The Pride of the Peacock

8. HARLEQUIN

I did not see Joss until dinner time but Lilias came to my room in the afternoon to ask if she could help me unpack.

I thanked her and said I could manage very well, but she sat down and watched me, admiring my clothes as I took them out. She thought them very elegant, she said, and they would surely make Isa Bannock jealous.

She thinks she is a femme fatale,” Lilias added.

“Is she?”

She’s reckoned to be so. There’s no one like her in Fancy Town or hereabouts. “

“It will be interesting to meet her.”

“I hope you’ll find it so. My mother has shown you the house, hasn’t she?”

Yes, ifs fascinating. “

“So like the one in England?”

“Ifs not really like it.”

“It just tried to be, I suppose. I smiled. ‘mt Henniker set out with the idea in the first place, I expect, and then found it didn’t work.”

“We’re very anxious that you should put us right about anything you don’t like. I hope you don’t think we’re too presumptuous.”

“Certainly not.”

“You see, when my mother came here Mr. Henniker was so good to us and I was only two … slightly less than that… so it’s always been my home.”

“And must continue so… until you marry.”

She cast down her eyes again. It was a habit which she shared with her mother.

“We were rather anxious. We had no idea Mr. Madden would marry… over there.” “I know it was a shock to you all. You should have been warned.”

“Ifs not for us to say what should and should not be done.”

“Well, I’m sorry you weren’t told before. I am sure we shall all get along well together.”

“My brother, Jimson, is doing well at the works, especially now that he has Tom Paling’s job. We’re sure Mr. Madden will be pleased.”

“It was a good thing that he was able to take over after Mr. Paling’s accident.”

“Oh yes, they would have been in difficulties without Jimson. We’re proud of him. You may think it’s a strange name … Jimson. Our father was Jim so they called him Jimson.”

“Very neat,” I commented.

“Oh, we’re a very close family. Jimson and I never forget what we owe to our mother. But I’m boring you, Mrs. Madden. I only wanted you to know that I’ll be ready to help. Have you got plenty of room for your things? Mr. Madden’s seem to be all in the other room.”

She had lowered her eyes again. Was it a certain triumph she was hiding?

“I have plenty of room,” I said coolly.

“Dinner will be at half past seven,” she said. The Bannocks will be here by then. Will you come down when you’re ready? “

I said I would and she left me.

I had a suspicion that she might be pleased that Joss and I did not share a room. Her remarks about Isa Bannock had seemed rather pointed too.

I was becoming imaginative. Was I looking for mysteries and secret tensions? Too much had happened to me in too short a time and the discovery last night had really startled me and made me wonder what was going on in this house. Then there was the niggling thought that someone had watched us from the window, and if I had been right about that it must have been someone in the house.

I dressed with care and I thought it appropriate to choose a dress of peacock blue silk. This,” my grandmother had said, ‘will serve for a dignified occasion.” And so I went down to meet the Bannocks.

They were in the parlour drinking aperitifs when I arrived. joss came forward and took my arm.

“Come along, Jessica,” he said, ‘and meet Isa and Ezra. “

I did not see her immediately, for Ezra, a powerfully built man, had taken my hand and was nearly crushing it in an over-sincere handshake.

“Well, this is a surprise,” he cried in a booming voice.

“Congratulations Joss. You’ve got yourself a beaut.”

I was not quite sure how to respond to this fulsome greeting so I smiled and said how pleasant it was to meet him for I had heard a good deal about him.

“Nothing bad, I hope,” he cried.

“On the contrary,” I answered.

“And here’s Isa,” said Joss.

She was obviously several years younger than her husband, I thought, as she turned her lovely topaz-coloured eyes upon me and scrutinized me with probing interest. She reminded me of a tigress; her nose was tiny, her upper lip rather long and there were tawny lights in her hair to match her eyes; there was something about her which reminded me of the jungle, for she moved like a cat with immense grace. There was one word to describe her and that was feline.

“So you’re Joss’s wife,” she said.

“We never thought he’d marry. What a sly thing to do … to spring it on us like this. I hope you’ll like it here. Ifs good to have women around. There’s a shortage of them here, you’ll soon discover. It makes us all so much more precious than we should other wise be. Don’t you agree, David?” She was smiling at David Croissant, who seemed overwhelmed by her charms.

“I think it would depend on the woman,” said David.

“What nonsense!” retorted Isa.

“When there’s a shortage the value automatically rises. You as a merchant should know that.”

David grinned at her. It seemed as though his shrewd common sense deserted him in the presence of this siren.

“Let me get you something to drink, Mrs. Madden,” said Mrs. Laud.

When it was brought to me Isa was saying: “What have you brought in your pedlar’s pack, David? I can’t wait to see.”

Joss said: “After dinner, he’ll show us I dare say.”

The market’s pretty good for black opals now,” said Ezra.

“I only hope they’re not going to flood it.”

You’ve had some good finds hereabouts, I gather,” put in David.

“You can be sure of that,” added Ezra.

Isa smiled at me.

“Aren’t you longing to see them?” she asked.

“Yes, I am. I did see some in Cape Town when Mr. Croissant was there.

Joss and I were at the home of the van der Stels. “

Isa’s eyes were dreamy.

“That must have been a wonderful experience for you! A honeymoon at sea. And coming to a new home. How romantic!

And then David arrived and showed you some of his precious opals. “

“Yes. There was one I remember specially. The Harlequin Opal. I don’t think I ever saw anything so beautiful.”

The Harlequin! ” cried Isa.

“What a marvelous name! I long to see it.

Have you got it with you, David? “

“You shall see it after dinner,” he promised her.

“And ifs a real beauty?”

“It’ll fetch a big price,” said David.

“Opals mean business to David,” Isa told me.

“He doesn’t see the beauty of the stones, only their market value. I’m not like that. I love beautiful stones … particularly opals. That flash of fire excites me. What was the finest opal you experts ever saw? I know what you’re going to say: The Green Rash at Sunset.”

Mrs. Laud said: “I think we should go in to dinner now.”

Joss sat at one end of the table and I at the other. Isa was on his right hand, Ezra on mine. It was soon clear to me that the attention of the men was focused on Isa, and that this was what she expected as a right. I felt at a disadvantage and irritated by her manner, particularly as I guessed she was aware of this and was revelling in it, perhaps more than she usually did and this was on account of me.

Thick juicy steaks were served with fresh vegetables followed by passion fruit jelly, but I scarcely noticed what I ate. My attention-like that of the men-was on Isa, and in particular on Isa and Joss. I noticed how once or twice she placed her hand over his and the manner in which he smiled at her. And it seemed to me that Mrs. Laud and Lilias were watching me in order to gauge my reactions.

Ezra seemed to be pleased by the effect his wife had and it was dear that he was one of her greatest admirers. I tried to tell myself that she was an empty-headed and frivolous woman, but I knew there was more to her than that. She was secret, subtle and cunning, and while she scolded Joss tor marrying so hastily without letting them know and pretended it was all something of a joke, I was sure she was exceedingly piqued about it.

She returned to the subject of the Green Rash and repeated the story of Desmond Dereham’s death in America and his confession.

“It seems that Ben had the opal all the time,” she said.

“In that case what on earth happened to it?”

There was a brief silence and then Joss lifted his eyes and looking straight at me said: “Before Ben died he told my wife and me where he had hidden the Green Rash. He left it to us jointly.”

