhaps not for a fortnight. My business there can wait, and
Im overworked here. When I do come Id like to stay over a couple of nights.

Do you have to do without a holiday during the whole of the contract?

Not normally. Once everything is clear-cut I leave my assistant in charge for a couple of weeks
and get away. My long vacations come between contracts.
But this contract isnt normal? Celia persisted.
Its normal enough, he said carelessly, but I doubt if I shall be able to leave the camp for more
than two or three days at a time. What have you been doing since you left us?
Definitely, Nick had no intention of discussing Clement. Several times during the evening the
conversation veered that way, but he altered its course suavely.
It was not till Nick announced that he must go that Maggie was alone with him for a few minutes.
Nella and Leo had gone off to prepare nightcaps and sandwiches, and Celia sat beside the
gramophone listening to her favorite hot number. Nick took Maggies elbow and led her out into the
damp darkness.
Happy about going with Celia tomorrow? he asked.
Yes. Im very glad she came.
Glad to be leaving us, too, arent you?
Well ... yes, but I wish I could have said goodbye to Clement.
He may still be here when you get back. I have his resignation but I havent posted it to head
office. He added grimly, If youd minded your own business I wouldnt have wondered if I were
being fair to the chap.
I do hope you wont regret it.
So do I. Ill come down and see you in Salisbury.
Her tones low, she said, Id rather you didnt. I mean that, Nick.
I know you do, he said crisply, but it so happens that I have to get things moving for the new unit
were starting there. Ill put it off as long as I can, but it wont be more than two or three weeks. By
then those nerves of yours should have slackened off.
Im not nervy. I just dont want to be badgered all the time. I mean to enjoy this holiday.
And you believe enjoyment will come easier if you dont have to think about me?
Im sure of it.
Thats straight enough, he said in clipped tones. I wont spoil your leave-taking by coming here

to see you off in the morning. Lets go in.

Half an hour later the Malkinson household went to their bedrooms. Maggie remained up for some
time to finish her packing; in order to leave as little behind as possible she had decided to fill out all
the corners of her cases with photographs and odd books. She put out her best pair of slacks and a
white shirt for the morning, decided on black sandals without socks, and then got ready for bed.
Next morning after breakfast Celia brought the car round to the front drive, and a boy stowed
Maggies two cases and Celias neat grey overnight bag. Nella put a picnic basket into the back seat,
and Leo conjured up two large boxes of chocolates topped with bright bows, and presented them as if
the departing guests were beauty queens. A dog loped round the house and sniffed at the car wheels,
and Maggies heart moved a little. Bobs was probably far happier at the camp than he had been while
she was alone with him at the store. He liked Nicks rough treatment. Maggie loathed it.
Celia got behind the wheel. Well, folks, here we go, she said breezily. Thanks for the night. Be
seeing you again.
Write to us, Maggie, begged Nella. Just a note now and then to let us know what youre doing.
Of course, Maggie said warmly. You two have been so good to me that Im stumped for the right
words. She kissed Nellas cheek. Ill try to write all I cant say.
Leo warded off emotion. He caught Maggie in his arms and kissed her resoundingly. You must
leave us often, Maggie. This is good!
She laughed tremulously, and slipped into her seat. Youre marvellous, both of you. Goodbye ...
goodbye!
She waved from the bend in the drive, got back into her corner and was silent till they were
speeding along the road to Orvumba.
Then, prosaically: Were not starting so early as we intended. What time shall we arrive?
Its nearly ten. Well get home at about four. My parents will be there till the weekend, but then
they go off on a tour. They never tire of travelling Rhodesian roads.
Touring must be fun. You know, Celia, Ive never before driven along this road except on
business. It looks different today.
Come, woo me, woo me, for I am in holiday mood, Celia quoted. I wonder if Shakespeare
really thought that wooing put the finishing touch to a holiday? He could be right?
He was wrong. Romance undoes all the good you get from rest and sunshine. Its too unsettling.
Poor little Maggie. Youll find someone much nicer than Don Caldwell.
Maggie said, The more I learn about you, the less I can understand anyone pairing you up with

Don. What did your mother think about it?

She never knew, said Celia lightly. She was aware of my reason for staying on at Pyanga after
she and my father had left, so she certainly didnt connect me with Don.
Maggie nodded. You kept away from that man who wanted to marry you. Have you seen him
again?
Seen him! Celia spoke witheringly. I cant avoid him. When I first got home he was at the house
every day, so I cleared off with friends. When I returned he was there again. She smiled jadedly.
You thought it was generous of me to come up to the Malkinsons for you. It wasnt, sweetie. I just
had to escape from that boor.
Have you invited me as a sort of ... barrier?
Im pretty low, but not that low. Still, if you can pry him off my neck now and then Ill be grateful.
My father is friendly with his father, so we cant be too brutal, but Dad advised me to stick it out till
Rolfe tires. Its uphill work!
Rolfe what?
Henning. Hes thirty and has just come into his fathers property, which includes shares in several
big firms in Salisbury. He thinks his wealth makes him irresistible.
Hadnt you led him on a bit?
Celia shrugged. He wasnt so bad before he developed the octopus complex. He rides well, plays
good polo and tennis, spends gloriously when he takes you out. Im by no means penniless myself, but
Rolfe could spend my months allowance on an afternoon by the lake. He never earned a penny in his
life.
I should have thought you could shake off any man.
This one isnt sensitive, and as I said before, I have to be careful because our parents are friends.
Itll work out, I suppose. She nodded at the windscreen. Well, well. Look who comes! Maggie
looked, and felt a tremor along her spine. But the green ranch wagon only slowed; Nick raised a hand
as he passed and that was all.
If that had been any other man Id say it was his way of seeing us off, said Celia flippantly. On
the other hand, he might really have been into Orvumba on business.
You can be sure of that, said Maggie. Jill once said youre a fast driver. Why dont you step on
it?
Wait till we meet a tarred road. She glanced sideways. Do you find both Nick and romance
unsettling?

