DAPHNE DU MAURIER My Cousin Rachel Retold by Margaret TamerFunding Eater: John Milne The Macallan Reader provide «choice of enloyable reading ‘hatrasfokenrers of Enel The sees plc eevee Stier, Besinne, Elementary, Preintemedite Intemeuae to Upc Level contra Tevormatio, structure and vocabulary are contd to sit the “The numberof wor at ech levels [Semcer aio 30s we] Besion shat 600 bic wore Intermedia abou 1600 aie wal Cppee shoot 200 bare work Vocabulary Some tical words and phrses inthis bok ate portant for tolerating the ory. Some of thee work ate expan i the ory and sme are shown in she lente, Foam Presntermee iced apwrdy worde ate mathe witha number ke the There ‘ord Sr eapaind in she Olay are nd ofthe bok, Contents 1 [Begin My Story 2 News From lely 3 The Villa Sanger 4 UMece Rainalde 5 An Argument and an Areal 6 Tea With by Cousin 7 A Stange Conversation & Two Lettre 5 WeOpen Ambrose Boxes 10 A Chnetmas Present TY Rainaldt Aguin 12 All Fook Day 13. Loube and Labumum Trees 14 hae te ehe Truth? Points for Understanding Glossary ir 9 B 3 36 6 2 3 6 %1 I Begin My Story father and mother ded before [was to yeas ol canoe ftmember them My father “died fist, fighting tn ‘the war agins the Fench in 1815. My mother died a few months sterwands. My cousin Ambros, who wae twenty pats oder than tne. Dererte ry goods Fle loka afer te es fl wus his son From the bepining, loved Ambrose mare than anyone ce it the word ‘Ambrose Ashley was a rich, unmarried man; He lived in a beautifil old howe inthe west of England. The house as neat the sea od there war farmland al ound it. The howe, the land fand the fas around i had all belonged to the Ashiey family for many years. The house was full of pictures, books and many beaut ings "Ambon was a gentfeman of leie?, He was not a busines man, But he rook good care of ll the people who worked on his land, He knew them all y name. Everyone om the ete” loved Ambrose ar much ae di ‘Ambrowe was» hy! man, with many una ideas. He loked sce ne hime acd would not have a woman in the bose to lp fhm. Bache was fen withthe people who lived is the other big Fowes inthe dict’: Some of is ne ‘Ambrose, but they al liked hin ‘As grew older, Ambrose and I became mote lke brothers ‘We were both tall, shy men, with long arms and legs and big feet. We beth had thick, curly air, lthough Ambrose’ hat was darker than eine ‘We enjoyed doing the same dhings. We often rode our horses through che hevutfl woods and fields near the Rouge. When the ‘eather was god, we sled our boat on the sa, shed, or sam, Begin My Story “There were no female servants in che Ashley house. Ambrose ssid he dd not want women inthe boats ‘And as I row olden [agreed more and more with his ides “The big house was noe very clean or dy But fe was comforable find we both loved it The tevanes looked afer ws well and the {fod and wine were aliraye good. Ambrose and often at rogether| ther dianer, drinking wane im che light of our candles; Then we ‘Sein the library bese a tight fie: The walls of the Mary were Covered with shelves fl of beau books ‘On Sundays we always went to church. After breakfast, the cawiage took Amnbyone and me to the church in the village ATL the servants cme o church too. On Sunday evenings, we had a ‘uly dinner. Usa, some of our neighbours would eat with ws ‘When Iwas old enough, Ambrose taught me how to ook ater his land and his people. Taz his hele The house and the land there ging to be mine when Ambeove died. But Lever thought thar Ambo would die- We both expected! that he would ive formany years Our day topether pase in a calm happines. Bur sometimes changes come into people ves that they |Nese From lly rot expect. Things happen to us that we ean do nothin My dear cousin Amsyose fs dead, That fs why story. My cousin Rachel le dead t00. And who was my cousia Rachel? You must tead my story to find the answer 10 that weston. PT intow wh killed Rachel, but I do noe know how my dear “Anno died. Wa he Killed 10? I shall never beable to answer ‘hat question T shall never know the annwer: Perhaps, you who fare reading this can decide. You muse be my cousin Rachel’ Judge" and mine too. "Philip Aahly, am only ewenty-five now, Mos of my life iin font of me Bue the only people I shall ever love are dea. I eannot lige with my thoughts any longer. | muse write down everthing that happened everything about Ambo, my comin Rachel and yc News From Italy mibrose and [lived ip Comal. Kis offen cold and darn in winter there, Rain falls nearly every day and the sea loks Tough and grey. This weather was bad for Ambrose. By dhe time bre wns fore ear ol he wae walling with a stile nis hat was fuming grey, His doctors told him that he uae go abroad every ‘winter to der county If be did dhs he would become stonger Sd he would live tobe Healthy, old man, {was ewenty-two when Ambrose wene abroad forthe thin winee had let University and T was ob encagh to lok afer the ate by mse This te, Ambrose was going to Italy. He wanted to see the beau gardens of Rome and Florence. Ambrose loved his vn 6 sandens and everything he planted grew well there. Now he wes planning to bring back many tunwwal plants and tees for aly “The evening before Ambrose lf for Italy, west together in the ibary as usual. We were both smoking our pipe and out long legs were stetched out in fone of ur We were westing ‘ld, comforenble clothes and the fie was baring brightly. The Sop were sleeping a our fet. We sac in silence for while and then Ambrose said," wish you were coming with me tomorrow, Philp, ‘Why not? I replied quickly. "I could soon be ready. Yes, “Ambrose, let me go sith you ‘Ambrose smiled. "No he sald "We cant both be away. Someane must look after the eate- Forget | asked you "You ate feeling well, arent you? Tasked. "You haven't any pain? “Ofcourse not, Philip,’ Ambrose replied. “The touble i that ‘ove my home oo much done want to leave “Ambrose stood up and walked towards the widows He pulled back the heavy curtains and looked out into the darkness "You must promise to look after the gardens for me, Philip. he sid "What do you mean? I asked. "You willbe back here i the soring Iwill." Ambyose answered slowly Take care of things wile Im away, Philip. You ate very young, but I ned your help, you know thaw’ And everything Ihave wl be yours Sauter I fle afraid ‘Ambrose, please let_me goto lealy with you! 1 sid ein "No, Philip that’s enough’ Ambrose aid witha smile Go to bet That wat all: We dl'noedieas the matter again. 7Early the following moming, Ambrose left for Plymouth, our fetes big port He was going by ship t the south of France. From there, he would travel by couch® to lay. “The weeks pused slowly for me, They always did when Ambrose sres away Bat Thad plenty todo. Anu if was lonely rode my Forse into the nearest rown or visited our neighbours, “The st lewcr from Ambrose ved sn dhe middle of November He was well and happy: The jourey by ship had fone well At Chstmas, Ambrose wrote to say chat he had Fetched Florence. It wat inthis lerter that he wrote about his nai Rachel forthe fat ne. He tld ene tht our fai and he famaly were related Rachels father and mother were both dead Rachels husband an Taian counts ad did ton. She lived alone feat Florence big howe, called dhe Villa Sangli. Rachel Fad planed the gardens ofthe vill heel and they were famous foc thelr bea vas glad when ead this eer Ambrose had founda frend who loved arden a mach ashe cid "The winter in Europe waa very bad tha year and snow covered she romin: Because of thi he next leter did not ative unt the tly apeing Int letter, Ambrowe told me more about his cousin Rachel Shc had found hsm somewhere