Isa clasped her hands.

“I want to see it. I can’t wait.”

“I’m afraid I can’t show it to you,” said Joss, ‘because when we looked in the place where Ben said he had hidden it, it was no longer there.”

Mrs. Laud had turned very pale.

“Do you mean, Mr. Madden, that it was in this house… ?”

“When Ben put it there. Since then it seems someone has stolen it.”

“It’s no longer in this house then,” said Mrs. Laud quietly. Thank God for that. “

“You’ve been Listening to those tales, Mrs. Laud,” said Ezra. There always are tales about a fine stone. It’s a sop to people’s vanity.

They don’t want anyone to enjoy what they can’t so they say it’s unlucky and these tales get around. But, I say, what a thing to happen ! What’ll you do. Joss ? “

“I’m going to find it, but where to start looking ?”

“Who could have known where Ben had hidden it?” said Ezra.

“Would he have told anyone?”

“I am sure he didn’t. He didn’t tell me until he was dying. Then he told us both… Jessica and me.”

“Where was it?” demanded Isa.

“He had had a cavity made in a picture frame.”

“How exciting and mysterious!” cried Isa.

“I do wonder who has stolen it?”

“I don’t envy them,” murmured Mrs. Laud.

“Oh, Mother, you take the rumours too seriously,” said Jimson.

There’s one thing I want to say,” said Joss.

“I’ve said it before. I don’t doubt I’ll have to say it again. I don’t want a lot of talk about unlucky stones. People could stop buying opals because of such talk.” , “Joss,” whispered Isa, ‘how can you start looking for the Green Flash? “

“It’s no use putting up a bill saying ” Will the thief return priceless opal he stole from Peacocks sometime during the last two years”, is it?”

Hardly. So how will you begin? “

I shall have to work that out, but I’m determined to find it. “

“And what Joss determines he always does, doesn’t he, Mrs. Madden?” The tawny eyes mocked me.

“You will know that as well as any of us.”

“I’m sure he’s very determined.”

“I don’t want talk in the town about this,” said Joss.

They’re already talking about Desmond Dereham’s not having stolen it and Ben’s having it all the time,” said Ezra.

“I know, but let that die down.” He addressed Ezra, and I noticed afresh how when he wanted a subject changed he made it clear.

“Have you added any good horses to your stables lately?”

“One or two. You’ll be interested, joss. I’ve got a little beauty … a grey mare. She’s called Wattle. I’ve never known any horse with such feeling. She’s really fond of me.”

“All horses are fond of you,” put in Jimson. "You have a way with them.

”

“Horses and women,” said Isa, looking archly at her husband.

“Horses anyway,” replied Ezra.

“Have you got a good horse for Mrs. Madden ?” he asked Joss.

“I’ve been thinking what there is in the stables. I’ll probably have a look round.”

“I’d like to give her my Wattle. She’s just the ticket. She’s strong, will of her own and malleable. If I drop a word in her ear she’ll be just the mount for the lady.”

I said: This is too generous. “

Ezra waved his hand.

“Oh, it’s all in the Company. You’re’ one of us now, you know.”

“I’m most grateful…”

“You’ll love her. She’s a real beaut… and such a good girl too.

Treat her right and she’ll treat you right and if I just give her the word. all will be well. “

“It’s true,” Jimson told me.

“I’ve never known anyone talk to horses as Ezra does.”

“It’s very kind of you,” I said. Thank you. “

Well, that’s settled,” said Isa.

“David, I can’t wait to see your treasures.”

“Perhaps after coffee,” suggested Mrs. Laud.

Isa was obviously impatient for coffee to be over and this was soon taken in the parlour. Then we went into the drawing-room and before the eyes of the haughty peacock on the wall, who, could he have spoken, might have told us who had stolen the Green Flash, David sat at a table and opened the rolled-up cases. The blinds had been raised to let the light in with sun down and as there was no gaslight at Peacocks several candles were lighted to shed their soft glow over the room.

We were all seated at a round table-Joss and Isa on either side of David Croissant, myself next to Joss and Ezra, on the other side of his wife. The three Lauds sat together. I was beginning to think their position embarrassed them; they were of the family and yet not quite of it, something to which they themselves by their very manner called attention, and which existed for that reason.

In the centre of the table was a candelabrum and as David unrolled the cases the gems glowed in their wonderful colours and I was fascinated by the flashes of fire.

“You’ve got some fine specimens there, David,” said Ezra.

Mostly from South Australia, this lot,” replied David. They’re hard come by. You’re lucky here. Conditions are not so good in the gibber country. It’s dry as a bone and gougers ; there suffer great hardship-hardly any firewood, and water scarce as gold in a worked-out mine.”

“He’s trying to put the prices up,” said Ezra with a wink.

Joss turned to me.

“Gibber country is flat plains strewn with stones.

Hard to live with, you can imagine. ” And I was irrationally pleased because he had remembered me.

“But David,” said Isa imperiously, ‘where is this Harlequin we’ve heard so much about? “

“All in good time,” replied David.

“If you saw it first you wouldn’t want to look at the others.”

“What a tease you are!“ He unrolled another case and the men examined the opals, commenting on their size, colour, cut and other technicalities.

Please, David,” wailed Isa, ” I want to see the Harlequin. “

So he opened a case and there it was in all its glory-even more beautiful’ than it had seemed on the previous occasion, but perhaps I was a little more knowledgeable and able to recognize its superior qualities.

David lifted the stone and let the light fall on it. He touched it cares singly I wondered whether he was thinking of its beauty or its worth.

Isa reached for it impatiently. She cupped it in her hands.

“It’s magnificent,” she crooned.

“I love it. Look at those colours.

Harlequin, yes. No wonder Columbine loved him. Light fantastic colours . ” She lifted her glowing face.

“I think it’s one of the loveliest stones I ever saw.”

“I reckon it’s worth a tidy sum,” said Ezra.

“You’re reckoning right,” said David.

“I’d give a good deal to add that one to my collection,” sighed Isa. “I can see I’ll have to start saving up,” commented Ezra.

Joss turned to me again.

“Isa has one of the finest collections of opals. She doesn’t necessarily want to deck herself out in them. She takes them out and gloats over them.”

Isa laughed, her tigress face animated by an expression I could not fathom. There was triumph in it and a certain greed.

They’re my inheritance,” she told me.

“If Ezra ever decides to discard me I might have to realize my fortune.”

“You think there is a possibility of his doing so?” I couldn’t stop myself asking coolly. I was a little tired of her thrusting her superior attractions under my nose.

“As if I ever could!” said Ezra fondly.

“Isa’s a jackdaw,” he went on, again to me as though, since I had come here to learn about opals and the country, I must also learn about the delectable Isa.

“When she hears of the best stone of the year she wants it for her collection ” Oh, how I should love to add this beautiful stone to it,” said Isa.

“If I had it I would stop these commercially minded men treating this beautiful object as though it represents nothing but a certain amount of money. You do understand that, don’t you, Mrs. Madden?”

“Of course,” I answered.

“A stone like that will eventually go into a private collection, I imagine,” said Joss.

“And you want to add it to yours, I suppose?” Isa asked Joss pertly.

A look I did not understand passed between them and he said quietly:

“I’m considering.”

Isa turned to me.

“Ifs true that over the years I have got together some really fine stones. I should so much enjoy showing them to you some time.”