No, said Maggie firmly. Nick just makes me awfully tired. Tell me all about Salisbury.
Youll soon see it for yourself. Celia said.
Tomorrow well go shopping. How much can you spend?
About twenty pounds.
Twenty pounds my foot. Youre going to splash it, my petreally let go. Salisburys the big city.
Ill even find you the next best thing to a night club!
All right, said Maggie, burning a mental bridge. Ill make it thirty pounds.
Celia laughed, kept on laughing till she had to flick away a tear. And Maggie wondered if perhaps
the fair young woman who knew everything wasnt perhaps a little strung up herself.

CHAPTER ELEVEN
THE Pearces, of course, lived in Salisburys most select suburb. In a wide avenue lined with
jacarandas they owned a large, luxurious house that stood high above sloping lawns, which were
bordered with brilliant orange lilies and tree geraniums. The garden was hedged in by acacias and
giant yellow and scarlet poinsettias, and here and there a thicket of bananas hung out silky green flags
and an arm of purple blossom or green bananas. They had a swimming pool and a tennis court, they
owned stables out of town and three cars. They entertained a good deal, kept open house for the two
girls; they gave freely to charity, and democratically had friends in all walks of life.
The Pearce parents remembered Maggie and welcomed her warmly. Her bedroom was light and
airy and the big lilac bathroom was right next door, with Celias room just beyond it. If Maggie
decided to read for a while in her bedroom no one bothered, and when she did stroll downstairs
there were invariably two or three visitors grouped in the veranda and sipping cool drinks. Everyone
knew everyone else by their first name, and no one ever sauntered back to their own abode without
leaving behind an invitation.
When the Pearce parents went off on their tour the house became even more chummy in atmosphere
until the night when Rolfe Henning came to dinner uninvited. There were several people in the
roomy lounge that evening, and they all seemed to be talking at once so that Rolfe, when he walked in
unannounced, was able to mingle before he was noticed.
Maggie was sitting with a group round one of the tables when she saw him. He wasnt very tall, but
in a heavily-built way he was exceedingly handsome. Thick dark hair, heavy features, a full, well-cut
mouth and a round domineering chin. If you forgot his good looks he was like a young bull scenting
battle. Maggies glance sought and found Celia; she saw the blue eyes narrow just slightly, a set
smile take possession of the beautifully painted lips. That was when Maggie knew that the man must
be Rolfe Henning.
He pushed his way across the room to Celia and spoke to her. She answered him politely, turned
and spoke to another guest before giving attention to his second question. It was just then that Maggie
became convinced that Rolfe Hennings temper could become ugly. To keep Celias attention he had
grasped her bare arm; she looked down at his hand with distaste and apparently told him to remove
it. They stared each other out and Rolfe shoved his hand into his pocket, but as his glance wavered
the blood came up darkly under his skin. He said something and Celia shrugged and moved away.
Rolfe reached out to a tray of drinks, swallowed a neat brandy.
He stayed, and no one took much notice of him. Before they went in to dinner he was introduced to
Maggie, but the few conventional words they exchanged were unrevealing. She felt him like a blight
across the dinner table, could not help admiring Celia for her air of complete unconcern. At about
midnight the guests began to leave; by one oclock only Rolfe Henning remained, and he stood near
the french window like a sentinel.
Maggie looked at Celia for a message, received a nod. She picked up a tray, filled it with glasses