to sey nea her vil Nt cousin Rachel a very feligent woman, Ambrove wrote But, donk Gd she desta too much, He gardens are hes “The weather i geting wer and Tam spending oso nein them. Ay cousin Race please o have an English Pend and am gi fev ale abou basness maces. She has ery Be money. Becawse The ep her, coun Rachel has hee me fn many boul las. tg thom home with ne T was surprised by dis eter. Ambrose had never shown any 0 News Fram lay socerest in 8 woman before, Buc I vas glad cha he was well and bane. "There were a few more letters, ut Ambrose didnot aay anything aboue evurning to Comal Then atthe end of Ape TTeceived the lerer that changed my whole Me 5 Des bo, Pon’ ow Kow to begin to tll you — my conan Rachel and | swore arsed ws weeks ag 1 do nat owe why she has chosen me Bure ae very hap toptier I love her, Phil, and Tam sure 3 tel oe er toa. She lad and good Tal ow fends about my marrage, Philip And remember, ill never change my fedings forgo. We soon and sem ome wind of {leome eo your cous Race T could mot believe iI took the letter out in che gardens and walle lowly down to dhe ea sat Uhre ad read the lett ag Tse lonely, angry and very unhappy. Twas aed jalou? of this twomane my coun Rachel Tknew that my fe would never be the {old all the neighbours shout Ambrou’ marriage. But I did not speak to anyone about my feelings. To my supe, all out °News From lly neighbours were very happy at che news. le’ che best thing that ould have happened. When are chey coming home” people si. Bor I did not know Ambroe had noe wten anything aboye when fe would come Fac ‘Our nearest friends were Nick Kendall and his. daughter, Louiset Nick Kendall was nearly sinty years old: He was my sodfather!®. His wife was dead) Louse was a little younger than me and people said she war pretty We had known tach other all our lives and she war like sinter tome ‘The Kendalls were the fine people I told about Ambros’ ‘Nick Kendall was lawyer. When he heard the news, he looked at ne carefully You will have to start looking for a house, Philip” he sid. ‘Ar firs 1 did nor understand "What do you mean” L asked in suprise. ‘Well, Ambrose: and his wife will want to_be rogethen’ Nick Kendall told me. ‘They may have ehiken, 1 am sure Ambrose will buy you a house of your own: And. you may feet married yourselt There are many pretey girls in the sSstict He went on talking, but 1 did not hear what he sat 1 had never thought I-would have a leave my home. 1 hated my cousin Rachel What was she lke, this woman who was completely changing iy Ife? Was she pretty or plain, old oF Th the mille of May, I received another ler fom Aenbrose. He said eae he an my coun Rachel were staying i Teal for the summer Twas 50 happy. Thank God, tis woman” was 0 News From lay rot going £0 come 1 the howe yet! 1 began to enjoy lie “The summer pased and winter came. Ambrose did not return. He continued to write go me but his lercers changed. 1 gan to fel chat he wae not happy. The summer and aucun swore very hot in Healy thae year. Ambrose war having treble Ineadaches, He had never had headaches before But he sid ‘othing about coming home ‘The second winter passed and then the spring. Ambrose had ben matted for more than a Year now. Many weeks pase and T'dd noc receive a lecer I began co worry At lara eter came fn July. But i made me more worried than before. | pot om ny tore se once ad ode over t9 Nick Kendall's house toshow him the letee The writing wa so bd hat we could hardly read it. Ambrose vote to Sy tha he had a terbl nes. He wrote about his fear Utlelan doctors and ofa an called Raina He ako sered to bead of his wife, Rachel "These are the words of a very sick man,’ Nick Kendall sad Slowly," man whose mind is very disturbed, You do not know ths, Philip, be Ambros’ father died ofa tumour ofthe brain Inthe last weeks of hi life, he was sometimes like 4 madman. 1 hope that Ambrose "Then Nick Kendall looked at me and sid, ‘T chink hod beter goto Healy, Philip. You must find out wh happening T knew mediately thot 1 had ro go eo Kel. I didnot look forward to the long joumey ina stange counery. | could not speak French of Traian. But 1 knew Thad = | went home and gor teady co leave. Seecombe, our Read servant, wa going to lok afer the howe while Twas away. id nor ell him about Ambros’ illness Twas in che cariage ready t leave when lat letter arived nNews From lly 1c Ie was very shore and almost emposible to rea. Tor Gpa sake, come packgt Ambrose had aiten. Rachel ry tonment?, hes am. T am ding, Come quickly, ori wil be ° Tegan my journey with a erie fea in ny ere. 1e was dhe och of uly. Lhnew Lull no each Ambrose unt dhe le of Ags 3 The Villa Sangallecti had a terible journey. The roads were noisy and dct. The weather gor hotter everyday. By the tine | reached Florence ie the [5th of August. ‘ound a room ina hotel and washed and changed my clothe ‘when I went out again, the steet were fll f peo about four lock inthe afemoon and sill very hoe | topped ils Sangallet’ Isak to the diver, He nodded and pointed wy the bil The horse pulled the cariage slowly up along, ewisting road Ar lat, the driver eopped in fone ofa gate in high wall. made "There wat abl beside che gate and I pulled i hard united few mosnents, but no one came: Tang the bell agin hoard the ‘urs of dog barking ane ach ering. Te was very hot Then [heard foorteps and the gate slowly opened, A servant woman sxood inthe gateway There was «Tong, wide path behind her. Tt led eo the wl Villa Sangllei? Signor Ashley?" asked The woman tried to shut the ge, but | pushed past her. A man appeared and the woman shouted to hin in leallan-U nese the words “Ashley Inglese ‘The man seared at me. T speak a litle English, ssid "Can T help you? have come her Adhly a he villa? The man lodked worried Are you Signor Ashley’ son, signore!” he asked ‘Noy Tati Tam his cousin, Tell me quickly. Ise at home o sce Me Ashley Isid. ‘Are Mr and Mts BThe Vila Sanat “Hooked a the small hard bed where Ambrose had ded "Te ded sun the man tl me. He was very weak from te fever: But sometines he shout, like a madman, Then one ‘moming, the contest called for me “He was ving very stl Te war the sleep of death, He had a ‘peaceful face. The pan and the madness had ll gone. “Madness! What do you mean? Isaid “The madness of the fever” the man replied, ‘He suffered sel pain, Sometines, Thad to hold him down in his be Then fame the fever and che madness. [ell you, sino, t ws tertble Turned away, ‘Why was nothing done? Tsai. Why di Mes Ashley leche die! Whe was th lle? How long di lee? "Ac the end twas very sudden ike [old you sal che an, “Bathe had been very lal winter Ad he wa a. All winer he vasa” We walked through another room and out onto # long terrace In front of ts wete the rot bestia purdens {had think? che man si slo, thatthe contesa wll noc come tack agin Too and for het. Signor Rainald old wth peop the ville wll fe soe "Who i Signor Rinaldi" asked quickly He wtanges thing fr the comes the man oli “Money, business, everything [give You his adres. He speaks English very wall a = He closed the shure. We walked downstis agin and stood by che big door "What happened 0 his clothes? 