“I should very much like to see them. ” Please come over to us. We’re only five miles from here. Wattle will bring you over. She’ll be delighted to come and visit Ezra while you come and see me and my collection. “

Thank you. “

Isa reluctantly laid the Harlequin on its velvet background and David rolled up the case.

After that everything else seemed an anticlimax.

The Bannocks left soon afterwards and Joss went out to see them off.

I went up to my room and brooded on the evening. I kept thinking of Isa leaning forward holding the Harlequin Opal in her hands. I felt there was something significant about the scene . all those people sitting round a table, their attention concentrated on that stone, the intenseness of their gaze, the manner in which they handled the opals and the way in which they spoke of them; it was as though they admitted to a certain supernatural power which flashed in those colours. It was like a Greek play, I thought, with the Lauds as the Chorus and I could not rid myself of the conviction that everything was not as it outwardly seemed. There was some thing uncanny hanging about the atmosphere of my new home.

Dominating my thoughts was the memory of Isa’s attitude towards Joss and his towards her. She was flirtatious by nature, but she betrayed something deeper in her manner towards him. There had not been one of the men present who had not been attracted by her . even Jimson Laud in a retiring sort of way.

“A femme fatale.” Lilias had said.

I felt angry. How dared she behave in that way towards my husband in my very presence!

It was the first time that I had referred to him to myself as ‘my husband’.

I shrugged that aside. Women like Isa irritated me and what ever her relationship with Joss might be, I did not care.

I was ready for bed when I heard a sound in the corridor which startled me. I went to the door and listened. The foot steps were slow and stealthy. At my door they paused. I found myself trembling.

Someone was standing close to my door listening. Cautiously I lowered my hand and found the key; I turned it quickly in the lock. The sound it made would be heard from outside.

For some seconds there was silence, then I heard the sound of retreating footsteps.

The incident had shaken me considerably.

When I went down to breakfast next morning Ezra Bannock was mere. I was surprised to see him so soon after last night. He and Joss were at the breakfast table and Ezra laughed heartily when he saw me.

“Ah, you’re surprised,” he said.

“Well, I thought you and Wattle ought to get together right away. I’ve told her all about it and she’s agreeable. A bit put out at first about leaving me, but she knows ifs what I want so she’ll play. As soon as you’ve had a bite to eat we’ll go to the stables and I’ll make a formal handover I’d like to be there just to see how you get along.”

Then we’ll go into the town together,” said Joss, ‘and I’ll show Jessica round.”

I took to Wattle immediately as she did to me. I was rather amused by the way Ezra patted her ‘and talked to her.

“Now, old girl, we’ll see each other often. I’ll be over there and you’ll be over here. I want you to look after this young lady. It’s a bit rough going out here for her, so you’ll look after her, now won’t you ?”

Wattle nuzzled against him.

That’s the idea. She’s just come out here, you see, and we want to give her a good impression. There! That’s my girl. ” From his pocket he took a lump of sugar and gave it to Wattle. She took it and crunched gratefully.

When I mounted her she seemed docile enough but I sensed the fire in her. I leaned forward and chatted to her, trying to give a good account of myself for she seemed to be assessing me.

As we rode out, Ezra on one side of me. Joss on the other, I felt confident and grateful to the big, rather clumsy man and I wondered why Isa had married him and what he thought of her behaviour.

Very soon the town came into sight. It was not beautiful by any stretch of imagination. There in the heart of the arid land was a crudely constructed town bordered by a fringe of calico tents. Outside these were trestle-tables and benches and on the tables were rather primitive cooking utensils.

“You’ll have a few surprises,” said Joss.

“Remember this is a town which sprang up overnight. The people living in the tents haven’t been here long enough to acquire a more solid dwelling so they temporarily pitch their tents. Some have wives and families which is easier for them in a way. The wives cook and mend and there are jobs the children can do.”

Some of the children came out of the tents to stare at us as we passed into the centre of the town and the dwellings on either side were like little cottages. There was a store where all kinds of goods were sold. I noticed how respectful everyone was to Joss and what curiosity was directed towards me.

We passed a blacksmith busy at his anvil shoeing a chestnut horse.

Joss called out: “Good morning, Joe.”

“Good morning, master.”

This is Mrs. Madden, my wife. You’ll be seeing a good deal of her in the future, Joe. “

The blacksmith came forward rubbing his hands together.

“Welcome to the Fancy, M’am,” he said.

Thank you, Joe. “

“And happy congratulations if you’ll accept ‘em. ” I will, and thanks again. “

“Tis good to see the master wed at last,” commented Joe.

Joss gave his sudden burst of laughter.

“So that’s your opinion, is it?”

“Tis well for gentlemen to settle down, master, when they’re no longer boys.”

“Yes. You see Joe doesn’t mince his words. He’s a wizard with horses, though. In fact he believes they’re more important than anyone else. That’s so, eh, Joe ?”

“Well, master, we’d be hard put to it to do without ‘em True. Tether the horses here, Joe,” said Joss. Ezra alighted and I noticed how he spoke to his horse and didn’t forget Wattle, asking her how she was and if she didn’t think me light as a fairy on her back.

“A bit different from old Ezra, eh?”

I noticed Wattle nuzzling against him lovingly and being rewarded by yet another piece of sugar. He left, us and said he would go on to the office and see us later, and Joss took my arm and we sauntered along what he called The Street.

He stopped and introduced me to several people. It was hot ;, and the flies were beginning to pester. Joss grinned as I tried to brush them aside.

“It’s nothing to what it will be later on in the day,” he said with a certain satisfaction.

“You’ll have to be careful of the sandflies.

They can give you sandy blight which, believe me, is not very pleasant. And they’re particularly partial to fresh English blood-especially when it’s of the blue variety. You see they’re used to coarser stuff. So watch out. “

“I think you’re trying to make me dislike the place.”

“I just want you to see it in its true colours. I think you had rather a romantic idea in the first instance. You thought we walked round in beautiful sunshine all the time and now and then stopped to pick up a valuable opal.”

“What nonsense! I did nothing of the sort. Ben had told me so much. I know what hazards miners face. Ben’s accident was enough to tell me that.”

“Don’t look so angry. People will think we’re quarrelling.”

“Aren’t we?”

“Just a little friendly banter. But we have to create a good impression. It wouldn’t look good for the newly-weds to be quarrelling already.”

“Good for what?”

“Business,” he replied promptly.

“Friction is not good for the Company.”

Do you think of nothing but the Company? “

Now and then I think of other things. “

“I believe it would be better if you allowed me to form my own impressions.”

“Very well. Form them.”

Men wearing cabbage-tree hats to keep off the sun and others in straws on the brims of which were attached corks which danced as they walked-again a precaution against the flies -were going to and from the field which lay stretched out beyond the township. I looked at the dried-up land and the shafts and piles of mullock which had been dug up that the land might be explored.

“There are two thousand people here,” Joss said rather proudly, ‘so there have to be traders to supply them. The Trants’ cook shop has been a great success already, I’ve gathered. “

“I’d like to meet the Trants,” I said.

“I’ll have a word with them now. They’ll expect it.“ We went on and there in one of the wooden dwellings I met James and Ethel Trant. James was seated on a stool at the door peeling potatoes and he scrambled to his feet when he saw Joss.

They shook hands.

“I was sorry to hear what happened,” said Joss.

James Trant nodded.

“We’re getting on all right now, though. We’re making quite a success of this.”

