——"How do I get rid of the memory of the past?" Iris Marr was thinking about her sister Rosemary. For nearly a year she had tried, as best she could, to get Rosemary out of her mind.She doesn't want to remember. That was so painful--horrible! That face turned blue from potassium cyanide poisoning, those convulsive fingers... That contrast with the joyous and lovely Rosemary of the day before... well, maybe not really joy.She had the flu--became depressed, depressed...all that at the interrogation.Iris herself had emphasized this, and it had something to do with Rosemary's suicide, hadn't it?

Immediately after the interrogation was over, Iris tried her best to get the whole incident out of her mind.What is the use of memories?Forget it, forget the whole horrible incident. But now, he knew, she had to think back, she had to think back... Carefully recall any little thing that seemed insignificant... An unusual conversation with George last night made reminiscence necessary. That was so unexpected, so shocking.Wait, is that really that unexpected?Were there no signs before then?George's growing brooding, his absent-mindedness, his inexplicable behavior--his--oh, in a word, how "grotesque" it was!It all led to the moment last night—the moment when he called her into the study and took the two letters out of the drawer.

So, it's impossible now.She had to think of Rosemary, had to start reminiscing. Rosemary--her sister... Iris suddenly realized with great shock that this was the first time in her life that she thought of Rosemary, that is, thought of her objectively as a "person" for the first time in her life. She hadn't bothered to think about her before and just thought of her as her older sister quite naturally.It's as if you never really think about your dad or mom or sister or uncle or uncle.They just exist unquestionably in established relationships. You never think of them as "persons," or even ask yourself what kind of person they are.

What was Rosemary like? Now this might be important.Many things may be tied to this crucial issue.Iris cast her thoughts into the past.When she and Rosemary were children... Rosemary was six years her senior. The past came back to her eyes one after another, like close-ups on a screen, flashing rapidly.She is a little girl drinking milk and eating bread, and Rosemary is doing her homework at a table, and the camera zooms in on her neatly braided hair. Summer beach--Iris envies that Rosemary is a "big girl" and can swim! Rosemary went to boarding school and didn't come home until the holidays.She then went to school herself, while Rosemary "advanced" in Paris.Rosemary was clumsy in her hands and feet when she was a schoolboy, but Rosemary returned from her "advanced studies" in Paris with a novel and surprising elegance.She has a soft voice, graceful, swaying figure, golden-red hair, and big royal blue eyes with long black eyelashes.A beautiful stunner who grew up in a foreign country!

They rarely saw each other after that, and the gap created by the six-year age gap reached its widest point at this time. Iris is still studying, while Rosemary is active in the social circle.Even when Iris was home for the holidays, that gap remained.Rosemary's life was: rising late in the morning, dining with other girls in her social circle at noon, and going to dances in the evening.Iris: Go to class, go for a walk in the park, have dinner at nine, and go to bed at ten.Communication between the sisters was limited to brief conversations such as: "Hey, Iris, call a taxi for me, a little girl is waiting for me, I'm going to be late." Or:

"I don't like that new coat of yours, Rosemary. It doesn't suit you. It's a very strange thing." Then came the day of Rosemary's engagement to George Patton.Excited sights - shopping, bags piled high - bridesmaids outfits...   wedding ceremony.As Rosemary walked the red carpet, people whispered: "Wow! What a beautiful bride..." Why did Rosemary marry George?Even now, Iris is still amazed.So many handsome young men called Rosemary and asked her out, why did she choose the affable but dull George Patton, who was five years older than her? George is rich, but not for money.Rosemary had her own money—lots of money.

Uncle Paul's money... Irene was thinking carefully, thinking about what she knew now and what she knew before: like Uncle Paul? He was not their real uncle, she had always known that.Although no one had explicitly told them, she knew some facts.Paul Bennett has always been in love with her mother.Her mother preferred another poorer man.Paul accepts the failure of love with a romantic spirit, he remains a friend of their family, and transforms love into romantic and spiritual devotion.Thus, he became "Uncle Paul" and the godfather of the first child Rosemary.After his death, he bequeathed all his property to his little niece, who was then a little girl of thirteen.

Rosemary, in addition to her beauty, was a wealthy heiress.But she married George Barton, a dull and mediocre good gentleman. Why?Iris couldn't figure it out before, and she still can't figure it out now.Iris does not believe that Rosemary ever loved him.Yet she seemed happy with him, and liked him--yes, really liked him.Iris had a good chance of knowing this, because a year after their marriage their mother, the delicate and loving Vera, died, and Iris, at seventeen, was living with Rosemary and her brother-in-law. together. A seventeen-year-old girl, Iris recalled herself at the time.What was she like then?What did she think, feel, see?

She came to the conclusion for herself that Iris was a late bloomer at the time - thinking nothing of it, just accepting it all naturally.For example, was she ever upset that her mother favored Rosemary?In general, she doesn't think so.She simply accepted the fact that "Rosemary was important" without hesitation.Rosemary was "outstanding", and the mother naturally gave her eldest daughter as much attention as her health allowed.It was the most natural thing to do, and one day it would be her turn.Vera is a mother who feels a little out of reach for her children, taking up most of her time with her own health problems and leaving them up to nannies, housekeepers and schools.