1 asked. “Where are his books his papers "The contessa tok everthing with he ‘And you den’ know where she went” | adked ‘The man shook Ks head 16 1 Meet Reina ‘She fas lef Florence. That ial now Signor Ashley was ured herein Florence, ignore, then the conten let? ‘The woman suddenly spoke fo her husband and opened chest! near the wall. She come back cxnying » big stow hat ‘Amro’ hae. The ba tht he ad sommes worn at home, in hesun. The woman give ieto mie and [stood therewith iin ay bana "Take it with you, signore, the man sa softly ‘eis yours 4 I Meet Rainaldi J my journey back to Florence, thought af only one thing id to speak to Signor Raina, He mst know more about Arnbeooes dest, The servant at the villa had given me Signor Raina ares. [ound the house ae last na quiet, dank erect: Signor Rasnalik as a home nd a servant took me to is ro Rainalat looked surpesed wien he saw me- le wa a chin san, about forey yeas old witha proud, haed face. ‘My name i Ashley ~ Philip Arley" [sad "Yes Signor Raina anewered. “Wil you sit down? You are Ambrose Ashley’ cousin —and his hee You lack very ike him dbdgot expect eo see you here: When did you seve in Florence? This afternoon,” I replied. | have been #0 the Villa Sangallet ‘Signor Rainald smile. "Then you have nor seen your cous Rachel" he suid. ‘She left Florence very suddenly. Your cousins death war a great shock to bes “Teas a shock to me, to, Signor Raina,’ [said “Why "Meet Raina wasn’ told about Ambros’ illness” Mis Aahley always hoped he would get well’ Rainaldi mmewored ‘She didnot wantto worry you Bur 1 had these leery? (said. “That is why 1 came to Florence.’ And I handed Raina the last two letters from Ambrose. When he had fead them Signor Ralnald said slowly ‘Yen the doctors warned! Ms Ashley ofthis ‘Whae do you mean?” “They told her that your cousin had a tumour on his beat, “That why he wrote these letters, Fist the tumour destroyed? Fis brain an then killed im, TShook my head. [could not Believe i Rainaldi held out a paper. “This iss copy of the death cerufcate™” he sid “I sent another copy oft you in Comal Sand one to Mr Kendall. As your gunn, he hc to be told about ‘Arnbowes death "Mir Kendall is my guardian? I asked in surprise, “Ambrose never told me that e's in your cousin's wil,’ Raina replied. “Me Kendall will explain when you etura home “Bu what about these lettre I cried. “Ambrose wrote them n me. He was noc sick, but i great danger ‘An Arpanent and an Anica ‘Your Cousin Ambrose was sick én his mind Rainaldk answered, “His sickness gave him strange ta Because Mrs Ashley was with him all dhe time, ne suspected hee, A sick man ‘fren chinks chav hie dearer endo are his enemies. ii had been hee, Ambrowe would be alive now’ Laid Rainal shook his head. No," he sid. That is not rue. No ‘one could do anything for him” Treumed and moved towards the door ‘When Mrs Ashley returns, tll het {know about the letters’ Iai Nour cousin Rachel left Florence very sxklenly’ Ra said, "'do nor think she will come back, I walled ou of the cold houwe and into the dark streets. Ik rot heleve Rainald story. Ambrose had Wed ingest pan and Uinhappiness. And my courin Rachel had been the catse of fit pin Tn sure of cha. T promised myself that one day I would bring pain and uughappiness to my cousin Rachel. [ would punish ths woman ‘eso had killed my dear Ambrose, fa away from his Home ad Ihe frend i An Argument and an Arvival [isthe int ne weak of Spee had on es and the servants were already dresed in black". My journey italy scemed like» deem Twa glad to be home war reponsible now for the howe and state Thad to lock after them ax Ambrose had done, I wanted to Boing work well ‘My goiter, Nick Kendal, vised as soon as Igo back,An Arpanent and an Arve He brought his daughter, Louise, with him. Nick Kendall had come to explain Ambrose’ wil me “The howe and the eveate wil be yours when you ae ‘seen. fve, Philip’ he told me. “Bat forthe next seven months, Tham your guardian. Ifyou wane money, You must come to Me (OF course, hope, one day you will marry. This place needs 8 ‘woman, Philip Pant no woman,’ Tsai, “Ambrose maid, and killed hin “oy cousin Rachel left Florence the day after che funeral’ 1 went "Signor Rainald told me She took all Ambrose things swith her like thie "You aust not call your cousins wife a chef Nick Kendall said, "It Ambrowe ad changed his will when be maried, every thing would now elong to er. am surprised that your cousin Rachel has noe made laen™ "A claim” Teed. "But she was the cause of Ambrose's death "Nonsense, Philip’ ssid Nick Kendall. “Ambrose died of a brain tumour. Thats why he wrote thowe tebe letter” don believe i sid. You don’r want to believe i” my godtaher replied angry “Keep these Kdeas to youself, Philip. If you don, there will be trouble Taaid nothing 1 Gi oe see the Kendal [Nick Kendall asked me to go and see bi seu, a lectern his hand "Wil he sa slow T ave news for you, Philip. This 2 leer fon your coun Rachel, She hat come to England with ‘Ambecse' things. She ask or nothing: She only wants to se the house that Ambrose lve in. Shei ta strange county without lend You ou to sce hex, Fp omit, again for neaely eo weeks. Thea, found him in his 20 ‘An Arpment and on Areal “OF course I sce my cousin Rachel” I said in a hard, cold voice, "T want se her very enc Tel er that when you write to her. Te het cha Filip Ashley invites his cousin Rachel o his home ‘Nick Kendall understood my feelings You have become very hard Philip, he sais "hope you wll not say anything sup fwhen Mes Ashley there: She was your cours wife. You must Temember that TTwvent cur into the guden and se Louise walking there. When {told her about my cousin Rachels visit, she was vey pried 'No woman has seayed in that house for twenty years Louise sid. "Think bow dusty ard untidy 1! “ie was good enough for Ambrose’ I sid. ‘She won't chink hou the house when I Begin to question het! Shel cry ~ and Tbe pleased But when I gor home, I changed my mind? I wanted o show ‘ay comin Rachel that {was gendeman. I wanted her to kn hac I was a oan who looked after his property 1 spoke t> the Ihead servant, Seecorbe, He agreed that the whole house must Be cleanad before Mts Ashley aed “Ve must make Mrs Ashley welcome,’ Seecobe sid. Shall {prepare Me Ambrosc's rom for er? “Certainly not! Tsid. Tam moving into Mr Ashley's oom, Gee the be room ready for Mrs Ashley. ‘On the day my cousin Rachel ative, the house looked completely diferent. Everything was clean and ey, Seecombe Tod pot out all the silver and cleaned te. Tamlyn, the head suedencr, had filled every room with flowers. Tooked around the hoate nd then walked up slowly to the blue fom The dog fallowed me. The room for my’ cousin Rachel were clean. The windows were wide open “There was a porte of Ambrose on one wall: Ie hal been rointed when he wor a young man. He had looked very mach ike the Tsmiled athe porrai and fel ee happeeAn Argument and an Ari My cousin Rachel wos going to artive some time in the afternoon. T decided that I cid not want to be in the house When she attived. Alchough the day was cold and wing, I went fut alone after lunch. walked uni wasted {did ot rear tnt after six o'cleck “There was a fire in the library, but the room was empty. 1 polled the bell and rang for Seecombe ‘Madam has come Seccombe si. "She i tied and ishaving some food in her room. She will be pleased to see you atet ie "Where iser luggage” 1 asked Seecombe. ‘Madiam has very lice. luggage of her own,’ answered Seecombe "Ie has Been taken upstate to her room, All of Me Ambrose’ boxes have arived with her We have pt them i {our room, ae she arked So had my dinner alone and drank a glass of brandy. Then I went upetairs and knocked atthe chor of my cousin Rachels “Aquiet voice answered my knock 6 Tea With My Cousin went into the tom. Everything was neat and dy. The candles Ina been it, but the curtains were sll pens The dogs were ta ‘ont ofthe fit. A woman was iting with her back tothe doe. ‘Good evening T sad She eumed at once, gor up and walked towards me. Now at las, Tw face t face with my cousin Rachel. She wat a small ‘woman desed completely in black. Her dark ale was ery neat Ashe looked at me, ber large dark eyes opened wide in suprise. Tope you are rested sid ava “Thank you, Philip, yes’ She st down by the fire and the old dog, Don, In his head on her knee “Dom is your dog, ant he? she sid. ‘sc rue that he i almost ffcen?