and went along to the kitchen. The kitchen boy had naturally gone to bed, and because she was
uncertain about Celia, Maggie washed the glasses, dozens of them, and set them out on trays ready for
the cocktail cabinet. She came back to the corridor, and hesitated.
Celia was saying, Im just not worth it, Rolfe. Ive even let my sister down occasionally, and Id
certainly do the same to you. Id make a rotten wife for any man unless I loved him to distraction. I
cant go into marriage consoling myself that if it doesnt work theres always a divorce. Ive made
absurd mistakes, but I refuse to make that one.
The mans voice was unattractively thick. I wouldnt go into marriage that way. If I marry you Ill
never let you go. We were happy enough together, six months ago!
Before you took yourself so seriously. Im sorry, Rolfe, but being away from you hasnt made any
difference. I cant marry you.
While theres no one else, I wont let up! You understand, Celia?
Maggie stole quickly into her room and closed the door, but she didnt start to undress till Celias
door clicked. Then she got into a robe and went into the bathroom, was cleaning her teeth when Celia
came in.
Celia sat on the side of the lilac bath and waved a mule; she sighed gustily. Ill have to do
something drastic about him, she said. Hes turning into a bully, and bullies are generally cowards
at heart. Im dashed if Ill run away from him again.
He scares me a little.
He tries to scare me, but it doesnt come off. I know him too well. Its his tenacity that gets me.
But why should he cling to someone who doesnt want him?
A lift of silk-clad shoulders. Its the old story. Hes had everything he ever wanted. Now he wants
me, and I wont be had. I just have to be a shade more mulish than he is, thats all.
Doesnt it spoil things for you?
Yes, it does. Since I spent the few weeks in Pyanga I dont feel I can even bother to be polite to
him, but hes becoming an incubus. Hes always been careful not to offend my father, so this time he
kept clear of the house till my parents were gone. If I can possibly help it I wont be alone with him
again.
Id have hung on in the lounge tonight if youd given a sign. Celia gestured and stood up.
I had to be alone with him once to tell him that nothing was changed, but from now on you can stick
close whenever Mr. Hennings about. Im afraid what he really needs is a punch on the nose.
Maggie laughed. We might do it between us.

Rolfes brave with women and most of them like him. Hes not so popular with men but his family
has influence in the town. Oh, well, I dont intend to lose sleep over him. Finished? Thanks.
Goodnight, Maggie.
Except for the occasional scenes with Rolfe Henning it was a continuous round of pleasure, with
long talks sandwiched between the sessions. Maggie remained bewildered and unwilling to feel, but
there was always so much to do that she didnt have time for self-probing, and when it came to
bedtime she was physically spent.
It was in the middle of her third week with Celia that the sense of peace disintegrated. She had
written twice to Nella, and received replies from which it seemed that nothing unexpected was
happening at Pyanga. The Brownleys were having no trouble, work at the bridge went on normally
and Leos tobacco crop looked even better than last years. Don Caldwell had decided to move to the
Cape and live in the house which had been left to him; he had put the farm up for sale and as it
adjoined Meranti at one point, Leo was thinking of buying the place and putting in a manager, who
would eventually take on the Meranti lands as well. Nella was hoping this would come off because
Leo had promised that if it did they could go off travelling for a year or two.
Maggie had put away both letters with a vague sense of dissatisfaction, but the third weekend was
approaching before she felt troubled and restless. Soon, she would have to write and tell Nella that
she would not be returning to Pyanga at the end of her month with Celia.
For that Saturday, Celia had arranged a party. Friends were invited for seven oclock, and Maggie
had promised to be ready at half-past six to greet the early comers. She put on a frock she hadnt
worn before, a calf-length glazed cotton in green with a flecked gold pattern all over it. It had narrow
shoulder straps and a snug waist, and had she felt thoroughly happy she would have postured a little
in front of her mirror because it made her look so utterly feminine and quite pretty. But she wasnt too
happy; she was beginning to feel lost.
It began as a very good party, and even when Rolfe strolled in, once more uninvited, no one
bothered.
Maggie spoke to him for a while but he was obviously in one of his awkward moods, and after they
had eaten she left him sitting on a sofa with a couple of other men, and went out for fresh air.
Out there on the road the guests cars were lined up, shiny, chromium-plated vehicles belonging to
people who led shiny lives. Maggie Tracy didnt belong here; she was glad to have had it,
tremendously grateful to Celia, but deep inside something was beginning to hurt, which meant that she
must work. She turned from the gate, was arrested by the sound of another car braking on the opposite
side of the road. Late-comers. She ought to go to the front drive to meet them. Walking carefully in
the high-heeled green sandals, she crossed the lawn towards the main gateway, arrived there just as
two men appeared. Her heart faltered and then plunged. Her voice, as she called to them, was almost
harsh with self-control.
Is that you Clement? And Nick?

She came into the light and looked at them. Both wore lounge suits and were hatless. Clement
looked a little tired, but Nick ... he was Nick.
Well, what do you know? he drawled. Heres young Tracy gone all Margot. I said it could
happen. Lets take a good look at you!
Somehow she couldnt bear his scrutiny. Youve come in the middle of a party, but it doesnt
matter. Unless you mind?
We werent able to leave Pyanga till this afternoon and weve travelled without eating. Is dinner
over?
Its cold buffet, but theres always plenty left. Come round the side, into the dining-room. Almost
without thinking, she sought and found Clements fingers. Im so glad you came, Clement. I didnt
think wed see you here!
Nick insisted, he said. Im not staying, though.
Well, just for an hour or two. This is Saturdayare you down on business?
Nick answered, Yes, both of us. We go back on Monday. Lord, listen to that music! Is that the sort
of thing youve been thriving on, child?
Its a change from native drums and Zeths guitar. She indicated an open french door. This is the
dining-room.
A glance showed the room was not empty. Celia stood near the inner door, speaking to Rolfe
Henning. Maggie felt her fingers twisted and then released. Startled, she gazed at Clement, saw him
half turning as if to escape. She flung a pleading glance at Nick, who had a careless yet watchful
expression.
Whether Clement would have gone at that moment she never knew. Standing there between the two
men she saw Celias hand grasped by Rolfes, heard Celia say clearly, Its no good, youre wasting
your time! The next moment Rolfes big fingers fastened over her bare shoulder. Intuitively, as Nick
jerked forward, Maggie clutched with all her strength at his sleeve, with the result that Clement was
first down at the other end of the room.
That possessive hand was knocked aside, Rolfe was given a mighty shove which sent him reeling
against the wall. His face very pale, Clement stared down at Celia, then he passed her and went out
of the room.
As might be expected, Celia recovered instantly. She looked down towards the two who still stood
just inside the french door.
Welcome, she said in her light tones. Thats just what Rolfes been asking for. Make yourself at
home, Nick. Ill be back. And she, too, disappeared.

