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nydus/The Murder at the VicaragePublic

A vicar attempts to unravel the mystery of a murder that took place in his study, while his neighbor—an elderly spinster—takes an interest.

Page 313 of 316
Table of Contents

XXXII

She went on:

“You see, Len, I have a steadying influence coming into my life. It’s coming into your life, too, but in your case it will be a kind of⁠—of rejuvenating one⁠—at least, I hope so! You can’t call me a dear child half so much when we have a real child of our own. And, Len, I’ve decided that now I’m going to be a real ‘wife and mother’ (as they say in books), I must be a housekeeper too. I’ve bought two books on Household Management and one on Mother Love, and if that doesn’t turn me out a pattern I don’t know what will! They are all simply screamingly funny⁠—not intentionally, you know. Especially the one about bringing up children.”

“You haven’t bought a book on How to Treat a Husband, have you?” I asked, with sudden apprehension as I drew her to me.

“I don’t need to,” said Griselda. “I’m a very good wife. I love you dearly. What more do you want?”

“Nothing,” I said.

“Could you say, just for once, that you love me madly?”

“Griselda,” I said⁠—“I adore you! I worship you! I am wildly, hopelessly and quite unclerically crazy about you!”

My wife gave a deep and contented sigh.

Then she drew away suddenly.

“Bother! Here’s Miss Marple coming. Don’t let her suspect, will you? I don’t want everyone offering me cushions and urging me to put my feet up. Tell her I’ve gone down to the golf links. That will put her off the scent⁠—and it’s quite true because I left my yellow pullover there and I want it.”

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