Unknown by Unknown Read Free Book Online

sunlight, she saw a still figure sitting in an armchair.
    The occupant gave no indication that she was aware of Laura's presence and Laura herself hesitated, wondering whether to speak or silently retreat. She had just decided on the latter when a friendly voice said, ‘Do come in and let me have a look at you. I presume you are Laura Templeton? Brad’s told me so much about you.’
    Laura was unaware that Brad visited his sister very often and was amazed to hear that they had discussed her. This put a different light on her conception that Helen and Brad were not very well disposed towards one another, and as she closed the door she looked curiously at the other woman.
    It was difficult in the dim light to distinguish her features, but Laura could see the slim, well-shaped body, and the dark shoulder-length hair.
    ‘Draw up the blind,' commanded the deep, husky voice. 'I want to see you more clearly.'
    Laura obeyed, gasping incredulously as she turned away from the window and saw Helen clearly for the first time.
    She had gained the impression that Helen was considerably older than Brad, and was astonished to see an exceedingly beautiful girl about her own age.
    Helen laughed drily. ‘What’s the matter? Aren’t I what you expected? I know Brad doesn’t like discussing me, but I wasn’t aware that he gave people the idea that I was something out of the ordinary.’
    ‘Oh, no, not at all. It’s just that I thought you would be much older.’
    Helen raised her finely shaped brows, grey eyes so much like her brother’s wide and disbelieving. ‘He led you to believe that?’
    With heightened colour Laura replied, ‘Not exactly. In fact Brad—er—Mr. Stuart has never mentioned you. It was Mrs. Jennings—she said you suffered with your legs and I imagined an old lady with rheumatics or something.’
    Helen’s laugh rang out—this time a laugh of sheer amusement. ‘At least you’re honest. Pull up a chair. I think I’m going to like you, Miss Templeton. Or may I call you Laura?’
    ‘Please do. I’m sorry if I stared.’ Laura fetched a basket chair from beside the lace-covered bed and sat down opposite Helen.
    'Tell me, said Helen, 'what made you decide to visit me? A genuine interest in old ladies or curiosity to see why I've become a recluse?’
    'Curiosity, I suppose,’ replied Laura carefully, ‘and concern that you should shut yourself away. It doesn’t seem right living here all alone.’
    ‘What choice have I?' Helens voice was all at once irritable and the jerky movements of her hands indicated a tension not otherwise apparent. ‘This is Brad’s house and he insists I stay in this room. I’m not surprised he hasn't told you about me. He never lets me see anyone. He can’t bear illness in any shape or form and although he visits me every day I know he regards it as a duty rather than a pleasure.’
    What an unfeeling man, thought Laura crossly. How could he treat his own sister like that? Impulsively she leaned forward, clasping the other girl’s beautifully manicured hands in her own. 'At least I’ll come and see you, and if you think it will do any good I’ll have a word with Mr. Stuart suggesting you spend part of your day downstairs.’
    ‘You mustn’t do that.’ Helen snatched away her hands abruptly, her previous well-modulated tones harsh with annoyance. ‘Brad would never allow such a thing, and if he finds out you’ve visited me he’ll be very angry.’
    'I can't see why,’ said Laura, puzzled. ‘It’s inhuman to expect you to remain here. It would drive me mad looking at the same four walls day after day .'
    ‘That s how I feel sometimes,' said Helen softly. ‘If only I could walk, escape from this—this prison!’
    Moved to sympathy, Laura asked gently, ‘Your legs, Helen—what's the matter with them?’
    ‘I was in a car accident.’ The words were scarcely audible and Laura leaned forward to hear what she was saying. ‘The doctors say I'll never walk