The Loving Spirit by Daphne du Maurier

Author:Daphne du Maurier [Daphne du Maurier]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group
Published: 2012-06-02T11:03:27+00:00

What on earth did the fellow want? He had not spoken to him for over three years, not since his marriage in fact. He made a point of cutting him deliberately in the street. Well, it must be urgent he supposed, it was not like Philip to be the first to break the silence. He seized his cap, and made his way down the hill to the office, calling to his wife not to wait dinner, as he might be late.

He had not been inside the office since that day when he had looked over his brother’s shoulder and seen the photograph of Annie. He chuckled to himself at the remembrance. He, Joseph, had won her, and Philip had lost. It had been easy enough. Well, he wasn’t going to have his brother notice his decline in strength, so he straightened his shoulders and entered the once familiar room with something of his old swagger.

‘Well,’ he said, ‘I must say I did not expect to hear from you. However, here I am, an’ out with your news, because it’s cold weather, an’ I’m anxious to get back to my dinner.’

Philip watched him, and rubbed his hands softly.

‘Still the same attitude of defiance I see, for all your changed appearance,’ he said smoothly. ‘Well, I’m very sorry, Joe, but there’s a bad knock in store for you. This wire has just come through to the office. I felt it my duty to entrust it to you personally. Read it, brother, by the light, for I know you see with difficulty.’

Joseph took the wire and read the following message:Handed in at London. Friday evening. Christopher Coombe deserted ship this evening. Obliged sail without him, one hand short. Due Plyn probably early in week. - Richard Coombe, Master.

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