Rolfe Henning straightened himself, and his tie. I think Ill get a drink, he said. But instead of
walking into the lounge, where the drinks were, he went straight out into the garden.
Nick looked down at his sleeve, ostentatiously dusted it where Maggie had gripped. That was so
neatly dramatic it might have been arranged. You even held me back so that Clement could play the
hero. Youve been patronizing the movies, little one.
Oh, be quiet, she said on a caught breath. Help yourself to food. Ill find you a drink.
He let her go. She found a houseboy and told him to take whisky and soda into the dining-room; then
she slipped along to her bedroom and locked the door. Nothing but a fire or an earthquake would
banish her from the room before morning.
Celia, meanwhile, was hurrying down the drive to the gate. She caught up with Clement just as he
hesitated before crossing the road, offered a hand and smiled apologetically.
Thanks. You did me a service. Now come back and have some supper.
Im not hungry. It was Nicks idea that I should come along.
All right. I wont kid myself that you couldnt stay away. But come in and relax for an hour. The
rest of my friends arent a bit like Rolfe.
He shook his head and in the darkness she saw him moisten his lips. Tell Nick Ive gone to the
hotel and will probably go to bed before he arrives. Ill walk it.
No, she said decisively. If youre determined Ill drive you there and bring the ranch wagon
back. Cant get at my own car just now. Come on.
Look here, Celia, he said distinctly, I dont want you to drive me or to bother. I liked you much
better when you poured acid.
Im sorry. That was my defence mechanism, and it isnt working tonight. Do come inwe cant
stand here.
He hesitated, but again shook his head. I dont need that crowd to remind me Im a has-been. Get
back among them, Celiago on and dance! Theyre just right for you.
Oh, stop being noble, she said crossly. If youre walking to the hotel Ill walk with you, but Id
far rather sit in the ranch wagon for a few minutes talk. Come on. You can stand me for that long,
cant you?
She had her way. They crossed the road and he put her into the front seat, got in beside her.
Well? he asked steadily.
Are you staying on at Pyanga? she queried.

I dont know.
Have you given up all idea of taking the post in Salisbury?
Practically. Im not sure Id be much good inside.
I think you would. Clement, Ive talked to Maggie quite a bit and seen a few things that were hazy
before. I heard about that bad weekend you had. I didnt really blame you.
You should have been glad. It won you a fiver.
Yes, it did, and I was unhappy about having made the bet. I believe I know how you felt. She
laughed a little shakily. When Im miserable I dont drink, but I make sure never to be alone, and I
buy thingssilly expensive things that I dont want at all.
With your considerable bank balance, he said, you can afford that sort of misery.
Celia rustled as she moved further back into her corner. We seem to have exchanged identities,
dont we? Im letting you say the nasty things, and get away with them. Ive been trying to come to
grips with myself, but somehow I cant do it alone. She paused. Clement, I wish youd fix up with
the company in Salisbury. Even Nick said it was just right for you.
Ill please myself when the time comes.
I know what that meanswe shant see you again. Do you instinctively hate unmarried women
who have money of their own?
Ive never thought about it. Theyre not often nice women, so I havent put myself out to know
many of the type.
Have you ever thought why it is theyre not nice? Through their money they make friends too easily
and as they grow older they get bored because theyre unnecessary in the scheme of things and
darent admit it. But I admit it freely; Ive known for a long time that Im a pleasant brand of parasite.
But I cant go on being onenot any longer.
He made no reply to this and a silence widened between them. Then Celia said, Youre thinner,
and you dont look awfully well. Cant you...
Isnt that a new angle, from you? he broke in unevenly. Why dont you mind your own business,
Celia? I didnt want to come to your place tonight. In fact, Nick was going to drop me at the hotel on
his way here, and then he let me down and brought me all the way. I was on the point of leaving him
at your gate when Maggie turned up. For heavens sake dont start mind-reading. Mine isnt legible!
Very well, she said calmly. Im glad weve had a few words, anyway. Its cleared the air for
you as well, I hope.
Clement stirred, and said stiltedly, I didnt mean anything like this to happen while Im here. Nick