“And it’s a good thing for the town, they tell me.”

We like to think so, sir. We were lucky to find a place. Mr. Bannock suggested it and it works. “

“Good. This is my wife. I’m taking her round to have a look at the place." James Trant shook hands with me and said: ” Welcome to Fancy Town. ” He added that he would go and tell Ethel.

Ethel, wrapped in a large apron, came out wiping floury hands on a cloth. I was introduced to her and Joss and I repeated how sorry we were to hear of their misfortune and how we had discovered it when we had spent a night at the burned-out inn.

“Don’t do to look on the black side,” said Ethel. There’s not much hope of saving a wooden house when you’re in the Bush, and it had been so dry . the grass was ready to flare up if you so much as looked at it. When I saw that the fire was getting a hold I knew we hadn’t a hope. Well, we’ve been lucky. As soon as Mr. Bannock said why shouldn’t we have the corner place and turn it into a cook shop we got going.

It’s the very thing they wanted at the Fancy. Things are not so bad now, are they, James? I used to take such a pride in feeding them.

They could eat like horses, those cattle men and miners. They’d come to me tired out with a day’s riding and longing for a taste of the sort of food they’d had at home. Stews they loved and there was always roast beef. A lovely bit of sirloin . that was the favourite . red and juicy; and they loved my potatoes done in their jackets. Done in the coals, they couldn’t be beaten. And a good beef stew swimming with onions and dumplings, and damper to go with it. and of course tea and everything. “

James interrupted by saying that as long as the field continued to yield good opal they were sure of a living.

May it be for a good many years to come,” said Ethel fervently.

” It will,” Joss assured her.

"The funny thing was,” said Ethel, ‘that it was only a few days before the fire that this man came along.”

“What man ?” said Joss sharply.

“Him who’d been with Desmond Dereham in America. He said Desmond had never stolen the Green Flash and that all the time it had been here in Australia. I wondered if that had brought us bad luck.”

“What utter nonsense,” said Joss sharply.

That’s what I tell Ethel,” agreed James.

“Well, it seemed funny to me. Whenever that Flash is about there’s bad luck. Look at Mr. Henniker. Who’d have thought that accident would have happened to him?”

“Accidents happen to anyone at any time,” retorted Joss tersely.

“But you see he had the Flash all the time if this man was right .. and then he had the accident and now he’s dead. “

Joss said angrily: “If that sort of talk goes on you’ll have no cook shop All this nonsense about ill luck has got to be stopped and I’ll put an end to it.”

James and Ethel looked crestfallen, and I felt sorry for them and angry with Joss.

I said gently: “I’m sure nobody takes that sort of thing seriously.”

But they do,” snapped Joss, ‘and it’s got to stop.”

I smiled apologetically at James and Ethel and Joss said:

“We must be going.”

When we were out of earshot I said: “Need you have been so curt?”

“There is every need Those poor people have suffered a dreadful tragedy and you can’t even be civil to them.”

“I’m being kind to them. Talk like that could make the price of opals slump and cook shops with them. It’s something we have to fight against.”

“I see. Being cruel to be kind.”

“Exactly, and you object to it?”

“It’s a mode of self-righteousness which I particularly dislike.”

“I’ve discovered something."

” What? “

That there’s a great deal about me that you particularly dislike. “

I was silent and he went on maliciously: “You’ve burned your boats, I’m afraid. You’ve accepted the conditions of Ben’s will. Just think all this … and me too … You’ve accepted us. You’ve made your bed and now you must lie on it …” Again that mocking laugh.

Though I have to admit that’s a rather unfortunate analogy in the circumstances. “

I said angrily; “I came out this morning determined to like everything. It’s you who are spoiling things.”

“Isn’t that how it’s always been? Now had Ben produced a pleasant gentleman for you instead of me, all might have been as merry as a marriage bell as you see I’m in a quoting mood today.”

I said: “I think we should at least try to behave in a gracious manner, whatever resentments we feel for having been pressed into a situation distasteful to us both.”

“I believe that’s a good old English custom.”

“It’s not a bad one.”

“You set me an example. Pretend that all is well. It’s a great help.

Who knows, in time you may enjoy being here among the shafts and the gougers. And one day this is going to be a real town with a town hall, a church and a steeple. We’ll get rid of shacks and build proper houses and the calico tents will be gone. It’ll be more to your taste then. “Perhaps,” I said.

“Here are the Company’s offices,” he told me as we came to quite the most impressive building in the township.

“You’ll want to know what goes on in here as you are now part of it. It’s no use despising what you have a share in, is it? You’ll gradually find out what goes on, but this morning I’ll content myself with introductions.”

“I hope they won’t feel resentful towards me.”

“Resentful towards my wife! They wouldn’t dare!”

We entered the building. It was good to get out of the sun and enjoy a little respite from the flies.

There were several rooms in which people were working. Again I was aware immediately of the effect Joss had. There was no doubt that they were all in great awe of him. Ezra had gathered some of the heads of departments into the board room and there they were introduced to me.

Mrs. Madden is one of our new directors,” Joss explained.

There were six men present, including Ezra and Jimson Laud whom I already knew. Of the others I felt particularly drawn to Jeremy Dickson, blond, fresh-faced and not long out from England. Perhaps it was for that reason that we seemed to have something in common.

Joss explained to me that mining was only the beginning of the industry; there was expert sorting into categories and snipping and putting the stones on facing wheels; all these tasks had to be performed by experts. One mistake could mean the loss of a great deal of money.

"These gentlemen,” he explained, ‘are all experts in their various fields.”

As we sat round the table he told them the terms of Ben’s will and that Ben’s shares in the Company had been divided equally between himself and me, which made me of course an important figure.

He turned to me.

“You will no doubt want to acquaint yourself with all that goes on here that’s if you decide to take an active part.

It’s a decision you won’t want to make in a hurry. I can help with everything for you. “

“I feel I want to be able to take my place here with the rest of you,” I said.

My decision was applauded.

“In that case,” Joss went on, ‘we’ll have a run through of what has been happening during my absence. That should teach you something.”

I sat there while they talked. Secretly I found a great deal of it beyond my comprehension, but I was determined not to allow Joss to score over me. I had already made up my mind that I was going to take my place in the Company and show these men, who I was sure had made up their minds that I would soon tire of it, that I could grapple with problems as well as they could.

When they had talked for about an hour and I was very little wiser at the end of it. Joss asked if I would like to see some of the departments or would prefer to return to Peacocks. If the latter was my choice he would send someone back with me.

I said I would see the departments. Jeremy Dickson was told to take me round. When he had done so he could ride back with me to Peacocks, for Joss would be engaged at the township for the rest of the day.

With Jeremy Dickson I saw how opals were sorted in one room and in another put under the facing wheels. I watched the men at work and Jeremy Dickson pointed out how quality was recognized. I learned to distinguish pieces likely to contain first-, second-or third-class opal from what was merely what they called ‘potch’. This was Jeremy’s particular forte.

I was fascinated by the snippers who were able to cut away worthless stone and, by means of whirring wheels which had to be used with the utmost care while the worthless layers were removed, reveal the beautiful colours beneath. One false move, it was explained to me, and a precious opal could be lost.

Later I was to see opal revealed in all its flashing beauty when the worthless stuff was whittled away and men almost weep with frustration when a stone on which they had been working was proved to be sand-pitted through and through, making valueless the beautiful stone which otherwise could have brought a big price on the markets.