™ "es I sid. ‘Ambrose gave im co me on my tench bitay "Tienow she arawered soil. Then my coun Rachel srood sup and moved towards the window. “want to thane yeu Philp for letting me come, she sid ‘ie cane have been eaty fx jou” Tehad sated wo rin, She cloted the curtains and we both sa “ele so strange, driving upto the house’ ay cousin Rachel said. “Ambrose told me so much about IT was Longing to be he here ‘She hesitated on che last word. I knew she had nearly said “home hope you will be comfortable here Usd. The women servants in the house to lok ater you That doesn't matter I don't need anyone to lok after me, I have only two dremen and some strong shoes for walking? BA Serange Conversation much of Ambrone stood cutie the door fora moment, boing the stick in ny hands lad this woman really killed Ambrose! Thal sen dhe look of deep unhappiness on her face. Alken my ideas about ber were changing a7 A Strange Conversation te lowing dy ws Sty pi she men hr wages a “Diteier belilinn doe te tes ocd ee wat nt dere fae shar he wt nes somes si the mes Hound thom puting new plans he god Tebeen hres aon yc Rachel id th ase "Tise ae seo he plans Ame a T iy hat pt them i hed uk Tam fs bes fee "And Te lent at of hing: thi maining. Me Pip. Tamlyn nts -NirAshicy Snow a mows shot hse Pas nf “ae Ich ook ny coun Rachel oul the eae Ske saten gu liad tench She ore ba oes fd hie tow ru er en Shel ey pa od ‘hyaline an Else cal “omy aos ny conn Race ey the name of ery amon scat as rae yb se Sean ‘kage pels ny cut Rchel il ‘When Tr od Wy sash he sa as 26 A Seange Conversation ‘ot happy. So I spent may time planning the gardens ofthe Vil Sengallec. [would ike you to we cher, Philip Tooked up in surprise. Didnt my =ousin Rachel know cha 1 hha been to Florence and seen the vila I thought ny godther bad told her his ltr. began to speak, but the hore mowed on and itwas too late as very quiet on the way home. After dinner, we sit down together by the lbrary fre. My cousin Rachel was sewing! Tnoked my pipe and watched her hands moving quickly. They were small, whice hands and she wore eo rings on her finger "Something is che mater, Philip” she said at lst. ‘What is “Did my godfather tll you I had been aay! No, ‘ dide’e hear of Ambroies death from Signor Rainals exe I sid slowly. found out about i in Florenee, fom your ‘My cousin Rachel gave mea long, strange lok: "You went t9 Florence” she sid "When! or how long?” "Toran Florence for only one night the nigh ofthe 15th of August Tai “The sewing el from my cousin Rachel’ hands “Bur lef Florence cay the day before. Why cide you tll me this at ight “Tehoughe you knew I answered awkwanly. “L want you to ell me why you went to Traly, Philip” my cousin Rachel sid T pue ny han in my pocket and felt the letters ther. Thad oe heard fom Ambrose fora long ime, Luni. “As the sweeka went by grew weed. Then tn Jul letter came, 0 very ‘ange leter I showed ito Nick Kendall Hl agreed tha should fot Florence at ence. As Twas leaving, there wa anoehe eter Thave them both in my packet Do you want to se them?” "Not ye. Tell me what you dd tn Fotence aA Strange Convsration ‘went tothe Vill Sangaller. When I atked for Ambrose, the servants told me he was dead. You had gone away. They showed me the room where Ambrose had died and gave se his that Te was dhe only thing yu had lee behind” ‘My cousin Rachel at very sl “Goon ahe sid auc. “Tent back to Florence o Signor Rinaldi He wold me about Ambrote' ilies. He dd ot know where you were, Tlf for England ce following dy se Ents Was slence an then my comin Rachel aid ‘May see ‘She tead them over and over again. At lst she handed them back “Then my cousin Rachel looked deep into my eyes. How you muss have hated me, Philip’ she sad. ‘Ac that moment, I fle that my cousin Rachel knew every shin: She kre everyting ha ben chinking sw be ‘Yes, Phave hated you. I sad slowly. “Then why did you aak me here” “To accuse you of breaking his heart, pechaps — @ kind of murder. wanted to make you suffer, co watch you suffer "You have your wish she sid. Her face was very white and her dark eyes were flo teas {stad up andl looked away 1 had never sen woman cry before “Cousin Rachel, go pst ald. Bue she did not move. 1 took he letters fom her hand and thew them in the fie ean forget T sac ‘if you will too. Look, dhe letters have bbumt sway. “We'can both remember what Ambrose wrote’ my cousin Rachel replied ‘But ifs better i 1 say nothing more. I cannot cxplain. Ler me stay until Monday. Then Iwill go way. Then you can either forget me, ot go an hating me. At least we were 28 A Strange Conversation happy today, Philip.” "Bur {do not hate you now, fsld “hated someone {had never met. Ever belore thine fetes came, {ated Ambros’ Sif because I was esos Ambrose i the ony person [have ever Toved You took him away form me aT ws estou of you. Love ‘an do strange things people” “Tknow that my comin Rachel answered. ‘Love did strange stings to Ambre to He was frythree when we met and be fellin love, He was like someone who had been asleep all his fe Tis love wat eo song, Irae to strong for me aa too tong fF Jum, changed him, Philip “hat do you mean asked ‘Something in me sade Ambrose change she replied ‘Somesimes T made his happy, sometimes {made him sad “Then he became. You were right toate me, Philip If Ambrose tat met me he would be lve toa. ‘She looked ae me and sme! say. ‘Pethape Iwas Jealous of rou too, Philip. she sid. He was always talking about you. Sometime giew very tted of hearing “She stopped talking and picked up her sewing.‘ you wish, we can tal again tomorrow my cousin Rachel sid. "Then, of Mornay, {shall leave: Nick Kendall har inted me to stayin his house But I don't want you to go’ sid. There ae 9 many things todo together ’As Looked down at ber, her eyes seed tose through me and understand ally thoughts, “Tight me a candle she sald. T must go wo bed. ‘Then she stood above ie on the sits, looking down "You don’s hate me any more? she asked “NO. And are you stl Jealous of me, oF i that forgrten »Two Lewes My cousin Rachel laughed. I was never jealous of you, she | aid, was jealous ofa spo boy whom Thad never tet Suede she bent down, and Rissed me ‘Your fr kiss, Philip the sab hope you like i I watched heros she walked up dhe sais avy from me Two Letters Os iin, Antes and La aay gone co church This Sunda, my cousin Rachel agreed to go with me (Gur neighbours tere uble to see her forthe is me and the ‘church was fll [heard people saying that my cousin Rachel wes beau This surprised me very much ‘As usual. the Kendall and the vicar and his family came to linnee. I had never enjoyed these vst Bat, to ty sump Tuo Leters the aftemoon was a great success The time passed quickly How T wished Ambrose had been with us! Everyone enjoyed fhemselves excep think, Love. She sad very litle and did ‘When our gues let at sx o'clock, my cousin Rachel and 1 went ack int the library "Well, Philip ny cousin Rachel aed me, “have you enjoyed yourself? Yes, but I don'c know why” I answered, ‘Everyone semed more inieesting than wual "When you marry Louis, it wil always be like that ny cousin Rachel sid witha nile. "A man neads a wife when he Tecaed at her Marry Louse? [repeated in surpise. “Lam not going to smarey Lote, or anyone “Aren't you?” my cousin Rachel replied. ‘Your godfather thinks you are And