INTERIM
VOLUMES IN THIS SERIES:
POINTED ROOFS
BACKWATER
HONEYCOMB
THE TUNNEL
INTERIM
DEADLOCK (in preparation)
INTERIM
BY
DOROTHY M. RICHARDSON
AUTHOR OF “POINTED ROOFS,” ETC.
LONDON
DUCKWORTH & CO.
3 HENRIETTA STREET, COVENT GARDEN
First Published 1919
TO
F. de B.
CHAPTER I
1
Miriam thumped her Gladstone bag downon to the doorstep. Stout boots hurriedalong the tiled passage and the door openedon Florrie in her outdoor clothes smiling brilliantlyfrom under the wide brim of a heavilytrimmed hat. Grace in a large straight greendress appeared beside her from the open dining-roomdoor. Miriam finished her cadenza with thedoor knocker while Florrie bent to secure her bagsaying on a choke of laughter, come in. You’vejust been out, said Miriam listening to Grace’ssoothing reproaches for her lateness. Shall I comein or shall I burst into tears and sit down on thedoorstep? Florrie laughed aloud, standing withthe bag. Bring her in scolded Mrs. Philps fromthe dining-room door. Grace took her by thearm and drew her along the passage. I’m onemass of mud.—Never mind the mud, come inout of the rain, scolded Mrs. Philps backingtowards the fire, you must be worn out.—No,I don’t feel tired now I’m here, oh what a heavenlyfire. Miriam heard the front door shut with ashallow suburban slam and got herself round thesupper table to stand with Mrs. Philps on thehearthrug and smile into the fire. Mrs. Philpspatted her arm and cheek. Is the door reallyshut O’Hara said Miriam turning to Florrie cominginto the room. Of course it is, choked Florriecoming to the hearthrug to pat her;—I’ll putthe chain up if you like.—Sit down and rest beforeyou go upstairs said Mrs. Philps propelling hergently backwards into the largest of the velvetarmchairs. Its back sloped away from her; thelarge square cushion bulging out the lower halfof the long woollen antimacassar prevented herfrom getting comfortably into the chair. Shesat on the summit of the spring and said it wasnot cold. Wouldn’t you like to come up beforesupper suggested Grace in answer to her uneasygazing into the fire. Well I feel rather grubby.Give her some hot water murmured Mrs. Philpstaking up the Daily Telegraph. Grace precededher up the little staircase carrying her bag. Willyou have your milk hot or cold Miriam? calledFlorrie from below—Oh, hot I think please, Ishan’t be a second said Miriam into the spareroom, hoping to be left. Grace turned up thegas. M-m darling she murmured with timidgentle kisses, I’m so glad you have come. So am I.It’s glorious to be safely here ... I shan’t bea second. I’ll come down as I am and appearradiant t