"But when she approached them, even for a brief moment, she made a charming impression on them. Their father, Hector Marr, died when Iris was five years old. All she knew was that he She drank too much and had no memory of how it actually happened." Seventeen-year-old Iris Marr only knew how to accept everything in life, and never made any protest against life. She mourned for her mother, brought filial piety, and then went to live with her sister and brother-in-law. Living in their house can sometimes be a little tedious for her.Until the second year, Iris never officially went out.During this time, she took French and German lessons three times a week, while taking homework lessons.Sometimes she has nothing to do and no one to talk to.George had always been loving and kind to her like a big brother.His attitude never changed and remains the same until now.

As for Rosemary?Iris rarely sees her.Rosemary often goes out, tailor shops, cocktail parties, bridge clubs... When she thought about it carefully, what did she know about Rosemary?Her preferences, her hopes, her fears?Terrible, really, that you know so little about the people who live in the same house!They are so not close as sisters. But now she had to think about it.She had to try to remember, it might be very important. certainly.Rosemary seemed happy enough... Until that day—the week before it happened. She, Iris, would never forget that day, every detail, every word crystal clear.The shiny mahogany table, the swinging easy chair, the abnormally rapid handwriting... Iris closed her eyes, letting that scene reappear in her eyes... On the passage between her room and Rosemary's living room she stopped suddenly. She was petrified by what she saw!Rosemary was sitting at the writing desk, with her upper body stretched over the desk, her head resting on her outstretched arms.Rosemary was weeping deeply in despair.She had never seen Rosemary cry--it frightened her to cry like that. Yes, Rosemary had a bad case of influenza.She's only been up for a day or two.Anyone knows influenza can be depressing, but— Iris cried out in a childish voice and said frightenedly: "Oh, Rosemary, what's the matter with you?" Rosemary sat up, brushing her hair back, revealing a tear-stained face.Trying to get back to normal, she said eagerly: "It's nothing—it's nothing—don't stare at me like that!" She stood up, passed her sister, and ran out. Iris continued walking in bewilderedly.She turned her puzzled eyes to the writing table, and suddenly found that her name appeared in her sister's handwriting.Was Rosemary writing to her? She moved closer and stared at the blue note paper on the table. The paper was covered with some big scrawled handwriting, which was more scrawled than usual due to the author's urgency and restlessness. Dear Vance: I really don't need to make a will.Also my money will be bequeathed to you no matter what, it's just that I want to leave something of mine to someone. To George: The jewelry he gave me, and the little enamel jewelry box we bought together when we got engaged. To Glory Box: My platinum cigarette case. To Anne: my Chinese pottery horse which she has always loved. It stopped at this point, leaving a puddle of ink at the end, as if Rosemary flicked the pen heavily, unable to control her emotions and began to cry. Iris stood there like a stone statue. What does it mean?Was Rosemary going to die—was she?She was very ill, but is recovering now.After all, people don't die from influenza—at least sometimes, but Rosemary doesn't, and she's pretty much better now, just weak and depressed. Iris rereads the note again, this time with a sentence for shock effect.appear particularly prominent: "...My money will be left to you no matter what..." This was the first time she had glimpsed the outline of Uncle Paul's will.When she was a little girl, all she knew was that Rosemary had inherited from Uncle Paul, that Rosemary was rich and she was poor.Yet she never asked what would happen to the money if Rosemary died. If anyone asks her, she will definitely answer.The money will be bequeathed to Rosemary's husband, George.But, I will add: it seems