Louise does t00. She will make you a good wife. When Tam gone, you will need a woman here But you are noe going, cousin Rachel T told her. What is wrong with this howe and with el ‘Nothing “Tomorrow you must begin visiting’ I went on. “Then our neighbours wil vise youn You wil have many things to do here ‘lw’ think I weal ike that ea, aid my cousin Rachel, standing up Te would be better i [gave your neighbours lai ora ama poor widow and shall need money S000 laughed. “Then you must marry o sell your sings [knew ar once that {had been very de. Te was tue that my cousin Rachel fad nothing: She could not live without money Tealed the dog and went oue ino the arden Ife vet stupid and I sayed away fom the howe until ie was dark. As | vas tmlking | ad an idee Some meney must be given t9 my cousin Riche Bat {would noc eller ta wae my Wes.When [tured back othe howe, Law thatthe windows of Rachels bedroom were open ‘Why are you walking in che datk, Philip” asoft voice asked "Are you worsted about anything?” “Why, yes’ answered faid you must find me very tude and stupid. ‘Nonsense, Philip. Go to bed sacsgmathlng el my Fete wae «lowe The window was Tat week, more plants and small res artved from Italy; On Thursday morning, [rode over to Pelyn, my godeaters house My cousin Rachel as inthe garden with Tamlyn, She toll me ‘har she and the gardeners would be bry unt the afternoon olock ‘My cousin Rachel must have some money: Fs ‘She i talking abou giving Haan lessons. That tmpeatie Nick Kendall looked pleased am glad you wane co help Mes Ashley’ hes “The bank 7 can pay some money to her every quarter, How much do you "When 1 told him, my godfather looked suprised. "That say he too much, Philp, he sad slow Ambrose woul have wanted me to be generous) 1 said ‘Waite me a leer for het, snd write a leter tthe "You ae a impulsive as Ambrose, Nick Kend he wrore the letters, Twill eake the leer to dhe bank, Fs, ‘But I dont wane usin Rachel t9 know that [ have arranged this: Wil you send Servant tomy house withthe letter fo he Nick Kendall agreed As Twat leaving, [ssw Louise.‘ can’t stop’ Ts at once. T ‘Louise looked at me coldly ‘And how ir Mrs Ashley? she aked. ‘Welland happy’ answered “She is very bty inthe garden, today. “Tam suprised that you are not helping he Louie sald ‘'m sure Mrs Ashley ean snake you do exactly what she wants Louise made me feel very angry and I lef he howe without enother word 1 sade to the bank and gave them the letter didn't get home wnt nearly four clock: Tid nor se oy coun Rachel ang the bell for Seecombe: Fie told me et hes Arley had worked inthe gardens until thre aclock- Then she had asked! for water fea hath, T decide co tke a bath too and | asked Later, went t0 my cousin Rachel sitng-room, 1 wa fecling very hope : ‘She wae string on stool by the fire. She ad washed Her aie and she war drying te on cat dineTio Letters ‘Come and sit down,’ she sid. “Why are you staring at me? Have you never seen a woman brushing her hair Before? Wait her, while Igo and change my dress for dinner ‘My cousin Rachel was inher bedroom when Seecombe came {nu with the let from my godtather. | soo up, feeling aka “There was nosound from the bedroom at my cousin Rochel read the leter. Then suddenly, she came out of the room. She looked "You made Me Kendall write this letter” she said, ‘Did you Hse Tas asking you for money? Tam angry and ashame! "Ashamed?" [epested.T would be ashamed if Mrs Ambrose Adhley had to give Ilan lerone, What would people think of Ambrose! The money i yours take i Twas angry now We stood staring at each other. Then my cousin Rachels eyes filled with eats She tured, went quickly fer her bedroom and shut the door loudly “That nhs, [had dinner alone. Is that how women behaved? Did they always ery when they were angry? Thank God I had ao wife Poor Ambrose! No wonder he had been unhappy knew I would ‘newer marry now. ‘After dinner, I read, and the fell ale in sn chai. When | woe up fe was ime fo go Upstasfo my 00M. ‘On the table by my bed war. note from my cousin Rachel Dew Phil, Pease forgive me for my runes. I have written to Mr Kendall ‘thanking him for is eer T thank you to. Rachel The door to her scing-toom was open. I walked straight through and Knocked om the bedcoom door, The rood wat i Abrknes, but Teould see my cousin Rachel in bed M Tuo Lene “Tape to thank you for your note and say goodnight si 1 sory I made yu angry. did noe want you to er “ried because of what you vaid about Ambeose,’ she ssid. ‘Twill ake the money, Philip, bue after this week, I must go. “But [ choughe you liked s here’ I said You seemed so happy, working in the garden = You have a home here, It Ambrose had made another will, this would have been Your 1 she ered Why do you think I eame?” Tooke down at her She looked very young, very alone ‘Ton’ know why you came, Isa “Bue [know Ambrose would have wished fot to stay. perhaps to plan the gardens ‘Nery well stay —for atime she sid. “Then you aren't angry wth me any more” ‘Twas never angzy with you, Philip, but you are sometimes very stupid: Come closet” "As I bent down, she took my face between her hands and ised me. “Now go co bed, hike a good boy, and sleep well) she sid, T moved to the door ike a man én a dream, When I vas back im my fom, [wrote a shore note to Nick Kendal. 1 fold him that my coun Rachel would take the money. Then [walked down zo che hall to put my letter in the post bag In the inoming, Seecombe would arrange for the eters to Be Aslvered “There were two letter in the bag. Boh had been viten by my comin Rachel, One was addressed 10 my godfather, Nick Kendal The cuher was addressed 9 Signor Raina, in Feeence "eared te, Geove puting (back in dhe Ba "Why hod my cousin Rachel written to Signoe Rinaldi? What dh she have to tll hi?9 We Open Ambrose’s Boxes Night Sktate but the weather was ine and ny coin Rachel was able ta work in the garden. We also ha time fo sit che tenants on the estate They all aved ny cousin Rachel ‘When they were lsh gave them medicines made fom haste ‘Sometimes in the tkemoons aur neightouts came tothe house. Sometimes my cousin Rachel went to vat them: enjoyed lsrening to her at dinner My cousin Rachel eld me about the people she had sen dating the day. She always made me laugh, ‘Bara che end ofthe month, the weather changed. Ra fll very day. There war no gurdening and no visting ne’ morning, my cousin Rachel and I were sanding st the library window” Outside the rain was falling hese ‘Then Seecombe reminded ue shout “Ambrose's boxes They were sll in my room and Bad never been empuied. We pen the boxes The fst bon we opened wes full'of ‘Ambrose’ clothes Suddenly ty cousin Rachel was eying, Then she was in my arm, ‘er head against ny chest ‘Oh Philip Im so soe she sak. ‘But we both loved him so ouch ‘moved my lips against er baie ‘Don't worey, Rachel Fai “Tl do this: le was che ist ite [hd ealled het by her name She stopped crving and we continued o unpack the boxes. We decid to ave Ambrose cloches tothe tenants onthe eaate. Thien we Boost took a the book ‘As | opened a book on gardening, apiece of paper flout. fe looked like pare of letter, written by Atnbrose She camnce sop spending money, I ead. Ie ike an nes. If We Open Ambrose’ Hoses _ this goes on, my dear Philp, she ull speed everything. You mus tll alin ce XetGfhae have you there?” my cousin Rachel sil suddenly “That Ambrose writing < = aD Sw) J : to eo i es nothings Tri-and thre the plece of paper onthe fie ‘That me memiog, se Rachel from Londen. New dees, peshapa. I remembered the cd im Abroae’s letter: Tet lke an Hess. She wil spend After dinner, when we went to che library I the