wanted me to see an English director of the company whos in Rhodesia at the moment, and it was my
best chance. He and this man have to decide various things, and Im supposed to be in on the
meetings, in case I do join the new unit. Theres no need for any of us to be distressed.
What am I supposed to do now? she asked. Tell you to drive on, and that Ill bring the car back?
Go ahead, then.
As if she had not spoken, he said, It wasnt fair of me to make a crack about your bank balance.
It certainly wasnt. Ive grown up in gilt surroundings, but if the money stood between me and
happiness Id give it away.
It seemed as if he would look at her, but he didnt, quite. What would you call happiness?
Just lately Ive grown awfully commonplace, she said in level tones. I want marriage with
someone who considers Im worth loving.
Thats a come-down, for you, he remarked.
No, its a step up. Whats your conception of bliss?
He let a minute tick by before answering, A miracle. I could be fairly happy right now if I had no
past.
Carefully keeping the even tones, she said, You have made mistakes in the past, like the rest of us,
but Ill bet there were lots of good things in it, too. But good and bad, theyre dead. When we were
children my mother used to tell us that each day began a new life, that we were not to crow over
yesterdays successes or cry over the failures; we were blessed with a new day and new
opportunities. Privately, Jill and I used to scoff, but Mother had something there.
Youre lucky to have parents, he said. Then, in a queer voice, Wind up that window. You must
be cold.
Im not. Clement, will you please come in and have some supper?
Dont start that again. Youd better go.
Youve nothing more to say? Cant you even manage to be ordinary and friendly?
No, he said below his breath, I cant.
It was the first sign of encouragement and it caught Celia somewhere just below the throat, so that
she had to take in more air before asking, very quietly,
Clement, why did you knock Rolfe Hennings hand from my shoulder?
Is that who he was?

Thats who he was. Why did you?

A shrug. Nick would have done the same.
But Nick does react violently sometimes; you dont. It would be much more in character for you to
say, Hey, cut it out, and walk the girl away from danger.
Again almost inaudibly, he said, You talk a great deal, Celia. What do you want me to saythat I
couldnt bear to see the chap paw you? Are you waiting for me to get down on my knees so that you
can laugh and...
He didnt finish, and Celia for once was wordless. She saw his elbow resting on the wheel, his
head bent so that his eyes and brow rested on the backs of his fingers in an attitude of utter weariness.
She took his other hand and held it between her own; the fact that he let her go on holding it showed
that the worst was over. Very carefully, she drew a long breath of relief. She hadnt believed it could
possibly be so good to give in, and to admit that someone else was more important to her than she
was to herself.

CHAPTER TWELVE
WHEN Maggie awoke next morning the. house was uncannily quiet. Because Mr. Pearce did not care
for parties to run on into Sunday, last nights affair had ended strictly at twelve, and after the last car
had departed there had been no further sound. Maggie had listened for the familiar thud of Celias
door, heard it and eventually got into bed herself.
She got up and took a shower, put on the white frock with green polka dots and knotted a green scarf
about the collar, trod into flat white sandals and used a little make-up. She braced herself and went
along to the dining-room, where one place was set, presumably for herself. Standing, she drank
passion-fruit juice and ate one finger of cold toast. The houseboy looked into the room and she told
him quickly that he could clear away.
Is Miss Pearce still in bed? she asked.
No, missus. She go out early in the car.
This was a departure for Celia, who seldom stirred outdoors before ten. Do you know where shes
gone?
No, missus.
Maggie drifted outside. She stood in the veranda and looked over the sub-tropical garden. It was
going to be a hot day, terribly hot; the sort of day one should spend on the top of a hill or near a
river...
She went down into the garden and walked among the papaws and bananas, the poinsettias and
oleanders, and driven by an unhappy restlessness she trailed out on to the road.
Maggie walked for about half an hour, and when she arrived back at the house the pink car was
there, and Celia was sitting in the veranda, enjoying a long cool drink. She waved cheerfully, and
was already pouring lemon that clinked with ice for Maggie, as she came up to join her.
Thanks, said Maggie gratefully. This is no day for walking.
How true. Why did you?
Maggie sank into a chair, shrugged. I had to do something. Been fishing?
Celia laughed. My shoes are muddy because Ive been to the stables. I drove over ahead of the
ranch wagon. I introduced our men friends to a couple of horses and theyve gone riding, but as Id
left you here I didnt join them. In any case, I believe theyd rather be alone. She looked into her
drink, stirred the remains of the ice with a straw. Feel better this morning?
Better than what?