absurd to think that Rosemary will die before George! Yet the answer was here, in black and white, written by Rosemary herself.After the death of Rosemary, the money will be bequeathed to her - Iris.But presumably this is illegal?Husband and wife should inherit from each other, not sisters.Unless, of course, Uncle Paul's will said so.Yes, it must be so, Uncle Paul's will stated that if Rosemary died, the money would go to her.That would make it less unfair— unfair?She was shocked at the thought of those words to herself.Did it ever occur to Rosemary that it was unfair to inherit Uncle Paul's estate alone?Deep down, she thought, Rosemary must have always thought so.She and Rosemary were sisters, and both were her mother's own daughters. Why did Uncle Paul leave all his inheritance to Rosemary? Rosemary always had it all! Balls, trendy clothes, young men who love her, and a husband who loves her deeply. The only unpleasant thing that happened to Rosemary was the flu!Even this unpleasant incident did not last more than a week! Iris stood by the table hesitatingly, the note - will Rosemary stay there for the servants to see? After hesitating for a minute, she picked it up, folded it in half, and stuffed it into a drawer. After that fateful birthday ball, the note was found by the police as ancillary evidence—if evidence is needed—that Rosemary had been in a depressed, depressed state of mind since her illness, and may have been I always wanted to commit suicide. Depression following influenza was the motive for the suicide proposed at the inquest, the motive that Iris' confession helped to establish.Perhaps it was an inappropriate motive, but it was the only one that could be found, so it was accepted.It was the worst influenza of the year. Neither Iris nor George Button could find any other motive. Now recalling the accidental discovery in the attic, Iris couldn't help wondering why she was so confused. The whole incident must have been going on under her eyes, yet she didn't see anything, didn't notice anything! Her mind flitted quickly to the tragedy of the birthday party.No need to think about it!That's over -- it's over.Put aside the horror, the interrogation, George's contorted face and bloodshot eyes, and concentrate on the incident with the trunk in the attic. That was about half a year after Rosemary died. Iris continues to live with her brother-in-law.After the funeral, the Mal family's lawyer—an older gentleman with a shiny bald head and shrewd eyes—had an interview with Iris.He explained very clearly and clearly that according to Paul's will, Rosemary inherited all his property, and when she died, it passed to her children, and if she died without heirs, then all the property went to Iris. .It was a great fortune, the lawyer explained, and it would all go to her when she was twenty-one or married. At the same time, the first thing to be settled was the problem of her accommodation.Mr. George Barton was eager for her to continue living with him, and at the same time suggested that Mrs. Derek, her father's sister, should be invited to accompany Iris in society.Mrs. Derek was impoverished by the constant demands of money spent by her son, the black sheep of the Marr family. "Iris, do you agree with this plan?" Iris was more than willing to go along with his plan, and was grateful to him that she didn't have to make another arrangement.Aunt Lucilla in her memory was a good woman who was approachable and seldom assertive. In this way, the matter is resolved.George Patton was pleased to have his wife's sister living with him, and treated her affectionately as one of his sisters.Mrs. Derek, though not an inspiring companion, was completely submissive to Iris's wishes, bordering on flattery.The housework was finally dealt with before it was done properly. Iris found it in the attic about half a year later. The attic was a storage room for odd pieces of furniture, suitcases, and other miscellaneous items. Iris couldn't find one of her favorite red jumpers one day and crawled to the attic to find it.George asked her not to keep wearing mourning for Rosemary, who, he said, had always been against