It was a most interesting day, but one thing I knew Joss was right about: it would have been a mistake for me to try to absorb too much at once. After the heat and my experiences I was ready to go back to Peacocks.

Wattle was submissive as I mounted her, and although I had the impression that she was trying me out I didn’t think I had offended her so far.

I enjoyed talking to Jeremy Dickson, who told me about , his home in Northamptonshire. He was the son of a curate, which immediately made me sympathetic. I suppose reminding me of Miriam and her Ernest. He had come out to Australia eight years previously and had thought he might make a fortune out of gold as so many people had before him. , However, he had not done very well at this and suffered , many disappointments.

Then he had discovered opal and these stones had begun to exert their perennial fascination over . him. He met Ben Henniker in Sydney and in characteristic manner Ben had taken a liking to him and offered him a place in the Company. He had worked hard and soon found he had special skills which impressed Ben. Three years ago he had been put in charge of the department.

“And you enjoy the life out here ?” I asked.

“I love opals,” he replied. They do something to me. I can’t express how I feel when I see the colours emerging. I could never find anything to do which would give me the same pleasure. “

“Don’t you miss Northamptonshire?”

“One always dreams of home. There is, of course, a lot one , misses, when the day’s work is over mostly. But Ben was always aware of that and he did his best to keep us happy. We often had invitations to Peacocks. Ben used to ask us to dinner to discuss business and there were occasions when we’d all gather together there and have parties. We missed him very much when he went to England, but your husband carried on in the old tradition and when he went Home I was invited to call by the Lauds, which I found very enjoyable.”

We had reached Peacocks and I said: “You’ll come in now, won’t you?”

” For half an hour, please. Then I must get back to work. But I shouldn’t like to call and not say Hello to Mrs. and Miss Laud’ "

I took him into the drawing-room and sent one of the servants to tell Lilias and her mother that we had a visitor. It was Lilias who came. I was amazed at the change in her.

She smiled stretching hands which Jeremy Dickson took.

“I brought Mrs. Madden back,” he explained.

“You must be hot and tired,” said Lilias.

“Shall I send for something refreshing?”

“Please do,” I told her.

She pulled the bell-rope and asked for lemonade.

She had made it herself early that morning, she told us, and had stood it in ice so that it would be delightfully cooling.

We sipped and talked and I thought how pleasant it was. Jeremy Dickson was so English that I felt completely at home with him. As for Lilias, she seemed like a different person. I wondered whether she was fond of the young man since he seemed to have such an effect on her.

We talked of the township and what I had seen that morning and he told us about a piece of opal which had just come in and which could be wonderful if there was no flaw in it, and how breathtakingly exciting it was to watch the layers of useless stuff being removed to reveal the gem beneath.

Then Mrs. Laud came in.

She stood at the door looking ‘at us, her expression enigmatical and her eyes not on me but on Lilias.

“So Mr. Dickson has called,” she said.

“Yes, Mother. He brought Mrs. Madden back. The lemonade I made this morning has come in useful.”

“How nice,” said Mrs. Laud, her eyes downcast as though she did not want to look at any of us. She seemed nervous.

“I found it most refreshing,” I said, feeling the need to say’ something while I asked myself: Why are we talking about lemonade when something dramatic seems to be happening?

My eyes went to the proud peacock looking down on us with his disdainful stare, and he reminded me of Joss. Again I had the impression that I had stepped into a dream with a plot which was a puzzle to me but in this scene it was not I who was playing the principal part.

Each morning for the next three days I rode into the town with Joss.

The first event on arrival was the meeting with the heads of department when the business of the day was discussed, with Joss presiding. If any finds of special interest had been brought in by the gougers on the previous day these were closely examined. Joss would always hand the rock to me with what I thought of as a superior smile and, as I examined it, I determined to learn quickly just to confound him. But that was not really my only reason. Each day I became more and more genuinely fascinated. I made a point of getting to know, as soon as possible, many of the people who worked in the building . the few clerks and those who did their job at the benches. I talked to the miners when they came in and although at first I was aware that they thought my presence something of a joke, when they discovered that I wasn’t quite as ignorant as they expected me to be they began to have a little respect. I was finding it all a tremendous challenge-not only to confute Joss but to show these people that a woman was not only fit to manage a house and bear children, which I knew was ” what they were thinking. I was most interested in the sorting and snipping and the work that went on at the facing wheels. As this was Jeremy J’ Dickson’s concern, I was seeing more of him than other members of the Company. There was little that was practical about his approach to opals; he was a romantic.

On my fourth morning he boiled water on a spirit lamp in his tiny office and made tea in a billy-can. As we sat drinking it he talked of opals and told me marvelous stories about them.

The ancient Turks,” he said, ” had a theory that a great fire stone was thrown out of Paradise in a flash of lightning. It was shattered and fell in a great shower which was scattered over certain areas of the world. That is now opal country. “

His eyes glowed.

“Do you know, it used to be called the Fire Stone.

You can understand it, can’t you? That glow! Does it thrill you, Mrs. Madden, hi a rather unaccountable way? Do you have to keep gazing and feel you could lose yourself in it? ”

” I’m beginning to “You’ll get more so. I’ve often thought these stones have some odd power because of the hold they get on people. It seems to be universally felt that they have Some uncanny influence.”

As we talked the door opened and Joss looked in.

“Am I interrupting a tea-party ?” he asked.

“It’s a working tea-party,” I replied.

“Mr. Dickson is teaching me a great deal.”

“I hope you are finding my wife an apt pupil.” He stressed rt the words ‘my wife’ as though he were reminding Jeremy Dickson who I was.

Quite unnecessary, I thought, and as he shut the door and went off I felt annoyed because he had spoiled our tete-a-tete. I could see that Jeremy Dickson was thinking he should be back at work.

The day after that when I went down to breakfast. Joss said: “It’s time I showed you something of the countryside. I thought we’d take a ride this morning. You’d better get some idea of the lay-out of the land. It wouldn’t be wise for you to go riding alone until you had.”

“I dare say I could find someone to go with me for a while.”

“That’s what I’m offering to do now. You’d surely find others too. I dare say young Dickson would be ready to oblige.”

“He’s very knowledgeable about opals.”

“He wouldn’t hold the job he does if he weren’t,” replied Joss curtly.

We walked our horses away from Peacocks in the opposite direction of Fancy Town.

I said: “Are you doing nothing about the theft of the Green Hash?”

“Can you suggest what should be done?”

“Surely when something so valuable has been stolen some effort should be made to retrieve it.”

This is rather an unusual theft. In the first place no one knows when it took place. “

“It must have been some time after Ben left for England. I wonder why he didn’t bring the stone with him.”

“It must have been risky travelling with such a valuable piece and he thought it was safe where he had put it.”

“But someone found the hiding place. Surely we should make some effort "

” I am,” he said.

“Don’t forget it’s partly my stone.”

I don’t. “

A thought entered my head then that he had been in Peacocks after Ben had left. Suppose he had been the one who had found the stone in the picture!

Surely he would not have stolen the opal from Ben! Yet that stone had a strange effect on people. My own father had been so bewitched by it that he had contemplated leaving my mother for it. Who could say .

And it would explain why he was doing nothing about finding it.

“Leave this to me,” he said.