Better than last night. Im pretty casual myself, but when you slide off without saying goodnight
theres a good reason.
It was a poor reason, really. I went to my room because I was fed up about something, and as the
time passed I just hadnt the courage to come out. I expected a call from you at any moment.
Nick wouldnt let me call you. He just said, Leave her aloneso I did. This morning, by the
way, he doesnt seem too happy.
Oh. Maggie sipped, and added offhandedly, Hownot happy?
I dont know. You dont seem too bright to me, either, but maybe Im somewhere near the top of
the world myself, so that everyone else is bound to look rather low.
Maggie looked at her, saw the smiling red mouth and blue eyes, the air ofcould it possibly be
serenity? Whats happened? Then, with sudden hope, Not you and Clement?
Its a little early to say, honey, but Ive done my best. We had a talk last night, but he wouldnt
commit himself. This morning he looked almost normaland believe it or not, Maggiethe mans
shy! Isnt that divine?
Maggie said slowly, I hope you wont hurt him, Celia. He loves you.
Celia put her glass down on the table, turned, bright-eyed, towards Maggie. I do hope so! Are you
sure of it, Maggie?
Absolutely. We talked about you and though he didnt admit it, it was obvious. If ... if you have any
feeling for him at all, dont promise anything you cant give.
Im a dope, said Celia simply. I love the man. I didnt want to because he seemed from the
beginning to be everything I despise, but there was a sort of pull all the time; Ive never known it with
anyone else. So Im stuck with it, and I intend to make a success of him, if hell let me. The trouble
isher smile became almost luminousI shant be able to hurry him. He wont propose to me
before he has a better opinion of himself, but I think Ill have to land myself on the Malkinsons for a
few weeks, so that his thoughts are continually guided in the right direction. She gave a happy,
exasperated sigh. Isnt it too bad that I should wait so long to fall in love, and then have all this
bother with it! For both our sakes I shall have to think ahead all the time, to when hes established in
Salisbury. Maybe Ill break him down sooner than he intends!
So long as he isnt hurt, Maggie reiterated.
Celia slanted a glance at her. If I hurt him Ill hurt myself more, she said. I used to think you
were too softparticularly with Don Caldwell. But I do wish youd be soft with yourself. Why in the
world dont you just unload, and shed a few tears while youre about it? Im not likely to tell
anyone.
Ive nothing to weep about, Maggie said. Did you make any arrangements with Clement and

Nick?
Theyll be here for lunch. They spent last night at the hotel and came over for breakfast.
I didnt hear them.
You were flat out. Nick said I wasnt to call you.
You ... let him take over, dont you?
To be honest, said Celia, I dont think he wanted to see you this morning. He was vexed because
you seem no better than you were at Pyanga, after the accident.
What did he expect, for heavens sake?
Celia lifted an eyebrow. Youre nearly as touchy as he is. I even mentioned he was edgy, and
Clement made some silly remark about Nicks not having heard from his girl friend last mail. As if
Nick would ever be edgy about a woman!
Maggie finished her drink. You have other friends coming for lunch, havent you?
Yes, three or four.
Would you mind very much if I werent here?
Well, yes, said Celia slowly, though you dont have to be here. But theres not much anyone can
do alone in Salisbury on a Sunday.
I wondered if youd lend me the car. She spoke with an air of nonchalance. At Pyanga I used
sometimes to drive out alone on a Sunday and find some spot where I could watch nature in the raw.
If you insist, Ill take a picnic, but it isnt necessary.
Pensively, Celia stroked the smooth skin under her chin. I do insist. You dont deceive me,
sweetie, but if keeping out of mens way is what you want, Im with you. The cars all yours from
now.
Thanks. I think Ill go to Lake McIlwaine.
Is that what you want passed on, or where youre really going? asked Celia.
Maggie stood up and gathered the jug and glasses. Im quite fond of Lake McIlwaine, she said,
and carried the tray into the house.
If three of the servants hadnt been busy in the kitchen, preparing salads and ice cream, making
butter pats and slicing turkey and ham, she would have made a couple of sandwiches herself. As it
was, she had to mention that she would like a small picnic, and one of the boys agreed to get it
ready. He took his time, of course, and prepared far too much, but the small basket was ready by a

quarter to twelve, when Maggie came back to the kitchen in slacks and a sleeveless blouse.
She carried the basket out to the car, went up into the lounge to say goodbye to Celia. For once,
Celia, who could never help handing out advice, made no comment of any kind. She merely said,
If you can have a good time on your own youre a better man than I am. All the best.
Maggie got into the strawberry pink car. She had driven it before, but now took the precaution of
trying the gears before starting the engine. She turned the key in the ignition, set the car moving down
the drive, but just before reaching the gates she had to brake abruptly. The green ranch wagon had
turned in between them, and Nick sat there, waiting for her to back and give him room to pass.
Patiently, he had no intention of playing the gentleman and reversing on to the road. For nearly half a
minute they sat there, Nick unmoved, Clement apprehensive at his side, and Maggie stubborn. Then
Nick said something to Clement and got out on to the drive. He came to Maggies door and opened it.
Move over, little one, he said crisply.
Ill back, she said, but I wont move over. I know youre trying to stop me altogether, but Im
going!
With no trouble at all he scooped her up and pushed her along the seat, got behind the wheel. By
now, Clement had backed the ranch wagon on to the road, and before Maggie could recover
sufficiently to leap from the car Nick had accelerated and was sweeping down past Clement, lifting a
hand in salute as he passed his own vehicle. Within two minutes they had left the avenues behind and
were out in the throbbing heat of an African country road. Nick cast a glance over his shoulder
towards the back seat. I see youve loaded up with a picnic. Where are we going?
No reply.
All right, Ill tell you. In about ten minutes we come to a lane thats rather more shaded than the
main road. Well stop there, talk a bit, and decide whether to go on somewhere to eat or drive back
to the house. Suit you?
Do you have to do everything like some beastly mechanical apparatus? she asked coolly.
Just slightly his mouth tightened. Dont annoy me too soon, if you can help it, he answered. Im
doing this because I think its best. Lets be conversational for a while. Talked to Celia this
morning?
Yes.
About Clement?
Yes.
His eyes narrowed, but he went on looking ahead at the road. Clement doesnt think hes good
enough for Celia.