m beaut blue an poll cloth lay over the chat Do you like it, Philip? my cousin Rachel asked, Is Kealian {ewill make beautiful curtains for your root, 0We Open Ambros Boxes le’ very enpenav Tasted ‘Wel yes bea be porary ike i take its resent fom ne Though unhappy abou the eter, but I oul ay noshing ‘Asiwe sar by the re, my coun Rachel hogan tall aout her Ife in Tay. She spoke of the tine before she ed met ‘Ambrose. wa ening with the rents ners, when she suckle sa, "Whe was on that paper pou thew in the fie Pater “Te was fom a let’ sal, “Ambrose wat worse about money I cant ene exacly The word look went fom Rachels eye “Was that all? she sid ‘Poor Ambroe, He didnot under sean ie i hay. He though spent foo sch money He was very generous unl he Became Hl Then he changed so much How da he change? Take “When {wanted money forthe house, he Became very any 1a the end Ih oak Raia for money to pay the servant hea Amie oud ot he ef have Reina the “e wa ateble tne. 1 id not want 10 ll you out i, Palip- Arbon na He muted noone: You would has koe him “That all ver now: Usa. Don't make youself unhapry You cannot ring Ambro back: Ts your ome now My cousin Rachel looked into my eyes ou ate ike hi, she st Sometines 1am alti. You must wo change to" Took her hans in mine ‘Twill never change I said. ‘And we must remember Ambrose os he wad to Re “This hou belongs to all thre 6 "You are very goad to me, Philp’ my cousin Rachel said as she moved 1 the door it hope that one: day. You wil tear happy as wat with Ambrose "ac the beginning” 38 A Chrismas Present ‘She went wo bed and sar alone by the library fire. My ceil sealousy had reured. But now I as jealous of Ambros. | feat jealous because of the Tove that my cousin Rachel had sven him 10. A Christmas Present the past, Lhad always dked the winter, But with ay cousin Rachel in the house, things were very diferent. When | was ‘with my cousin Rachel, Iwas happy. When she was away fom the hou, [was bored. Life war dull and uninteresting ntl she ‘returned ike everyone ee, I now thought that my cousin Rachel was eau Whenever she came nto a toom, she made sa happier ‘more interesting place Tn the evenings, we sa together in her small siting room. We drank nana asthe aed Ambrove had done in Floren. The ‘evenings were the best times, Bur when went ty room, could hot sleep: Any day, peshaps, ny cousin Rachel would decide to go to London. Ifthe lf me, would fel tery alone ‘When Ambrose had been at home, he had always given inner to the tenants on Chirstmas Eve, This year, decHed {do the same ‘My cousin Rachel was very pleased: Atonce, she began 10 rake preparstions. Packages arrived from London ~ presents pethape she bean to plan the Christmas mea he thing wre oe Wi col ge oy coin Rachel for present! thought about i fora long tine and at last an iden [remembered the ewels that belonged to my faily. They tree kepe in the bank for safes In three month me, oy »A Chriss Present bitsy, they would be mine, But Ldid not want co wait tha ong Atel remembered thot Nick Kendall nd gone eo» London went rote bank that dy and asked the manager ro chow me lhe Aaey feel ‘They were very beau — Bue, cen and re But my cousin Rachel svays wore black She cou nov wear coloured Jewels "Then [saw the collie of peor, How beauifl dhe white peas would tooo my cousin Rachels neck "four smother wat the lat woman to weet this coll’ the the Ashley family wear 35 manager sad. "Alle bride! T putout my hand and cook the cll‘ will ake this with mes fai “The manager looked w the Into Apa be sai" Til speak to Mr Kendall Isai, Lp the colar in its ben and stood up I new the pels were the right present for my cous 4. “The peal te not yours unt think Me Kendall wen ike ou be had brought tual: Dinnet wae ld have a present ‘This year, my coutin Rachel an going fo pie out the presen Before {dresed for diner, Lae the collar of pears to her sx With yw a notes My moter wes the ase wren 9 wee ‘Now it Belongs fo you I wane yuo wea tonight ane ays ‘When | was ready went downstairs and waited f Rachel She came in slowly Her des wat black, but had not seen Before The callarof pare was round her neck ‘She put her sr py oreo beau sted me not aga cousin, but as lover. This & what Ambrose lie for {choughe. And for this { would happily di to, het hand and we walked inco dinner Ac fst I ehoughe this was going to be the happiest evening of ‘ny life semember the food the noise and the exeteement: My in Rachel had boughe everyone a small prevent, carefully ‘chosen, Mine wan a gold chain for wry keys with our intial PATA. hanging fom it plates and glass were fille, emptied and filled asin ‘When dinner was over, I spoke to my sodther, Nick Kendal forthe fs time that even: "Good evening, si and happy Chiistmas 1 sid, NickA.Clhismas Present Kendall looked angry and he sad nothing. He was staring at the collar of pearls around my cousin's neck “Then at lane, she tenants had al left Louise sod my cousin Rachel went upsiain. "And I found rayself alone wich my sodfather “Thave some bad news fom the bank’ he ssid, “The manger tells me that Mrs Ashley ir slready several hundred pounds ‘overdrawn’, I don’t understand i: She mus be sending money back to lay? ‘She is very generous” | sald. “And these were debts in Florence, I shink. You must give Mrs Ashley more money ‘Nick Kendall looked unhappy. “There is vomething else, Philp’ he said. "You should not have taken that collar of eats Telsnot yours’ ie wil be mine in ehtee months’ time,” I sid quickly. My cousin Rachel wil take good cae of ‘Tam not so sure” Nick Kendal sid. ‘I have been hearing stories about Mrs Ashley and het fist husband. They were both wellknown forthe bad lives. They spent maney caelesy ‘Thar can't be tue!” Hered. “Troe of not my godfather replied. Ten afaid chat collar ‘us go back tothe bane” "Bac gave ito my cousin Rachel ata present. She has right ro wear che cll "Only if Ambrose had lived’ Nick Kendall sid. ‘That collar ‘of pearls is wom by the Ashley brides, no one else, If you do ot fk Mis Ashley o pve feback, Pall ‘Then suddenly, my cousin Rachel and Louise were in the "You are quite right, Me Kendall” my cousin Rachel sid‘ was very proud to wear the collar and now Lshall give i back. [And she took off the collar and gave it to my godfather, “Thank you, Mis Ashley” he said. “And now Louise and { must go. We wish you both «happy Charatan” 2 Raina Again When they had gone, my cousin Rachel held out heres went up to het "Vi 0 sre oid “Everyhis swore those pals on her wedding hve them. Don’ you understand” “Ofcourse do, Philip deat she sid ‘If Ambrose ana I ad been marti here, he would have given them tome on my wwedding-day” {sid nothing. My cousin Rachel had aoe undentood {was thinking of another weddlingay, 9 wedding-y in the fare ms gone wrong. My mother cha is why T wanted yout a Rainaldi Again Tic Ney Yer bg an my bichy~on tt Aptos three ‘months away, How 1 wanted to huve contol of my ohn ‘money! was tied of Nick Kendall being my eudian, However, could spend money on the howe | decided to make t Beaute Rachel. There were many repr to be done, From Jantary, Thad nearly evenry men working for ne. The bill foetha werk were sent tomy god Rachel and I had many plans forthe gardens too. Work had stafed on a sunken water garden’. We had found the design for the water garden in one of Rachel: books [Because there were 30 many workmen inthe house, we could not have visitors My cousin Rachel aI stayed quietly a heme nd Twas very happy. I loved to watch Rachel move about the howe. Tloved ro hear her voice. When her hande touched shy hear bea fter, The fipe days of spring came and the sun shone, Then 