Agatha Christie The Hollow Chapter I At 6:13 a.m. ... - bzelbublive.info

Chapter XXIXgerda rolled over to the side of the bed and sat up. Her head felt a little betternow but she was still glad that she hadn't gone with the others on the picnic. It waspeaceful and almost comforting to be alone in the house for a bit. Elsie, ofcourse, had been very kind--very kind--especially at first. To begin with, Gerda hadbeen urged to stay in bed for breakfast, trays had been brought up to her.Everybody urged her to sit in the most comfortable armchair, to put her feet up, not todo anything at all strenuous. They were all so sorry for her about John.She had stayed, cowering gratefully in that protective dim haze. She hadn't wanted tothink, or to feel, or to remember. But now, every day, she felt it comingnearer--she'd have to start living again, to decide what to do, where to live. AlreadyElsie was showing a shade of impatience in her manner. "Oh, Gerda, don't be so slow!"It was all the same as it had been—long ago, before John came and took her away.They all thought her slow and stupid. There was nobody to say, as John had said, "I'lllook after you." Her head ached and Gerda thought, I'll make myself some tea.She went down to the kitchen and put the kettle on. It was nearly boiling when sheheard a ring at the front door. The maids had been given the day out. Gerda wentto the door and opened it. She was astonished to see Henrietta's rakishlooking cardrawn up to the curb and Henrietta herself standing on the doorstep. "Why,Henrietta!" she exclaimed. She fell back a step or two. "Come in. I'm afraid mysister and the children are out but—" Henrietta cut her short. "Good. I'm glad. Iwanted to get you alone. Listen, Gerda, what did you do with the holster?"Gerda stopped. Her eyes looked suddenly vacant and uncomprehending. She said,"Holster?" Then she opened a door on the right of the hall."You'd better come in here. I'm afraid it'srather dusty. You see, we haven't had