it.Iris knew he was telling the truth, so she listened to him.Continue to wear your everyday clothes.Lucilla Derek disagrees with this.She's a conservative and likes to see what she calls "rules."Mrs. Derek still wears a black dress for her husband, who has been dead for more than twenty years. Iris thought that some clothes that were not often worn were stored in the suitcase in the attic, so she began to search for the red sweater.During her search, she found various forgotten items of clothing: a gray coat and skirt, a pile of socks, ski gear, and an old swimsuit or two. Then she came across an old dressing gown that had belonged to Rosemary, which for some reason had slipped through and hadn't been thrown away with Rosemary's other belongings.It was a silk polka-dot dressing gown with a large pocket, like men's clothing. Iris shook off the dressing gown and found it was still intact.Then she folded it carefully and put it back in the trunk.Then her fingers touched something that made a slight noise in the pocket of her dressing gown.She reached in and pulled out a crumpled note.It has Rosemary's handwriting on it.She flattened the note and read it. You can't be sincere, dear Leopard. ...impossible--impossible...we love each other!belong to each other!You must understand this as well as I do!We can't just say goodbye like this, darling - not at all.You and I belong to each other - forever and ever.I'm not an old-fashioned woman - I don't care what people say.Love means more to me than anything else.We'll go away together - happily at the same time - and I'll make you happy.You once told me that without me life would be like dust and ashes to you-do you remember?And now, dear Leopard, you're writing so calmly to tell me that it's better to end the matter -- that's fairer to me.Fair to me?But I can't live without you!I'm sorry for George - he's been good to me - but he'll understand.He will set me free.If you no longer love each other but still live together.That's not right.Honey, we are made for each other - I know it's meant to be.We will be happy and happy together, but we have to show courage.I'll tell George myself - spit it all out, frankly - but after my birthday. I know I'm doing the right thing, dear Leopard - I can't live without you - can't live, can't live, can't live!How stupid am I to write this down, in fact, only two sentences are enough.Just "I love you and I will never let you go" is enough.Oh!Honey - stop here. Iris stood there quietly watching. How poorly men know their own sisters! So Rosemary had a lover—here was an impassioned love letter to him—and planned to elope with him? What happened?Rosemary did not post the letter.What kind of letter did she send afterwards?What was the final decision between Rosemary and the unknown man? ("Leopard!" The imagination of people in love is really strange and cute. It is really as unpredictable as a leopard.) Who is this guy?Did he love her as Rosemary loved him?That's for sure, Rosemary is so lovable.However, according to Rosemary's letter, he suggested "making it over".what does this mean?cautious?He made it clear that he had "died" for Rosemary's sake, and that would be fairer to her.good.But don't men say this to save their own face?Doesn't that mean the man - whoever he is - is tired of it all?Maybe it was just a past crush for him?Maybe he never really cared at all.Iris somewhat had the impression that the unknown man finally made up his mind to break up with Rosemary... But Rosemary thinks differently, and Rosemary will stop at nothing.Rosemary also made up her mind... Iris shuddered. And she, Iris, didn't know anything about it!Didn't even guess it!Always thought Rosemary was happy and content, that Rosemary and George were happy with each other.Blind!She must be blind to not even know what happened to her sister. But who is that man? She turned her thoughts back to the past, thinking and reminiscing.There are so many men who adore Rosemary, call her, ask her out.None are more special.But there must be one—the others are just a foil to that one, and there is only one, and one of them is really important.Iris frowned, thinking