No?
Do you think he is?
He has more character and depth than she has, but Celias very straightforward and she has
thrusting power. I hope theyll marry.
Fine. So do I. I told Clement that once he was sure of Celia he wasnt to wait.
Then he wont, of course.
I asked you not to annoy me too soon!
Very well.
They came to the lane he had mentioned, left tar for a rough gravelled road between merula trees
and karri bush. Under an acacia which was shedding the last of its furry blossoms, Nick stopped the
car.
Come on, well take a walk.
Ive had one walk this morning. Its too hot.
Its hotter in here. We wont go far.
On the wide verge he took her elbow, nodded towards the trees. Without speaking, they walked
among the merulas, came to a stretch of grass that was heavily shaded. Because he expected it of her
she sat down, but when he dropped down beside her she turned slightly, so that her back was half
towards him. His nearness was more bearable if she couldnt see him.
After a minute he said, I hear from Celia that youve been having good timesout every day,
dancing most nights.
Yes, we have.
It ought to have made you feel like a million. When I first saw you last night I thought the
improvement was remarkable, but within a few minutes you were looking haunted, just as you did at
Pyanga.
I suppose it was seeing you again.
Thats as frank a compliment as Ive ever had, he said curtly. For all the difference your holiday
has made; I might as well have broken into it the first weekend. A pause. For Petes sake snap out
of it, Maggie. Im just not built to stand this kind of thing indefinitely!
She said unsteadily, I didnt invite you here. I didnt want any private talk with you. Perhaps this is
the best time to tell you that Im not going back to Pyanga.

I knew that was in your mind before you left. That was another reason I waited three weeks before
coming here. But youve got to come back. Youre travelling up with me tomorrow.
She glanced round at him sharply, saw that he was looking up at her with an expression of
diabolical determination. Her lower lip drew in between her teeth: then she let go of it and said
quietly, Youre being very dictatorial, Nickeven worse than usualbut you cant make me do
anything against my will. If you pity me because Im alone, you neednt. Ive been alone before, and
got through very well. Ive made enquiries and I shant have any difficulty in finding a job.
A harsh note in his voice he said, So youre not going home to England?
Not yet.
Supposing your father hadnt been indifferent? Supposing hed begged you to go home?
My father isnt indifferent! she retorted. He just doesnt want to persuade me against my will.
Why do we talk about this!
Without moving he said savagely, Theres something that will make you weep and Im on the track
of it, thats all. Seems to me that youve got to collapse before youll be honest with yourself!
She gave him another queer sideways glance. Celia had mentioned tears. I never felt less like
crying, she said, possibly because Ive nothing to cry for. Im free, and I have a little money of my
own. As for being honest with myselftheres nothing you can teach me about that. Ive no
illusions.
Thats a hell of a thing to say!
Is it? I should have thought youd approve.
Well, I dont! Here you are, a child of twenty-onehad few experiences and never been in love
and you have the nerve to sit there and imply that youre jaded. I ought to spank you for that!
I said Ive no illusions, and neither have I. Ive learned a great deal in a short while; it was
painful, but its past.
Stop it!
The words came like a pistol shot and were followed by a silence. Maggie drew up a knee and
clasped an arm round it, tightly. She swallowed on the rawness in her throat, looked over the tall
waving grasses and at the sparse trees.
At last, Nick said, You and I have never had a chance to be merely happy together. We started off
with fireworks and theyve been popping ever since. Lets change the angle, shall we?
Whats the good? she said tautly. Im an oddityyou said it yourself. I liked peacefully running
the store and having a few undemanding friends. You came and changed everything...