8Raina Again something happened which tok all my happiness away aga. Thad prone of Ambros old coats to wear moll One dy a Las walking in the woods, [fle something in poke ews snother ker rom Arose Twas pleased that [Was alone. walked on until Leached the highest place on che estate. Ambre had alae ove wo it there {Dar down ara held the leer n my bands didnot wat open 1c 1 wa afaid char Ambvose hal writen something bal bout Rachel. We were so happy tether now that I want t frgee the past, Buc at ast opened the letter. Te fu been wt thice ‘month before his death, but he ad ever posted ‘My cousin Rachel” Ambrowe wrote, ad been expecting = cul, but i had died. The doctors told her that she could never have another chil: Ar fist Rachel was quiet aed unhappy. Then she began to spend money curlenly. Ambrowe supected Wt Rainaldi was in love with her. For these reason Atrose Had ‘ot algmedhis new will in which he left even to Rac Ambrote also wrote abou hs retible headaches He tld me about the fever which a fist made him violene? Thee it made bh very weak. Ambrose was very unhappy and he had wetter You are the only person whe ean help my Philip. Ave Rachel nd Rinaldi ying to poson me fr my mney Lm kw Rains gain Und he eve letter under a lange tone and walked slowly back to the Rouse. [could not forget Ambrose’ won But decided chat Rachel muse never know about the letter In three weeks" cme the «state and all the money would be sine: Bur his was not ight Ambrone had made » new wll, be head aoe signed it because of hs nes THis money belonged Rachel. She must have fe That night asked Rachel about Ambros’ will She showed 1 copy of, which Iread carefully. Everything hd been lef Rachel "Thea ifshe had ded without chive, eveything ws "Why did Ambrose not sign ehis will” I asked. “Tell me be ‘don't know she answered quietly. ‘Pethaps when he knew wwe could not have children, his feelings changed. Peshaps ft sss only a mistake. Buc when the headaches saree, Ambeose suspected me of ternble things. I aa’ speak about thr time, Please feave me alone, Philp: cant answer any more question ‘have reasons for my questions Tsids You will undersea tn theee wool time By the following morning Id made up my mind. I ede nea the town and, with the help of owyer, waste out a document ‘hrce wees’ time all my property would be given to Mes Tochel Ashley. The jewels would belong to her too: Bat she won nox he able (sll dhe hose or the lan have one question, the lswyer sid. Mrs Ashley is quite a young woman. Whae will happen so the propesty if she perce Trehoughe fora moment. The howe andthe esate mus a belong to the Ailey, I she mares, Property becomes mine again. Tha mse be moe clea Told the lawyer thatthe docianent mur be Kept secret He nd to send me a copy the lst day of Mae Tele very happy a rode home, My dene Rachel would never 6Raina Agi ow: We would live in perfect happines forever wT reached the house, heard voice in the library. The door opened and Rachel came oot laughing happy ‘Come and see my visitor Philip’ she cried “He has come a long way tose us both “The can stond up and held ut his hand Ic wos Renal. We stood there, looking at each othe. Then Rainald began talking about his journey: Rachel suggested tht he should stay un the house for 2 few days could say nothing. DDutiag dinner, Rachel and Rein talked shout people ad places T knew nothing about, Often, they spoke in ella aba ould not understand a word fs TIS Se! eS ‘At le, Rachel stood up andl mc "You mast cue eo, Pap Rainaldi and T have some business to discuss. He has broushe papers T mac sin ‘They went upstairs and I walked alone inthe gardens. | fl cold and unhappy. I stayed outrde until the light went out it Raina oom Thad jst reached mown room when there was a quiet knock on my coor ‘Teame 1 wish You goodnight, my cousin Rachel sid. Why didn you come and dein esana with uy Philip? You mst make Rainalit welcome: He iva very od fend of mines All Fol Day Rinaldi stayed with ut for seven days, As he laughed and atked with Rachel, I began to hate hime When st was tine for [Reinaldo eave he rook my couin Rachels hand and Kiwed i "Write an el ne your plans he said shal be in London “iim making no plans nil afer che fixe ceplid mith laugh Reina sled 't hope, Philip enjoys his Beta,” he oa 1s¢ April it All Fool Bay n't Bu pethps Philip doesn ‘When Rainaldi had gone, Rachel smiled at me. ‘You have been very good, Philip’ he wid. "Are you glad we are alone 12 All Fools’ Day any binhday came newer, beene mr nd mote ec Fchel laghed at me "You se lke acid she aud. What plans ae you making fo he day ‘hr on made ho plas All wanted was that Rachel should now about the dscumene And onc move ting Rachel dal Fave all the fori jewel I wene to dhe tank ysl brah {ha bak othe Boe and bid them in my em “Gn hele day of Man sae overt Nick Kendal Fig, hans him scopy of Aamo wil My galthertoked a “Toot understand why Ambrose dn sign Ihe sa "Bu swe have done all we can for Ms Aces “don't age Ts want to make everthing right’ And handed him copy ofthe document lawyer had prepuedF Al Foole Day were laughing together I put the peat collar round her neck. Ax Tcoked at het remembered the other Ashley women whe had "You have given me so much,’ Rachel sid a¢ last. have nly a small Present for you. What else can I'give you Tell mes “There is one thing I sid. looked into her dak eyes. They shone very brightly in the candlelight She laughed soly acl blew out the candle. We were alone inthe dathness T did nor leave her room until sunrise. Happiness had come tome at last Rachel accepted me and iny love: She was the fist ‘woman lever loved —and she war the lat remember walking alone in the garden asthe birds began to sing. Rachel and would be always eogether now ~ day after day highe after night, for ll our live, Tent hack to my oom and slepe. After breaks | wene into the garden agin I picked dhe most beautiflflowers I could find Rachel was in bed, cating her breakfast I thew the flowers on the bed in rent of hoe. “Good morning, agai,’ Lid‘ have come ty one thing ove you Rachel looked up at me withour smiling ‘You shoukl not come into my oom 30 early she sad “The servants wil all Tonic, but sad nothing. Ewen downstate. I wanted to rll ‘the servants that Rachel and {were going to be marted. Then ‘Seided chat we would ell them together, lates, Tall in dhe gutdens unt wartime for Rachel to leave her room, The day wis fine and decided we should go out edn. Bar when I got back to the house, Rachel had aed ke {wait fora long tine, bur she did not return. At ls, Iwalked alone the road, hoping to meet het ‘When I saw the cariage, I stopped it I gor in and sat down beside Rachel. She war wearing a veil and I'could not see her fice, 50 Al Foals’ Day ‘where have you been? T asked her. “To see your goathet. ‘You cannot change anything, I told her. ‘1 am eventy five Everything Thave is yours” "Yes, understand that now” Rachel said. ‘But [wanted 10 bes Her voice was quit. did noe think abe was sting "Let me tok a you fc, Ta She Iifed her vei. There wes no love in her eyes now: {Tink Louse was a ele more fend today Rachel sid ‘sin wil make you aod wife, We made plana to met Londen cope Poked at he in surprite.1 was wknd of her wo make jokes shout Louse: And why war Rachel talking abou London? We ‘had made no plans to go there ‘Come into the woods, Rachel you s9 much She didnot answer, but took something out of her bag, Here ts your presen she sid and she gave me soll, gold pin for thy eI ad known about the money, I would have Bought something lager” "As dese for dint, I culd think of only one thing, Money isthe one way to pleaser. the