The Burden Read Online Free Page A

‘Here are my roses. Like ’em?’
    â€˜They’re beautiful,’ said Laura politely.
    â€˜On the whole,’ said Mr Baldock, ‘I prefer them to human beings. They don’t last as long for one thing.’
    Then he took Laura firmly by the hand.
    â€˜Goodbye, Laura,’ he said. ‘You’ve got to be going now. Friendship should never be strained too far. I’ve enjoyed having you to tea.’
    â€˜Goodbye, Mr Baldock. Thank you for having me. I’ve enjoyed myself very much.’
    The polite slogan slipped from her lips in a glib fashion. Laura was a well-brought-up child.
    â€˜That’s right,’ said Mr Baldock, patting her amicably on the shoulder. ‘Always say your piece. It’s courtesy and knowing the right passwords that makes the wheels go round. When you come to my age, you can say what you like.’
    Laura smiled at him and passed through the iron gate he was holding open for her. Then she turned and hesitated.
    â€˜Well, what is it?’
    â€˜Is it really settled now? About our being friends, I mean?’
    Mr Baldock rubbed his nose.
    â€˜Yes,’ he said with a sigh. ‘Yes, I think so.’
    â€˜I hope you don’t mind very much?’ Laura asked anxiously.
    â€˜Not too much … I’ve got to get used to the idea, mind.’
    â€˜Yes, of course. I ’ve got to get used to it, too. But I think – I think – it’s going to be nice. Goodbye.’
    â€˜Goodbye.’
    Mr Baldock looked after her retreating figure, and muttered to himself fiercely: ‘ Now look what you’ve let yourself in for, you old fool!’
    He retraced his steps to the house, and was met by his housekeeper Mrs Rouse.
    â€˜Has the little girl gone?’
    â€˜Yes, she’s gone.’
    â€˜Oh dear, she didn’t stay very long, did she?’
    â€˜Quite long enough,’ said Mr Baldock. ‘Children and one’s social inferiors never know when to say goodbye. One has to say it for them.’
    â€˜Well!’ said Mrs Rouse, gazing after him indignantly as he walked past her.
    â€˜Good night,’ said Mr Baldock. ‘I’m going into my library, and I don’t want to be disturbed again.’
    â€˜About supper –’
    â€˜Anything you please.’ Mr Baldock waved an arm. ‘And take away all that sweet stuff, and finish it up, or give it to the cat.’
    â€˜Oh, thank you, sir. My little niece –’
    â€˜Your niece, or the cat, or anyone .’
    He went into the library and shut the door.
    â€˜Well!’ said Mrs Rouse again. ‘Of all the crusty old bachelors! But there, I understand his ways! It’s not everyone that would.’
    Laura went home with a pleasing feeling of importance.
    She popped her head through the kitchen window where Ethel, the house-parlourmaid, was struggling with the intricacies of a crochet pattern.
    â€˜Ethel,’ said Laura. ‘I’ve got a Friend.’
    â€˜Yes, dearie,’ said Ethel, murmuring to herself under her breath. ‘Five chain, twice into the next stitch, eight chain –’
    â€˜I have got a Friend.’ Laura stressed the information.
    Ethel was still murmuring:
    â€˜Five double crochet, and then three times into the next – but that makes it come out wrong at the end – now where have I slipped up?’
    â€˜I’ve got a Friend ,’ shouted Laura, maddened by the lack of comprehension displayed by her confidante.
    Ethel looked up, startled.
    â€˜Well, rub it, dearie, rub it,’ she said vaguely.
    Laura turned away in disgust.

Chapter Three
1
    Angela Franklin had dreaded returning home but, when the time came, she found it not half so bad as she had feared.
    As they drove up to the door, she said to her husband:
    â€˜There’s Laura waiting for us on the steps. She looks quite excited.’
    And, jumping out as the car drew up, she folded her arms