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like mice at his slightest word.’
    ‘I pity the poor girl he marries,’ said Laura. ‘Besides loving him she’ll need to have the patience of Job, the diplomacy of a politician and a sense of humour to see her through all the bad times.’
    ‘You don’t see yourself in that role?’ asked Helen bluntly.
    ‘Definitely not. He’s far too domineering. I’m not the sort who’d make a meek, submissive wife.’
    ‘Pity. I’d enjoy having you as a sister-in-law .' At that moment Mrs. Jennings entered with coffee for the two girls. Laura was thankful for the interruption as the conversation had become a little too personal for her liking. She had felt suddenly breathless at the thought of Brad, but was at a loss to understand why.
    ‘I thought I’d find you here,’ said the housekeeper. ‘Miss Helen told me you visited her yesterday. I hope the master doesn’t find out. He gave me instructions that I was to let no one up.’
    ‘Surely he won’t mind me?’ responded Laura anxiously. ‘I think it’s jolly unkind of him to keep Helen here like this. If I had my way I’d—’
    ‘Now, now, miss,' interrupted Mrs. Jennings. ‘We all know what he’s like. What he decides is his own business. We’re paid to do a job and we mustn’t interfere in his private life.'
    ‘I suppose you’re right,' conceded Laura reluctantly. ‘But it doesn’t alter the fact that I think he’s heartless and cruel. If he were my brother I’d make sure he didn’t treat me like he treats Helen.’
    Helen smiled indulgently. 'If you have to rely on him for a home you'd learn to accept his rules.’
    Mrs. Jennings retreated, turning at the door to ask : ‘Will you be wanting your lunch in here, Laura?’
    ‘Please. If it’s not too much trouble and Helen doesn’t mind.’
    Of course not. It will make a welcome change.’ The dark curls bounced as Helen shook her head.
    'Would you like me to help you out of bed?’ asked Mrs. Jennings next.
    ‘I’ll stay here today, jenny. Now I’ve got someone to talk to I don’t mind.’
    As you wish. Miss Helen.' Mrs. Jennings clucked disapprovingly, but Helen laughed as she closed the door.
    ‘I’m glad you’re here, Laura. Otherwise she’d have made me get up. She says I must try and use my legs, even though she has to drag me into the chair. Silly old woman,' she added disrespectfully.
    Laura decided it was time to change the subject. She was very fond of the housekeeper and did not like to hear the other girl speak of her in such disparaging tones.
    ‘What did you do before your accident, Helen? Did you live here then?’
    ‘Oh, no.' The grey eyes were animated. ‘I lived in London. I came home weekends, but you see, I was an actress.’ She thrust back her head in a theatrical gesture. ‘Not a very well known one, I admit, but I was beginning to make a name for myself. Mummy wanted me to be a ballet dancer like herself, but I’d set my heart on the theatre. When she died I gave up dancing altogether, much to Brad’s disgust.’
    ‘Surely it didn’t concern him?’
    ‘He felt responsible for me. Our father died when we were small and as we grew up Brad tried to take his place.' She pulled a long face. ‘He said I was letting down the family name. But there wasn’t much he could do about it—I was eighteen and well able to take care of myself. We’ve never really seen eye to eye since. That’s probably why he’s so horrible towards me now.’ She pouted prettily.
    Laura, shocked that Helen’s career should have been cut off so abruptly, said, ‘Surely if you’re good enough they could find you sitting-down parts? It would be better than nothing.’
    A glimpse of something like horror appeared on the other girl’s face, but it was gone instantly to be replaced by self-pity. ‘Brad would never let me. It would humiliate him to think that other people could see me—-like this, utterly helpless. Put my cup on the table, there’s a darling. I think I’ll have a