Ah! It was long-drawn, emphatic. Thats more like it. You were afraid of change, werent you,
little one? Emotions are damned awkward things to control, and you hadnt even known you
possessed any. You know, if I hadnt come along you might have married Don Caldwell. Dont
protest, because its true. Half the unexciting marriages in the world are contracted between people
who never really met the one person who might have put red blood into the relationship. I was once
on the verge of doing it myself!
Maggie absorbed this. Before she could answer he was sitting up, close behind her shoulder, and
speaking again.
I was engaged onceI told you that. Auriol was good funa sporting type with brainsand for
the life of me I couldnt think of any kind of woman whod suit me better. At that time, though, I was
keen on getting big contracts like the one Im on now, and when one tumbled into my lap I snapped it
up. Auriol didnt want me to take itand naturally the knowledge that she put her own enjoyment
before my career cooled me off. I saw she was really just a girl to have a good time with. She hasnt
married, so we kept up a sort of friendship.
And youre still keeping it up by letter, said Maggie with surprising calmness. Why shouldnt
you?
She heard a rustling behind her, his hand appeared over her shoulder holding a sheet of notepaper.
I kept this one for you, he said. Read it.
When her vision had focused, she read:
Since youve been at that darned gorge you havent replied to one of my letters, which means
youve given me the gate. You could have flown up to Florence for a week if youd wanted to, but
you were either too absorbed with rocks and iron or youve found a cutie who makes little Auriol
look like a piece of soggy old pastry. But Im only twenty-six, darling, and I can marry our friend
Bart any time I like. Im not sure that he wouldnt be better for me than you would. At least he
wouldnt know so much more than I know myself...
Well? said Maggie, low-voiced.
The letter crumpled into his hand and he tossed it away. Just so that we clear up that point, he
said, before I repeat that youre going back with me to Pyanga tomorrow. Are you satisfied that Ive
hardly even remembered Auriols existence since Ive known you?
Maggie felt his hand along the back of her waist; her mouth went dry. Does it matter what I think
about it?
He spoke quietly over her shoulder, close to her cheek. It matters what you think about anything.
Its been that way a long time, but I didnt know that youd become the most precious thing in my life
till I saw you, looking so frail and broken, halfway down that cliff. Its the only time Ive ever felt
torn and terrified. He turned her firmly into his arms. Weve said some hurtful things to each other;
my excuse is that I love you, and yours, I believe, is that youve been trying not to love me. His

voice thickened. But you cant fight it, Maggie. It has to come, and fairly soon.
She was quivering, pressing her face hard against him. Oh, Nick ... youre being too kind.
Laughter made an odd sound in his throat. I knew you wouldnt believe me. I even thought out how
Id say it, but it was no good. You see, my sweet, you just have to forget most of the things Ive said
about this love business. I was no more immune than you are. When I first knew you I thought I was
only angry at the plight your father had landed you in. Then I began thinking what a small, valiant
pighead you are, and worrying about Caldwell. You were sort of ... myopic about love; half the time
you couldnt see yourself caught up in it at all and the rest of the time it seemed too incredibly distant
to bother with. He paused. Are you beginning to see things my way?
No, she whispered. Youre trying to frighten me, Nick.
Thats a new slant, I must say! Howfrighten you?
Into believing something that cant possibly be true. I do know that the feelings between us have
been different from ... from ordinary friendship, but a man doesnt get savage with a woman he ...
hes falling in love with.
Doesnt he, by heaven! What else can he do if she sets out to frustrate him at every turn?
You did say Im an oddity.
An oddity is different from others of its kindand youre certainly that!
You hate jeans and Maggie. You said Margot would be an improvement.
But it was Maggie I fell in love withI dont yet know Margot. He rubbed his cheek against her
hair. It smells all beauty shopvery sophisticated. But the oatmeal soap and Maggie will suit me if
you like them better. I just want you as you are.
A silence. Then, Im not very grown-up about love, Nick. Youll have to give me time.
About a week?
She laughed for the first time, a little jerkily. You know, I did intend to wait till Im thirty.
He said tersely, You can forget that. I cant even wait till youre twenty-two. And more softly, I
want you, Maggie mine. I swear Ill be gentle with you and Ill try not to rush you, but Ive got to be
in a position where I can take care of youright away. Well have to make the bachelor house do for
two, but when Im finished at the bridge well move down here to Salisbury and find a place. If you
like, well buy ground and build our own house. Anything you sayI only want you to be happy.
Maggie said nothing for some time. She felt the strength of his arms, the beating of his heart, his
mouth against her cheek. But his very strength and vitality seemed to indicate that something was
missing. Without haste, she pushed away from him, slicked back a lock of red hair.

Shall we go back to the Pearces for lunch?

If thats what you prefer, he said, a faint edge to his tones.
He stood up and gave her a hand, turned towards the car. A rough pebble seemed to be lodged in
Maggies throat and her eyes stung at the corners. She followed him a little blindly, was vaguely
surprised that they had walked so far into the trees. Then she stumbled and he swung round. He
looked down into green eyes filled with tears, at red quivering lips, and whatever control he had
imposed upon himself was gone.
He caught her close, kissed her with a passion that was as cruel as it was tender, gripped her with
bone-cracking intensity. It was several minutes before he was able to say, with rather less than his
usual crispness,
I cant be gentle if you look at me like that.
How ... did I look?
As if you need me.
Nick, I do! Just then, as we walked...
Yes, I know. I felt it too. He managed a grin. Im inclined to believe, young Maggie, that we both
needed those kissesyou as well as me! I wouldnt let myself kiss you before because I knew Id
feel like hell if you were lukewarm. But you werent, my darling! Still want to go back to the house
for lunch?
No, of course not. Her eyes were as brilliant as his as she looked up at him. Lets have it here.
And, Nick ... will you kiss me again?
Needless to say he complied, very thoroughly. And then he said vibrantly, Youre going to be a
fast learner, Maggie my sweet. You dont know how grateful I am for that!
Maggie didnt answer. She knew that the joy of belonging and sharing, the ecstasy of loving and
being loved by Nick were already becoming part of her being.