hard. Two names emerged.By the way, it must be one of these two.Stephen Farrelly?It must be Stephen Farley.What might Rosemary see in him?A pompous, flashy young man—and not very young, really.Of course, people have said that he is admirable.A rising politician, a deputy minister in the near future, and a strong backer behind him-his wife's natal family, Kidderminster.A future prime minister!Did this make him look extraordinarily brilliant in Rosemary's eyes?Of course he couldn't be so obsessively in love with his man - such a pompous guy?But it is said that his wife loved him so much that she even married him in spite of her family's strong opposition - a nobody with only political ambitions!If there is such a woman who loves him so much, so can other women.By the way, it must be Stephen Farley. Because, if it wasn't Stephen Farrelly, then it must be Anthony Browne. And Iris didn't want it to be Anthony Bouchos. It is true that he has always bowed down under Rosemary's pomegranate skirt, willing to be her captive of love, coming and going as she pleases, his dark and handsome face has a humorous and extreme expression.However, this kind of love is too public, too well known, it is impossible to really go deep, right? The way he disappeared after Rosemary's death was so strange that no one saw him again after that. However, it is not necessarily so strange - he is a frequent traveler.He talked about Argentina, Canada, Uganda and the United States.She thought he was actually American or Canadian, although he didn't have any particular accent.No, it wasn't really surprising that they never saw him again after that. Only Rosemary was his friend, and there was no need for him to continue visiting other people after his death.He was Rosemary's friend, but not Rosemary's lover!She did not want him to be Rosemary's lover.That would hurt—that would hurt badly… She looked down at the letter in her hand.She crumpled it up hard.She's going to throw it away, burn it... A hunch stopped her. Maybe someday this letter will be useful... She folded the letter, took it down and locked it in the jewel box. Maybe one day it will be enough to explain why Rosemary took her own life. "What's next?" This ridiculous sentence appeared in Iris's mind unexpectedly, causing her to squeeze out a wry smile.The articulate clerk's words seemed to represent her own concentrating thinking process. Isn't that exactly the question she asks when exploring the past?She had thought about what she had found in the attic.And now—what next?What's next? Of course it was George's growing eccentricity; it went back a long time.Some little things that puzzled her became clear after last night's interview.Irrelevant words and actions have found their proper home in the facts. Also, the reappearance of Anthony Browne.By the way, maybe 'Again' should be about that, since it happened exactly a week after the discovery of that letter. Iris can't recall exactly how she felt at the time... Rosemary died in November.In May of the following year, Iris began her teenage social life under the wing of Lucilla Derek.She attended lunches, teas, and dances, but didn't like them very much.She felt listless and no fun.It was at a dull dance in late June when she heard a voice behind her: "Isn't this Iris Marr?" She turned and looked at Anthony with a blushing face--Antony's dark, funny face. He said: "I don't expect you to remember me, but—" She interrupted him. "Ah, I remember you, of course I remember you!" "Great, I'm afraid you've forgotten me. I haven't seen you for a long, long time." "Yes. Since Rosemary's birthday dance—" She stopped.These words jumped out of her lips without thinking, and the blood color quickly faded from her cheeks, leaving a paleness.Her lips trembled, and her eyes suddenly opened wide with panic and terror. Anthony Browne said hastily: "Sorry, I really shouldn't, I shouldn't remind you." Iris swallowed.she says: "It doesn't matter." (Not since Rosemary's birthday ball. Not since the night Rosemary committed suicide. Don't think about it, don't think about it!) Anthony Browne spoke again. "I'm so sorry. Please forgive