“I’ll think of something. We’re going to find the stone, but in due course. You want everything done so dramatically. Life’s not a melodrama, you know.

Things can’t be tied up into neat little parcels and labelled. The thing I’m most anxious about at the moment is to stop all this talk about the Green Flash because with it comes the idea that opals are unlucky. I can’t tell you how hard Ben and I used to fight to quash that. We want to keep the old legends going when they were said to be talismans against I evil. So remember, not too much talk about the Green Flash. ”

” You make it sound like an order. “

That’s not a bad way of looking at it. For everyone’s comfort, forget it. ” He turned from me and made his way towards a range of low hills. The ground was dry and sandy so that a cloud of dust was displaced by his horse’s hoofs, and as he galloped straight through a gap in the hills, I lost sight of him for a few moments. How I should have liked to turn back, but already I was aware of the fact that one part of the Bush looked very much like another and there were so few distinguishing landmarks. I knew I should not be able to find my way back to Peacocks without his guidance.

I came through the gap and there he was waiting for me. This is known as Graver’s Gully,” he told me. There was a very flourishing mine here at one time. Now it’s duffered out as we say out here, which means it’s no longer productive.

Yet it was once one of the biggest yielding opal mines in New a, South Wales. It’s full of underground chambers. There’s a rumour that it’s haunted. “

“I thought you were too down to earth to believe in such I things out here.” v> He grinned at me.

“Not all of us. In fact some of us are very superstitious. Men who work in dangerous operations are. Fishermen, miners … they are some of the most superstitious people on Earth. There are so many occasions in their lives when they tempt fate. The story is that a man named Grover made his fortune here and then went to Sydney to all settle down. He found a woman, married her and together they gambled his fortune away. Then he found out she was only interested in his money when she left him, and he was bitter. He turned into a bushranger and some said he used to hide in the underground chambers of his old mine which had made him rich. He was always masked, and he was actually known as the Masked Ranger of Graver’s Gully. Of it course when he was operating nobody knew he was Graver. It was only when he was shot dead by the driver of a small carriage he was holding up that they took off his mask and discovered who he was. Alter that people said he naunicu the place, and they don’t like passing it at night. Some have sworn they’ve seen a masked man. I reckon it was mulga bush and imagination did the rest.

Well, that’s the legend of Grover’s Gully, so make sure you don’t pass this way after sundown. If you do you might see the masked ghost or hear Grover crying for his woman and his fortune. “

There’s certainly something desolate about the place. “

We walked our horses until we were close to the old mine. A deep shaft had been sunk and I saw an old iron ladder, which had been used for the descent, still in position. In spite of the fact that I knew he was watching me closely I could not repress a shudder.

He came closer to me.

“You will sense it,” he said. The eerie atmosphere, the presence of the dead. ” He spoke in a low mocking voice.

“I’m just wondering what I should have thought if you hadn’t told me the story. I should have said it was just another … what did you say? … duffered-out mine.”

“Good. You’re learning. Come on. That’s enough of Grover’s Gully.”

He moved off and I followed. He was a little way ahead of me when he pulled up once more, and pointed away to the horizon.

“Can you see a building there?”

“I can just make it out. Is it a house?”

“A homestead.”

“Whose?”

You’ll see,” he called over his shoulder and rode on.

A white house lay ahead of us gleaming in the brilliant sunshine.

This is the Bannock homestead,” said Joss, and my spirits fell. The last person I wished to see was Isa Bannock.

As we approached the dogs started to bark and Ezra Bannock came out.

He cried out in his hearty way when he saw us: “Well, look who’s here.” He opened the gate and took us into a grass enclosure. Wattle gave a whinny of delight as he stroked and patted her and asked how she was getting along and told her how glad he was to see her.

“Come along in,” he said.

“Isa will be pleased. Come to the stables first and I’ll show you the new little filly I’ve got. I reckon that’s what you came out to see, eh. Joss?”

Joss answered: “I knew Jessica would like to come.” And he looked at me quizzically as though he was amused and he knew it was the last place which I wanted to come because of the antagonism between me and Isa. We went into the stables, which were as big as those at Peacocks. Wattle was clearly in good spirits to be where she considered was home. She had been an easy mount for me and I wondered whether this really was because Ezra had told her to be. That seemed rather fanciful but to see Ezra with horses made one feel that he had a special magic for transforming them into human beings while he talked to them. We went into the house. An artistically arranged bowl of flowers stood on an ornately carved oak chest. The hall was’ll tiled, which gave a gratifying coolness to the place.

“Isa,” shouted Ezra. “Visitors.”

Then I saw her. She was wearing a kind of morning gown in a soft voile-like material with a frilly skirt and flowing sleeves. She looked fresh and I had to admit beautiful; the I’ dress of a light-brown colour brought out the tawny lights in her hair and eyes. “But this is fun,” she said coming towards me.

“Mrs. Madden and her husband.”

Joss took her hand and kissed it. I was shocked and surprised that he should do that for it seemed out of character.

But apparently he could be different with Isa than with any one else.

“My dear Joss,” she murmured tenderly, ‘it is good of you a to come to our little homestead. “

“I hope we havn’t come at an inconvenient time,” I said to draw her attention to the fact that I was also present ‘my dear Mrs. Madden . but don’t you think we should call each other by our Christian names? After all, we are going to see each other frequently, and Joss has always been Joss to me, so it seems only right and proper that I should call his wife by her Christian name. Jessica, then . it suits you . ” The manner in which she said my name suggested a rather prim woman, tight-lipped, stem-faced, inclined to take a life very seriously. She laughed.

“Jessica, there can never be a wrong moment for calling. We get so few visitors out here that they are always welcome.”

” Its a short time ago that we met. ”

"Too long,” she cooed.

“You will stay for luncheon,” she went on eagerly.

“Ezra was working at home this morning so it will be good to have you join us. You can talk business to your ” hearts’ contentment, but over my table instead of in that gruesome boardroom of yours. ”

"Great!" answered Joss. "In fact I was hoping to be asked. Then we can go back in the cool of the afternoon.”

I was deeply conscious of the change in his voice when he addressed her and it filled me with resentment.

“First cool drinks in my parlour,” said Isa. “Now Ezra, my darling, please summon Emily.”

Her parlour was essentially hers. Indeed, I wondered what part Ezra played in this menage. I had thought of her as a jungle cat, now I saw her as a female spider who devours her mate-but only of course when he has ceased to be useful to her. It was a frilly feminine room with muslin curtains and the inevitable sun-blinds. Pots of brightly-coloured plants gave the room an air of gaiety and the chintz-covered chairs and curtains augmented that impression. Tall, cool drinks were brought in and we were very grateful for these.

“We’re very neighbourly out here, Jessica,” said Isa.

“You must never think that we shouldn’t be pleased to see you. We like all visitors . especially those who are friends.” She threw a coquettish glance at joss, who was smiling at her in a way which was beginning to madden me. At least, I thought, he might not show his besotted admiration so blatantly in front of his wife . for even though our relationship is not the usual one, there are conventions to be observed.

They chatted about people of whom I had never heard. Isa made sure of that because I guessed she was determined to shut me out until they mentioned the yearly treasure hunt which was held at Peacocks.

“Oh, haven’t you heard about it, Jessica? Oh Joss, you are very slack.

Fancy not telling Jessica about the treasure hunt.

Joss turned to me.

“It’s a little entertainment we do once a year.

