(1954) The Comforters by Muriel Spark

Author:Muriel Spark [Spark, Muriel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2011-07-15T18:01:06+00:00

PART TWO

SIX

A woman came in three days a week to do housework for Louisa Jepp. It was on one of these days that Mrs Hogg called at the cottage.

Mrs Jepp, keeping her on the doorstep, said, ‘I cannot ask you to come inside, Mrs Hogg. My woman is all over the floors. Is it anything in particular?’

‘Perhaps this afternoon,’ Mrs Hogg said, and she was looking over Louisa’s shoulder into the interior, right through to the green back garden.

‘No. This afternoon I’m going to see my grandson in hospital. Master Laurence has had an accident. Is it anything in particular, Mrs Hogg?’

‘I would like to inquire for Laurence.’

‘That’s kind of you. Master Laurence is progressing and Miss Caroline, though she’s more serious. I shall say you inquired.’ Louisa did not for the world suggest that Mrs Hogg might have anything further to say.

‘I have a message for Laurence. That’s why I came personally.’ ‘All the way from the North of England,’ stated Louisa. Mrs Hogg said, ‘I’m here for the day. From London.’ ‘Come round to the back and we shall sit in the garden.’ It was a day of mild November light and sun. Louisa led the way among her pigeons across the small green patch to the bench in front of her loganberry bush.

Mrs Hogg sat down beside her, fished into her carrier bag, and pulled out an old yellow fox cape which she arranged and patted on her shoulders.

‘This time of year,’ she said.

Louisa thought, ‘My charwoman is turned out more ladylike, and yet this woman is of good family.’ She said, ‘Is it anything special, your message for Master Laurence?’ And while there was time she added on second thoughts, ‘He is quite able to read although not sitting up yet, if you would care to write a note.’

‘Oh no,’ said Mrs Hogg.

Louisa thought, ‘I thought not.’

‘No, I shouldn’t trouble him with a letter, poor Laurence, letters can cause trouble,’ Mrs Hogg said. She seemed glad of the rest after the up-hill walk from the station. Observably, she gathered strength while Louisa sat beside her expressly making no reply.

‘I learn,’ said Mrs Hogg, ‘that you call me a poisonous woman. ‘One is always learning,’ Louisa said, while her black eyes made a rapid small movement in her thinking head. Mrs Hogg saw only the small hands folded on the brown lap.

‘Do you not think it is time for you,’ said Mrs Hogg, ‘to take a reckoning of your sins and prepare for your death?’

‘You spoke like that to my husband,’ said Louisa. ‘His death was a misery to him through your interference.’

‘I nursed Mr Jepp day and night—’

‘No,’ said Louisa, ‘only night. And then only until I discovered your talk.’

‘He should have seen a priest, as I said.’

‘Mrs Hogg, what is your message for Master Laurence?’

‘Only that he is not to worry. I shall take no legal action against him. He will understand what I mean. And, Mrs Jepp,’ she continued, ‘you are lonely here living by yourself.

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