me. Shall we dance?" She nodded.Although someone had asked her out for this dance, she still held his arm and danced into the pool with the music.She sees her old dance partner, a shy, immature young man in a shirt that is too big, prowling for her.The kind of partner, she thought disdainfully, the fledgling, the young.Not like this man - Rosemary's friend. A wave of grief swept over her.Rosemary's friend.Was that letter, was that letter addressed to the man she was dancing with now?There seems to be something in his proficient and beautiful dance steps that matches the nickname of "Leopard".Was he with Rosemary— She suddenly said: "Where have you been all this time?" He pushed her away slightly and looked down into her face.His smile disappeared, and his voice said coldly: "I've been traveling—for a career." "Oh." She continued involuntarily, "Why did you come back?" He smiled.He said softly: "Perhaps—to see you, Iris Marr." At the same time, he suddenly brought her closer, took a bold gliding step, and slid past other dancers. The timing and movements were so seamless that it was almost like a miracle.Iris didn't know why, she should have been afraid, but she felt a kind of passionate joy. Since then, Anthony has become a part of her life.She sees him at least once a week. She met him in parks, at various dances, and attended parties with him. The only place he never went was her brother-in-law's house.It was quite some time before she noticed it, and he deliberately avoided all formal invitations to the house.She began to wonder why, because he and Rosemary— Later, to her great shock, the easy-going and never minded George suddenly talked to her about him. "Who is this man you're dealing with—Anthony Browne? What do you know about him?" She watched him. "What do you know about him? Don't you? He's Rosemary's friend!" George's face contorted.He blinks.Said in a heavy voice: "Yes, of course, he is." Iris said regretfully: "Sorry, I shouldn't have reminded you of her." George Button shook his head and said gently: "No, no, I don't want her to be forgotten. Never. Anyway," he said awkwardly, looking away, "that's what her name means. Rosemary—memory." He turned Turn your head and look her straight: "I don't want you to forget your sister, Iris." She gasped. "I'll never forget." George went on: "As for this young man. Anthony Browne, Rosemary may have liked him, but I don't think she knew him very well. You know, Iris, you have to be careful. You A very rich girl." She felt a burning rage all over her body. "Tony--Anthony--has plenty of money of his own. He lives in the first-class Claridge's when he's in London." George smiled and said in a low voice: "Stylish--and expensive. Still, no one seems to know him well enough, my dear." "He's an American." "Perhaps. If so, it's odd that he rarely sees the embassy of his own country. He doesn't come to our house very often, does he?" "Yes. I can see why, you hate him so much, of course he won't come!" George shook his head. "I seem to be too nosy. Well, I just want to give you a timely warning. I will speak to Lucilla." "Lucila!" Iris said disdainfully. George said anxiously: "What's the matter, is there something wrong? I mean, did Lucilla help you arrange all the social activities you need? Like dances...etc?" "Of course, she worked very hard..." "Because, if she doesn't, you know, boy, you just have to tell me. We can find someone else, someone younger and more up-to-date. I hope you're happy." "I'm doing well, George. Oh, George, I'm having a good time." He said earnestly: "That's all right. I'm not very good at these societies myself--never in my life. But I'm going to get you all you need. We don't need to economize." This is George - kind, dull and careless. He actually followed through on his promise, or "threat," to talk to Derek about Anthony Browne.But, as fate would have it, those were the times when Lucilla could not concentrate on what he had to say. She had just received a telegram from her son who never did anything good.He was her sweetheart and knew how to tug at a loving mother's heartstrings to satisfy his personal financial needs. "Can