It’s due in a few weeks’ time. I must tell you all about it. “

“It’s the greatest fun said Isa.

“We all go … how many, Joss? … about fifty, sixty, seventy of us to Peacocks and there we’re given dues and we search and search. Ifs one of the events of the year. Ben thought of it to keep the people happy. He was always trying to keep his workers from being bored. He used to say trouble starts with boredom.”

“It sounds interesting,” I said. I looked at Joss coldly.

“I should like to hear about it.”

There’s been such a lot to show you,” he said.

“I forgot to explain about it. It’s a little childish perhaps… ”

"But it’s fun,” cried Isa.

"People like it", said Joss, but Isa changed the subject as abruptly as she had introduced it.

” I did promise to show you my collection, Jessica, didn’t I? Perhaps I will. What do you think. Joss ? “

She and Joss exchanged a glance which I was aware of o: without understanding then.

He said: “By all means show her, Isa. Jessica’s getting really I interested in opals. It’ll be part of the education she’s rapidly ‘v> acquiring.” Then after lunch,” promised Isa.

“And we’ll have that now. ” We went into the dining-room for luncheon, which consisted of cold chicken and salad and there was fruit which she told me her servants bottled and preserved when there was a glut.

‘you will probably do your own bottling and preserving, Jessica. I am sure you do it beautifully. I’m afraid my talents stop short of housekeeping. Still, I have other uses, I believe. “

Ezra laughed loudly and Joss smiled as though she had said something very witty.

My irritation was growing and my great desire was to get away from this woman, for among those talents she mentioned there was certainly one for maiding me feel unattractive. It was all the more galling because I felt that Joss was aiding and abetting her in this.

After lunch we settled down to see her collection. We went a, back into the shady parlour with its frills and femininity Isa’s room. We sat at a table and from a safe she took out the now familiar rolled-up cases. She had some magnificent I stones and she was clearly knowledgeable about them. They were of all varieties and all exquisite.

“I only want the very best,” she told me.

That’s what you have,” replied Joss. ” Coming from such a connoisseur that’s gratifying,” she said, smiling at him.

“Yes,” said Ezra, “Isa always wanted her collection to be the a best in Australia.”

“In the world,” she corrected him. ‘now . ”

She had taken a small case and opened it. She laid it on the table, and there on the black velvet in all its glory was the Harlequin Opal. I stared at it. It couldn’t be. It must be something similar and I was not experienced enough to see the difference. It couldn’t possibly be the Harlequin, for how could it have II come so soon into her possession ?

Isa chuckled.

“She recognizes it,” she said.

I looked up and caught joss’s eyes on me. He was watching me intently.

I stammered: “I thought it had a look of the Harlequin.”

“It is the Harlequin.”

“Oh… It’s certainly very beautiful.”

“Pick it up,” commanded Isa.

“Hold it in the palm of your hand. I know you love it. I saw by the way you looked at it before. Ifs a beauty. I reckon it’s one of the finest I have.”

“You are very fortunate to have such a stone,” I said.

“I have to thank my very good friend …” She was smiling at Joss, and I felt such cold anger in my heart that I was astonished at myself.

“Your… very good friend ?” I said.

“Dear joss! He knew how I coveted it. He gave it to me, didn’t he, Ezra?”

“It was a generous gift,” said Ezra complacently.

“How… interesting,” I said.

I put it back on the black velvet and hoped my fingers were not trembling with the rage which consumed me. I was shocked and angrier than I have ever been.

I glanced at Ezra. He did not seem in the least perturbed. How should a man feel when his wife accepted expensive gifts from another man?

The same as a woman would feel when her husband bestowed those gifts on another woman?

I heard myself say coolly: “So you acquired it after all. I know you wanted it badly.”

“I always get what I want, don’t I, Ezra ?”

“It seems so, my dear.”

“You certainly have a most interesting collection. Has it taken you many years to amass it?”

“Not really. Only since I came out here and married Ezra. Fifteen years or thereabouts, isn’t it, Ezra ?”

“Such a short time?” I said, pointedly implying that I thought it might have been longer, which was a feeble barb compared with the blow she had just delivered. I could see that Joss was amused by the asperity in my voice. I hated him.

The collection was put away and I thought: The object of the visit is over. We sat awhile and as I listened to their talk and now and then managed to join in, I kept seeing Isa’s tiger eyes and the smouldering response I fanced I detected in those of Joss.

It was a great relief to go down to the stables where Ezra took a fond farewell of Wattle, and then we rode back to Peacocks.

I was deep in thought and tried to keep aloof from Joss, but he rode beside me and insisted on walking our horses. “You’re silent,” he said.

You should have warned me that we were going there.

“I thought it would be a pleasant surprise. Isa made us very welcome, didn’t she?”

“Especially you.”

Well, she has known me for a long time. “

“And very well, I imagine.”

“Oh, we’re very old friends.”

“And she must be grateful to you. You give her such wonderful presents.”

“It’s rather a beauty, isn’t it?“

” I can agree with that. “

“Something has occurred to me. Is that rather pleasant little retrousse nose somewhat out of joint ?”

“What do you mean ?”

“You show such stem disapproval.”

“I thought it was an odd thing to do.”

“Did you want it? You did rather fancy it, I know, and now you are beginning to learn something through the good offices of Jeremy Dickson, you can recognize opal when you see it. You should have asked me for it. Who knows, I might have been persuaded to give it to you.”

“Unlike that woman, I have no wish to take expensive gifts from you.”

“Yet you seem rather angry because I gave it to her.”

“And what of that … so-called husband of hers?”

“He doesn’t really mind any more than my so-called wife does… or so I thought. I may be wrong.”

“I think it was a very foolish thing to do.”

“Why? She wanted it. She appreciated it. What’s wrong with giving people things they want ?”

“It seems to me very … unusual … to give someone’s wife such a present and then ask your own wife … who knew nothing about it … to applaud your action.”

“I didn’t ask you to applaud my action. What action of mine have you ever applauded?”

“It’s most unconventional.”

“We can’t always observe the conventions out here.”

‘you are that woman’s lover. “

He was silent.

“Are you?” I demanded.

“We have to be conventional, don’t we? Now it is considered right not to divulge the secrets of others. That’s the only reason why I don’t answer your question.”

“You have answered my question.”

“And you have shown me clearly that you disapprove of my actions. But have you any right? You don’t want me. You have rejected me. Can you take me to task if I look for affection elsewhere?”

I turned to look at him. His eyes were lowered in an expression of resignation. He was mocking me. When had he ever ceased to mock me?

I could endure no more. I started to gallop.

“Steady,” he called.

“Where do you think you’re going? You’ll be lost in the Bush if you go that way. Just follow me." So I followed him back to Peacocks.

I went straight to my room. I felt wretched and angry at the same time, and I tried to feed my anger because it was the only way to soothe my wretchedness.

He’s in love with Isa Bannock, I thought. Of course he would be. She’s feminine and attractive. She’s everything that I am not and she’s his mistress.

I lay on my bed and stared up at the ceiling.

I dislike him, I told myself. He’s arrogant and conceited, heartless and ruthless. He’s everything that I hate.

“Peacock,” I muttered.

“Nothing but a peacock flaunting your glory.”

