The Allingham Casebook Page 24

  The chauffeur drew up outside 38, but she signalled to him not to ring. If Phillida was still there the chances were that she was still in bed with drawn blinds and her latest medico in attendance.

  She left the car and walked on down to The Gallery, which opened austere arms to greet her. At first blush 39 Sallet Square, where one could negotiate anything from a castle-full of Rembrandts to a humble modern woodcut, was a cool and lovely private house. At the moment, however, the normal elegance of the building was ruffled. The girl, who was already apprehensive, noticed the changed atmosphere as soon as she set foot in the hall. Most normally sensitive people admit to some such experience, for a house where violent emotions are being stirred seems to have a flavour, a sort of restlessness in its very air, and that afternoon as Frances crossed the threshold it came down to meet her like a wave.