you send me two hundred pounds. Desperation. Life and death. Victor." Lucilla began to cry. "Vido never tells lies. He knows that my situation is not very good. If it is not at the last moment, he will not ask me for help. It has always been the case. I am often worried that he will shoot himself." "Not of his kind," said George Button mercilessly. "You don't know him. I'm his mother, and of course I know what my son is like. If I don't do what he asks, I will always blame myself. I can find a way to sell those stocks. " George sighed. "Listen to me, Lucilla. I'm going to send a telegram to my liaison over there with the details. We'll find out what happened to Vito. But I have a word of advice for you, it's best to let him go Bring it on yourself, and if you don't have the heart to do that, he'll never get better." "Your heart is too hard, George. The poor boy is always out of luck." George endured it without making any excuses.It's never good to argue with a woman. He just said: "I'll tell Ruth to do it right away. We'll hear back tomorrow." Lucilla finally calmed down her emotions a little bit.The two hundred pounds were eventually reduced to fifty pounds—the minimum amount Lucilla insisted on sending. Irene knew that it was paid out of George's own pocket, although he lied to Lucilla that it was for her to sell the stock.Iris praised George's generosity face to face, but his answer was simple. "My take on this sort of thing is - there's always a black sheep in every family, and there's always someone else to take care of." "But this person doesn't have to be you, and he is not your family." "Rosemary's family is my family." "It's very kind of you, George, but why can't I do it? You keep saying I'm rich." "You can't do it until you're twenty-one, and you wouldn't do it if you were smart. But I can give you a word of advice when someone telegraphs that Unless he gets a few hundred quid he will take his own life and usually you will find that twenty is too much to give him...I dare say ten is enough! You can't stop a mother who is responsive , but you can cut the numbers—remember that. Of course Victor Derek would never kill himself, not his kind of guy. These guys who threaten to kill themselves never actually kill themselves. " Absolutely not?Iris thought of Rosemary, or put the thought away immediately.George wasn't referring to Rosemary, he was referring to that brazen, smooth-talking young man in Rio de Janeiro. From Iris' point of view, the "net gain" she gets from Lucilla's dedicated maternal love is that Lucilla is thus unable to concentrate on the relationship between Iris and Anthony Browne. Then—and then there's George's transformation!Iris couldn't delay any longer.When did it start?What causes it? Even looking back now, Iris couldn't calculate the definite start date.自从罗斯玛丽去世之后，乔治就开始变得心不在焉、精神涣散，常常陷入自我沉思之中。心情沉重，看起来显得更老迈，这应该是还算合乎常情的现象。但是，从什么时候开始，他的精神恍惚变得违背常情了？ 她想，那该是在她和他为安东尼·布朗恩而发生冲突之后，她生平第一次注意到，他以一种恍惚、迷惑的眼神瞪着她。后来他养成了一项新习惯，提早从办公室回家，把自己锁在书房里，又似乎没在里面做什么。她曾经进去过一次，发现他只是坐在书桌前面，两眼直瞪着前方。当她走进去时，他以黯然无光的眼神看她。他的举动就像是个受过打击的人一样，但是对于她“怎么啦？”的问话，他的回答总是简短的一句：“没什么。” 随着日子的消逝，他越来越显得忧心仲仲，似乎有什么事在困拢着他。 没有人对他多加留意。艾瑞丝当然也没有。忧虑通常总是很自然地令人想到是由于“生意上”的缘故。 后来，他开始在不恰当的时机，没头没脑地问人家问题。也就是从此之后，她开始认为他的举止“怪异”。 “艾瑞丝，听我说，罗斯玛丽经常跟你谈话吗？” 艾瑞丝注视着他。 “当然，怎么啦，乔治？至少——呃，关于那一方面的？” “哦，关于她自己——她的朋友——她的一切，比如说她快不快乐等等之类的事。” 她觉得她看出了他脑子里想的是什么。他一定听到有关罗斯玛丽不快乐的恋爱事件的风声。 她徐徐地说： “她谈得不多。我的意思是说——她总是忙着——各种事”。 “而你还只是个小女孩，当然。是的，我知道，但是我还是认为她可能说了些什么。” 他探询式的眼光紧逼着她——像只满怀希望的猎犬。 她不想让乔治受到伤害，再说罗斯玛丽的确也没说过什么。She shook her head. 乔治叹了口气，沉重地说： “哦、算了，没什么关系。” 又有一天，他突然问她，谁是罗斯玛丽的最好女友。 艾瑞丝想了一下。 “葛罗雷金、艾特维尔太太——艾特维尔小姐、珍雷蒙。” “她跟她们有多亲近？” “呃，我不太清楚。” “我的意思是说，你认不认为她可能把其中一个当作密友？” “我不大知道……我看不太可能……你指的那一类密友？” 话一出口，她立即后悔问这个问题，然而乔治对她的问题的回答令她吃了一惊。 “罗斯玛丽有没有说过她怕某一个人？” “怕？”艾瑞丝睁大眼睛。 “我想知道的是，罗斯玛丽有没有任何仇敌？” “那些女人之中的一个？” “不，不，不是那一类的，而是真正的仇敌。就你所知道的。有没有任何一个人。他——他可能是她畏惧的仇敌？” 艾瑞丝的瞪视似乎令他不安。他红着脸，低声说： “听起来很可笑，我知道。像通俗的闹剧一样。但是我只是怀疑。” “过了一两天之后，他开始问及法雷地夫妇。” “罗斯玛丽与法雷地夫妇时常见面？” 艾瑞丝满腹狐疑。 “我真的不知道，乔治。” “她有没有提过他们？” “没有，我想没有。” “他们彼此之间亲近吗？” “罗斯玛丽对政治很感兴趣。” “是的，那是她在瑞士遇见法雷地夫妇之后，在那之前她对政治毫无兴趣。” “我想是史提芬·法雷地使她对政治产生兴趣的。他常常借给她一些政治论文之类的东西。” 乔治说： “仙带拉·法雷地怎么想？” "about what?" “关于她丈夫借给罗斯玛丽政治论文的事？” 艾瑞丝不舒服地说： "I have no idea." 