But the flashing light of the Harlequin Opal had revealed something to me. I wouldn’t face it. At least I was trying not to, but how stupid that was. Why should I be so angry? Why should I care so much? Because I must face it because I knew it was true. I was either in love with him or fast getting into that terrifying state. It had taken his devotion to another woman to make me face up to what had been slowly revealed to me. I had so far refused to see the signs when I had looked for him, felt that certain exhilaration in his company which I could not find elsewhere. Why hadn’t I been wise enough to understand the true nature of this excessive hatred?

At least now I faced the truth. I was in love with Joss Madden, my own husband, and it made no difference to me what fresh revelations I discovered. He was everything that I should have thought I would most dislike in a man and yet I had to fall in love with him!

"Your are mad" maybe I was. Perhaps one sometimes is in love. I had been in my room for more than an hour considering this extraordinary situation which had burst upon me when there was a knock on my door. I called: “Come in,” and Mrs. Laud entered.

I “Oh,” she said, ‘you are resting. “

“No. I had not changed. It was so hot out today and we had ridden quite a distance.”

“Mr. Madden mentioned that you had taken luncheon with the Bannocks.”

“Yes.”

“I believe their cook is very good.”

"I'm sure she is. The food was delicious. “

“I had come to speak to you about the treasure hunt.” J< “I heard of it for the first time today.”

“I had thought Mr. Madden must have mentioned it. It’s an o: event which takes place every year. Mr. Henniker started it because he felt they were getting restive. He used to talk to me a great deal.”

“Do tell me more about the treasure hunt, Mrs. Laud.”

“Well, clues are made up and we make believe that the house is a desert island. The treasure is two opals of some value which have been found during the year. The servants make up the clues and place them. They’re very simple. Mr. Henniker used to think that it was good for the servants to have a part in it. They think about it for the whole year. It keeps their minds busy.”

“It’s interesting.”

“I help them, of course, because I don’t take an active part, though Mr. Henniker used to insist that I did sometimes.” She smiled reminiscently.

“So that part of it will be taken care of, but I wanted to discuss other arrangements with you. There’s always been a buffet supper and the guests have to be asked. Formal invitations are sent out. We like it done some time in advance because it gives people time to anticipate.”

“Who comes to the treasure hunt ?”

“All the heads of departments and people in the higher positions. There would be about sixty or seventy of them. Then a few days later there’s a different sort of celebration for the other workers. There are contests and prizes. Mr. II Henniker used to say: ” Bread and circuses are necessary to keep the people happy. ” He was full of sayings.”

“I dare say you could arrange all this without any help from me, Mrs. Laud. “

“Oh, I thought it only right and proper that you should know how we had conducted it in the past in case you wished to make new arrangements.”

“I’m sure I shan’t want to do that. I’m such a newcomer. I’d like to see how this one works and then for the next one if I have any suggestions to make that would be different.”

“I usually send to Sydney for what we need for the buffet. Then we do a good deal of the cooking here in the kitchens of course."

” You must please carry on as before. “

“I thought you would know how these things should be conducted … coming from such a good family …”

I looked at her in surprise and she lowered her eyes in the way to which I had become accustomed.

“Mr. Henniker confided in me a good deal. I heard Mr. Madden refer to Oakland Hall and your being one of the Claverings. I knew Mr. Henniker bought the house from them.”

“It’s true I was a Miss Clavering, but I never lived in Oakland Hall.

My family became impoverished. That was why they sold Oakland. “

“Oh, I know, but being one of the family I felt you would know how things should be done.”

“I’m not at all sure of that,” I replied.

“I think it would be better to leave this treasure hunt in your capable hands.”

“I’m glad you have no objections to us, Mrs. Madden.”

“Objections I How could I have? You’re so efficient.”

“I mean the whole family of us … living here and enjoying so many privileges.”

“I believe it is what Mr. Henniker would have wished.”

“Oh yes, he remembered us in his will. He was always fond of Jimson and Lilias. They were only children when we came here … Lilias nothing more than a baby. I will always be grateful to him. I was at my wits’ end. Jim-that was my husband-had been so close to me. I had thought it was a mistake to come out to Australia but Jim wanted to.

Then he died and there was I. homeless, penniless and Mr. Henniker came along. “

“It worked out very well, then.”

"Yes, it did for all those years. Then he died and I thought there’d be changes and when Mr. Madden came back with a wife. “

"You were all amazed, I know. But don’t worry. I’m very glad that you are here. I don't think I should do without you. “

She seemed overcome with emotion and said in a practical voice:

“Perhaps I could show you the draft of the invitations I’m sending to Sydney to get done. They’re the same every year.”

“Don’t bother to show me. just go ahead as you always have. I I’m sure that’s best.”

She looked at me so anxiously that I went on: “I’m really more interested in learning the affairs of the Company than running a house, Mrs. Laud.”

“You’re a very unusual lady. I realize that. I think you are the kind who will master what you set out to do. ”

” I hope so, Mrs. Laud,” I said. Then she went and left me with my thoughts.

I could not sleep that night. I kept thinking about that moment when Isa had unrolled the case and revealed the Harlequin Opal. He had known that she was going to show it to me. He had given her permission to do so. It occurred to me that he had taken me there for that purpose. It was tan tv amount to an act of defiance.

It meant: I don’t care for you any more than you care for me. And yet I fancied he did not like my growing friendship with Jeremy Dickson. How dared he resent something so a, innocent when his relations with Isa were far from innocent! And what did Ezra think? Was he prepared to stand aside for Joss because of the power Joss held with the Company? I What sort of husband was he? He seemed equally besotted ready to grant her every wish. What was the power she had over them? Hers was an evil sort of beauty. She was what was known as a siren, the sort who would lure men to destruction when all the time they knew that would be their end but they couldn’t resist it. I was more upset than I would have believed possible, but the revelation was clear. In spite of everything I had allowed myself to be caught up in some sort of fascination. While I hated him, I wanted him to be near me, to take my hands, to laugh at me, to thrust aside my resistance. What had happened to me?

If it had not been for Isa . But what was the use of saying that? Isa was there. She existed. It had taken my jealousy to reveal the true state of my feelings.

I dozed fitfully and dreamed we were all sitting round the table and Isa unrolled the case and showed us the Harlequin Opal.

“Look at it,” she said, and I looked into the fire that extended all across the table and in it I could see pictures. I saw myself and Joss and Joss was saying: “Of what use are you to me? You are no wife. I don’t want you. I want Isa. You are in the way. If you weren’t here the Green Flash would be mine. You’re in the way … in the way …”

I felt his hands about my throat and I awoke calling out.

I lay in the darkness trembling.

It was only a dream, I assured myself. But as I lay in the darkness the thought came to me that the dream was a warning. There was something strange about Peacocks. If Ben had been here it would have been different He would have blown draughts of fresh air through the place, blowing away . I knew’ not what.

How I longed for Ben. I could have explained to him how I felt. The Lauds with their meek unobtrusiveness were pale shadows of people, and it seemed to me that all of them were living two lives-the real one which I didn’t see and the shadow one which I did. Both Jimson and Lilias seemed afraid of their mother . not exactly afraid . protective, was it? I suppose that was natural, and yet. And then as I lay there I heard the sound of footsteps outside my door as I had heard them before. Someone was prowling out there . right outside my door now. I got out of bed and sat on it, watching the door. I had locked it as I always did.

In the faint moonlight I saw the handle slowly turning.

There was a brief silence and then the sound of retreating footsteps.

I lay still, trembling, wondering what would have happened if the door had not been locked.