one way topless her ‘When we sav down togeice for my bitsy dint, Rachel was wearing the pen cola We both drank wine and Ttarted Kel happier Time would soon pss. When the moun time was ‘er Rachel would be my wife "While we were sng at che table, che Kendall came into the room, When they had wehed me a appr birthday. stood up ey sla in ry hand “prom shirmoming, Ihave been the happict of men’ Hid 1 wart you to be the fie to know. Rachel as promised to be ey Tile at ther all, But Rachel face was hard and col whispered ‘T want to kis ”All Fol’ Day ‘Have rad, Philp? she said. She Kendafla “You must forgive bit, he has drunk to Prosar he wil st Rachel got up and the others followed her out of the stood without moving until eed thers leave che hi ateach othe without speaking Thad better goto beds Philip as night «Surely you love me hat you loved me, Ie promi ‘No, Philip, had no though of marriage I was thanking You forthe jewels that was all There wt na love [Hooked ae her hard, cold fae, Ibegan to understand what fered. She had everything, What ele could | do Lenly wanted ro frighten her, to show her ny srengeh put hand round her neck and looked into her eyee ‘Will you maery me now? Tehispered Her dark eyes were fll of fear But the did not speak. 1 esened my fngers. There were red mata om her white sin nd went upstairs. [ollowed her, but she was ther door and locked i ood thee, saw el in a mfr om the wall Ther ell, sekward, white faced, But waste mel or Across seanding there? Aa Tay in bed, | heard che clock strike midnight. Al Fools LB Louise . . . and Laburnum Trees hen I went down to breakfast in the morning there was 2 note for me onthe table, Ie was not from Rachel, bat from Lobe fren al pls At fi, [did not want tos night and T was very unhappy. Louise Kew me well Tent her note aaking het to meet mei the church that morning i have been worried above mg ime” Louse told cived you ftom the beginning. mistake? Lid 1 Achley did not? Louise cpl set the money. She stayed until don’ believe you" Terie. “She came seayed Because she ws happy hereLend .. and Labrion Trees 'No, she had a plan,’ Louise replied. ‘She has been sending money back to lal all the winter She waited uncil you were ‘eneyfive. Buc then you made her a present of everyting. ou know you don’ lke Rachel? I sid. That is why you ate saying these things, But Thave asked her to mary mes At dal sp om aking her But she will never many you! Louise sid with a sad smile ‘When you gave Mrs Ashley the document, she went straight to ny father, She asked him if everything now belonged to hee My father told her shae thac was te: But he wamed ber thar ise married again she would loe the money. She told bit she had no plato mary ssn, ‘But ifshe marries me, she will love nothing I sid ‘She would not be able to go back to Tea or send money there Louise said quietly She looked at me and sid‘ will go now, Philip. Ihave upsce you deeply. am very sory AAs I rode home, the rain began ro fll heavily. When 1 got bck, 1 wat cold and wet. There was a note rom Rachel in Thave asked Mary Pascoe to say herewith me, Afe ast nigh 1 cannot be alone with om asin “Mary Pascoe, the vicars daughter? Mary Pascoe was a lng, plain gi. Rachel and I had often laughed about het. Teould moe believe ft But twas rue. This was the punishment for my one moment anger. Whenever I was with Rachely Mary Pascoe was ete ‘oo. Oh, God, whac had done By dinnertime, Ewas feeling very ill I went upstairs co my room. I got isco bed and the sheets fle very cold, hoped dat Rachel would come ro me, but she did not Tn the morning, ltd to dees, but twas too weak: My neck re Wasa tert ain in my head, When | elle or wos iff nd s4 cand Laburnam Trees Seecombe he took ene look at me snd hurried ou ofthe room Then my cousin Rachel was there, het face very white, Twill noe hurt yu, Rachel sand lonss cond Mary Pascoe home ‘Don’t clk now, le ail’ Rachel answered ‘Then the room war dark. The doctor came. I was hot-thee cold called for Rachel and she held my hand.‘ am with jou, She anid I closed my eye, When Lawoke, che room was fllof light and warmth. How long had been asleep? Rachel wa sitting near my bed I put fy hand ‘T have grown a beard!” I said. { began to laugh. At once, Rachel was holding a glass co my lips She made me drink the biter higLovise and Laban Trees ‘Have you sent Mary Pascoe away?" I asked. Rachel looked surrised “She wenc away five weeks ago’ she answered, Yeu have been so il that you nearly died. The doctors could mot help you Yost ‘Hrength and my medicines saved you" Tay there, with ber hand in mine, [ could ot speak. Five weeks had passed and I could remember nothing! Only that Rachel andl had been married on the day before my bitty. We had kepe our mariage a secret But in two month ine Rachel would be out of mourning and we mould be abe w tll ‘Ts very weak fora long time. But the weather war good ad I wassoon able to go into the paren, “The workmen hac been busy for many months. They had dlug out the ground to make the sunken watergondch Te wos ety deep, hut Ie was not yet Finished, Yellow flowers hung the labuttm tres that Rachel had planted, I remembered the labrum tee at the Villa Sangalets and the gen, polonens sede ving under “That evening, as Rachel and I were drinking ou sana sid, 1 heard something strange today. Seecmbe toll me you. were sing back to Florence I thought you had sold che wil "No, Ihave enough money to keep it now shall probably tay therefor the winter Perhaps you could vst me inthe sping” "Visi you? Trepeated. Bue a arbi should be with fs wife stwaye ‘Rachel sae very atl, “Yous wife? Oh, God, Philip she whispered. What do you ‘mean! We ae not marned ‘But we ae T sid remember clearly. Bu as I spoke, the pin returned to my head Tmaideny knew that our mariage wos dieu "Why didn't you lc me die I rid cannot ive heee alone Teannoe 56 looked a her face ‘Give mea fev seeks only afew wecks’ Usd She did noe ep. a4 What is the Truth? Tisai cats ft Rachel did not speak of leaving. ‘became song. But sometimes the teil pain in my head «ame bc anal T could not think cleanly Bu told Rachel meshing shout “Then Rachel began to drive into the town =o o three times aa week: When | asked her about these vst she old me that she hha lor of busines to do. ‘One day when Rachel was busy at home, I ode into the town alone, Te was Saturday and the streets were full of people, Ae | ‘walked slowly through the town, aman came out of nian. He ood in the doorway fora moment, looking up and down the ‘ree. Ie was Rasnalh Thar evening, as Rachel was going up to her room after inne, | stopped her “How long has Rainaldi been in the town asked “Why is he here” Because he is my frend’ Rachel answered. I kno you hate fhm anal do aot wa him here- Ambrose was jalouset him. Ate “Yes I sid. hate Rainalh, because he is in love with you. Send him ay ‘Cereiny not she sid Ted him. [wil have hi here i woh “the house # mine 37Wha he Tah? What is the rath Trani sana with Re 1 Rachel in Rainalds thar evening, [saw the t ui % cet, Rachel take I put back the envelope an renumed oy roo There were "When tre you going there? asked hotles of medicine onthe table 1 poured dhe medicine ou of the Rachel did not rp tind Then I sene doonstir The cape fom which we faaWha the Tr ‘Rachel,’ I said. She opened her eyes and I thoughe she knew ime. But she called me Ambrose. I hekd her han unl she ded You know now who killed Rachel. But how di A Rachel Lill im? shall go om seks yoo chat oh fay Ie Titys slows now. Tema youn The, wo people loved are dead: T have an empty ime: Thac i my punishment and fe ts woee hand 19, but Iehink only of the pat