乔治说：“她是个很保守的女人。外表像冰一样的冷。但是据说她疯狂地爱着法雷地。那种会因他跟其他的女人交往而吃醋的女人。” “也许。” “罗斯玛丽跟法雷地的太太处得怎么样？” 艾瑞丝徐徐地说： “我不认为她们处得来。罗斯玛丽嘲笑她，说她是像只摇动木马一样的典型政治妇女（你知道，她有点像马一样）。罗斯玛丽常常说：'如果你刺她，那么木屑就会不断漏出来。'” 乔治哼了一声。 Then say: “你还常常跟安东尼·布朗恩见面？” “还好。”艾瑞丝的声音冷冷的，但是乔治并没有重复他的警告，反而似乎感到有兴趣。 “他常到处漂泊，对不对？一定过着多彩多姿的生活。他有没有跟你谈过？” “谈得不多。不错，他是经常出外旅行。” “生意上的，我想。” "I think so." “他做什么生意？” "I have no idea." “跟军公司有关的，不是吗？” “他没有提过。” “呃，不必提起我问过你。我只是随便问问，去年秋天，他经常跟联合军火公司的董事长杜斯贝瑞在一起……罗斯玛丽常常跟安东尼·布朗恩在一起，不是吗？” “是——是的。” “但是她认识他并不久——她只是偶然跟他相识而已，对不对？他常带她跳舞，不是吗？” "yes." “你知道，我有点惊讶她邀请他参加生日舞会。我不知道她跟他那么熟。” 艾瑞公平静地说： “他的舞跳得很好……” “是——是的，当然……” 艾瑞丝很不情愿地让那天晚上的一幕景象，掠过她的脑际。 卢森堡餐厅的圆桌、昏暗的灯光、各种各样的花卉。乐队的节拍持续不断。围着圆桌而坐的七个人，她自己、安东尼·布朗恩、罗斯玛丽、史提芬·法雷地、露丝·莱辛、乔治，以及坐在乔治右手边的史提芬·法雷地的太太——亚历山大·法雷地夫人，她那便宜的灰发，那略成圆弧状的鼻孔，那清晰自负的声音。那是多么快乐的聚会，不是吗？ 而在舞会进行到一半时，罗斯玛丽——不，不，最好不要想起那……。最好只记得她自己坐在安东尼旁边——那是她第一次见到他。在那之前，他只是一个名字，一个映在墙上的人影，一个陪着罗斯玛丽在门口等计程车的背影。 东尼——她猛然清醒过来。乔治正在重复一个问题： “奇怪他后来那么快就不见了人影。他到哪里去了，你知不知道？” 她支吾地说：“哦，到锡兰去了，我想，或者印度。” “那天晚上他并没有提起。” 艾瑞丝急躁地说： “为什么他应该提起？我们非得谈起——那天晚上不可吗？” His face flushed. “不，不，当然不要。抱歉，过去的事了。呀，对了，你请布朗恩今晚到家里来吃晚饭。我想再跟他碰碰面。” 艾瑞丝很高兴。乔治终于改变了对安东尼的观感。这项邀请被安东尼接受了。但是到了最后一分钟，安东尼却临时有事到北方去了，不能来。 到了七月底的某一天，乔治宣布他在乡下买了一幢房子。让露希拉和艾瑞丝大吃一惊。 “买了一幢房子？”艾瑞丝不相信地说，“我以为我们要租用高林的那幢房子两个月而已？” “自己买的比较好——对不对？可以随时到那里去度周末。” “那幢房子在哪里？是不是在河边？” “不完全是，事实上，完全不是。在马林汉的苏塞克，叫做'小官府'十二亩——乔治王时代的一幢小屋子。” “你是说没有先叫我们去看一看就买下来了？” “这是机会嘛。刚好有人卖，我就抢先买了过来。” 德瑞克太太说： “我想那大概需要大事重新整修、装潢一番。” 乔治随口说道： “喔，那倒没什么。露丝已经去料理了。” 她们带着几分敬意地接受露丝·莱辛在这种时机被提及。她是众所周知的、乔治的能干的女秘书，实际上她形同这个家庭的一份子，长得很标致，像是画面上的女郎，富有国滑老练的高度办事能力。 罗斯玛丽在世的时候，常常这样说：“我们找露丝去看看好了，她太棒了。让她去办就好了。” 任何困难总是都能在莱辛小组的巧手之下化除。她总是能面露笑容，轻松愉快地扫除一切障碍。她经营乔治的办公室，也有同时经营乔治之嫌。他信任她，任何事情都依赖她的判断。她似乎毫无一点个人的需求、欲望。 然而这一次露希拉·德瑞克有点不高兴。 “亲爱的乔治，像露丝那么能于，呃，我是说——我们家的女人喜欢自己动手调配自己家起居室的色调！应该先问问艾瑞丝的意见。我不是为我自己说话，我不算什么，但是这样实在太不尊重艾瑞丝了。” 乔治显得有点愧疚。 “我只是想让你们惊喜一下！” 露希拉不得不摆出笑容。 “你真行，乔治。” 艾瑞丝说： “我不太介意色调。我相信露丝会调配得很完美，她那么聪明。我们到那里做些什么？我想那里一定有个球场。” “有的，六哩外还有个高尔夫球场，而且离海滨只有十四哩路。尤其是，我们会有邻居。我想，到有认识的人的地方去总是比放聪明。” “什么邻居？”艾琳丝突然发问。 乔治避开她的很光。 “法雷地夫妇。”他说，“他们就住在公园对面一哩半路外。” 艾瑞丝注视着他。她立即了解到，购买、装修那幢房子这件经过精心安排的事，完全只是为了一个目的——那就是好让乔治接近史提芬和仙蒂拉·法雷地。乡下的近邻、社会地位相当！两家人必然是会亲近。多么冷静、巧妙的安排！ but why?为什么老是反复谈到法雷地夫妇？为什么要用这种花钱的方法，来达到令人不解的目的？ 是不是乔治怀疑罗斯玛丽和史提芬·法雷地之间有超过友谊的关系？这是不是表示一种奇特的“身后妒怕”心理？那真是一种言语所难以捕捉的想法！ 但是，乔难想从法雷地夫妇那里得到什么？他不断向艾瑞丝发出的那些怪异问题目的何在？乔治近来的言行不是很怪诞吗？ 那天晚上他那怪异、恍惚的神情，露希拉认为是因为他多喝了几杯，露希拉当然是会这样想！ 不错，乔治近来是很不对劲。他似乎一直在一种混杂着兴奋，以及当他神志恍惚到极点时所表现出来的冷漠情绪之下，默默进行着某件工作。 八月的大部分时间，他们都在乡下的那幢“小官府”里度过。恐怖的房子，艾瑞丝想到还不禁战栗起来。她痛恨那幢房子。一幢建造堂皇、布置得典雅和谐的房子！（露丝·莱辛从来会犯错！）但是却出奇且令人恐惧的空虚。他们不是住在那里，而是“占据”那里。就像战时的兵士，占据着某个了望据点一样。 在乡下的日子里，令人生厌的是过着一般规律化的夏日生活，和到那里度假的人们交往、网球聚会，和法雷地夫妇的非正式聚餐等等。仙带拉·法雷地对他们很和善——对持原已认识的邻居的最佳态度。她带他们四处去参观，教乔治和艾瑞丝有关马匹的知识，而且对年长的露希拉相当恭敬。 然而没有人知道，在那苍白微笑的面具之后，她到底心里想些什么，一个有如“人面狮身兽”的女人。 他们很少见到史提芬。他非常忙，经常因政事而出门不在家。在艾瑞丝看来，他只是尽可能巧妙地安排，以避免跟住在“小官府”里的这家人碰同。 八月、九月就如此地过去了，十月是他们决定返回伦敦住所的月份。 艾瑞丝松了一大口气。也许他们一回到伦敦之后，乔治便会恢复正常，她想。 再来是，昨天晚上，她被轻轻的敲门声惊醒。她扭亮台灯，看了看表，才凌晨一点钟。她十点半就上床。因此感觉上好像已睡了很久。 她披上长袍走去开门。这多少总比仅仅收一声“进来！”来得自然。 乔治站在门口。他还没有上床，仍然穿着整齐。他的呼吸不太均衡，脸上露出古怪的神色。 He said: “艾瑞丝，跟我到书房去，我必须跟你谈谈，我不得不找个人谈谈。” 她似醒未醒，迷迷糊糊地顺从了他。 一进书房之后，他把门关上，要她在他对面坐下来。他以颤抖的手将烟盒推向她，同时取出一根烟，点了几次才点燃。 她说：“出了什么事吗？乔治？” 现在她已清醒过来。他面色惨白。 乔治有如刚跑完步，喘着气断断续续地说： “我无法再自己一个人继续下去。我无法再隐瞒下去。你必须告诉我你的想法——那是否真的——那是否可能——” “你在说些什么呀，乔治？” “你一定注意到、了解到某些事情。她一定说了些什么。一定有某个原因——” 她注视着他。 他摸摸额头。 “你不知道我说什么，我看得出来。不要一副害怕的样子，小女孩。你必须帮助我。你必须尽可能地回想。现在，现在，我知道我有点语无伦次，但是过一会儿你就会了解——在我把信拿给你看之后。” 他打开书桌的一个抽屉，拿出了两张活页纸。 那是淡蓝色的纸，上面印着些小正体字。 “你看看，”乔治说。 艾瑞丝低头看着第一张。上面所印的文字简单明了、直截了当： “你以为你太太是自杀而死的，其实不是，她是被谋杀的。” 第二张印着： “你太太罗斯玛丽并不是自杀，而是他杀。” 艾瑞丝看着信的时候，乔治接着说： “我大约在三个月以前收到。起初我以为是开玩笑——一个残酷的玩笑。后来我开始仔细思考，为什么罗斯玛丽要自杀？” 艾瑞丝以悲伤的语调说： “流行性感冒之后所引起的沮丧。” “不错，但是当你仔细思考时，你会觉得那有点无稽，不是吗？我是说，很多人都得了流行性感冒，过后觉得有点沮丧或什么的——” 艾瑞丝费劲地说： “她可能——不快乐？” “是的，我想有可能。”乔治很平静地对此观点加以考虑，“但是我仍然想不出她会因为不快乐而结束自己的生命，她可能有这种打算。但是我不认为到了紧要关头，她会真的下手去做。” “不管怎么说，她是真的去了，乔治！除此之外，还有什么其他可能的解释？为什么你会有这种想法，他们甚至在她的手提袋里发现了药物。” “我知道。一切都吻合。但是自从收到这些之后，”他用手指点了点那两张匿名信，“我开始把整件事情从头回想一遍。我越想就越觉得其中另有蹊跷。这也就是为什么我问你那些问题的原因——有关罗斯玛丽是否结过仇敌的问题，以及她是否说过任何透露出她害怕某人的话语。不管是谁谋杀了她，一定有个原因——” “乔治，你简直是疯了——” “有时候我自己也这么觉得，有时候我又觉得找对了线索。来管怎么样，我不得不弄个明白。你必须回想，对了，回想，一遍又一遍地回想那天晚上。因为你一定知道，如果她是被谋杀的，一定是那天晚上同来的某一个人所下的毒手，不是吗？你一定了解到这一点，对不对？” 是的，她了解这一点。没有办法再把那一幕推开了，她必须全部回想起来。音乐、鼓声、阴柔的灯光、余兴歌舞，然后灯光复明，而罗斯玛丽卧倒在桌面上，脸孔痉挛发蓝。 艾瑞丝全身战栗，她感到恐惧——非常恐惧…… 她必须想——回想——追忆。 罗斯玛丽，这个名字的意思就是记忆。 毫无遗忘的余地。