Read Online The Bungalow Mystery by Annie Haynes - Free Book Online

set down as an absolute misanthrope. Here’s the programme for you!” He tossed it over lightly.
    Roger caught it and glanced over it casually. It did not seem to offer anything very startling in the way of novelty.
    â€œAssembly of the children at the school; march to church; tea at four o’clock, after which the prizes gained for good conduct and punctuality during the year will be distributed by Miss Luxmore.” Roger wondered whether Courtenay had observed this last item.
    â€œIf I go it will only just be to tea and to see the prizes given; I really couldn’t stand the whole afternoon there,” Mrs. Melville complained fretfully. “When I come to see you, James, I like to spend as much time as possible with you. I shall grudge every moment at the school-treat.”
    Courtenay’s lips curled a little at the corners.
    â€œYou must remember what a satisfaction it is to me to get my good works performed by proxy. And now, since I feel rather inclined for a nap, if you good people would let me be quiet—”
    Mrs. Melville rose at once and, after a few words with his patient, Roger followed her. He found her standing in the hall, gazing wistfully at the green freshness of the park beyond. Through the open door they could catch the distant echo of the village band. Evidently the children were already meeting.
    â€œWell, Courtenay seems to have set his mind on our participating in this village festivity, so I suppose we must e’en obey,” he said lightly. “What time is it your wish that we should set out?”
    â€œI don’t know, I am sure,” Mrs. Melville sighed. “I don’t feel in tune for any rejoicings. I wish James hadn’t taken such an unaccountable fancy. I cannot imagine why he should want us to go.
    â€œIt has occurred to me,” said Roger hesitatingly, “that perhaps the fact that Miss Luxmore is giving away the prizes may have a little to do with it. He may wish to hear something of her, though he will not admit as much.”
    â€œMiss Luxmore giving away the prizes!” Mrs. Melville echoed. “I do not understand— Oh I see what you mean!” breaking off suddenly. “But it is not Daphne who is coming to the rectory—poor girl, she hardly goes anywhere now—it is Elizabeth the younger sister. Surely you have heard of her; she is quite a society beauty. I believe she was considered one of the belles of last season.”
    â€œAh, the beauties of last season are not much in my line,” Roger said dryly. He felt somewhat unreasonably disappointed; unconsciously he had woven a halo of romance around Daphne Luxmore; her tragic story, her pathetic devotion to the memory of her lost love, had fired his fancy.
    â€œDaphne was always my favourite of the two naturally,” Mrs. Melville went on placidly, “though Elizabeth is a sweet girl; but Daphne has the gentler, more clinging disposition. Elizabeth is all fire and spirit. Still, with all that, there is a great likeness between the sisters. Well, Roger, since we have to go, I suppose it is no use putting off the evil hour. Can you be ready by a quarter to four? That will give us time to get to the Rectory before they begin tea.”
    â€œCertainly; I am entirely at your service this afternoon.”
    â€œA quarter to four, then.” And Mrs. Melville ran upstairs.
    True to her word, Mrs. Melville appeared at the right time.
    She looked very fresh and dainty in her pretty white cloth gown, with a big black picture hat, and a bunch of malmaisons tucked in her belt. Roger was struck afresh by her likeness to her brother as he remembered him at college; there was the same bright complexion, the same glossy brown hair and square, white teeth. There, however, the resemblance ended. Courtenay had been a tall, broad-shouldered man with a hearty laugh and an infectiously gay manner; his sister was slender and petite, with big, appealing eyes and a