Ход королевы
Chapter 13
Bethlookedatherfaceinprofile,withitsAfrograzingatthetopofthecarinterior,athersmoothbrownarmsouttowherehersteadyhandsheldthewheel,attheangercloudingherface,andsaidnothing.
AminutelaterJolenesaid,“Well,now.Thereitis.”
Aboutamileaheadtotherightoftheroadstoodthreedarkbrickbuildingswithblackroofsandblackwindowshutters.TheMethuenHomeforOrphanedChildren.
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Ayellow-paintedwoodenstairwayattheendofaconcretepathledtothebuilding.Oncethestepshadlookedbroadandimposingtoher,andthetarnishedbrassplaquehadseemedasternwarning.Nowitlookedlikeonlytheentrancetoashabbyprovincialinstitution.Thepaintonthestepswaspeeling.Thebushesthatflankedthemweregrubby,andtheirleaveswerecoveredwithdust.Jolenewasintheplayground,lookingovertherustyswingsandtheoldslidethattheyhadnotbeenallowedtouseexceptwhenFergussenwastheretosupervise.Bethstoodonthepathinthesunlight,studyingthewoodendoors.InsidewasMrs.Deardorff’sbigofficeandtheotherofficesand,fillingonewholewing,thelibraryandthechapel.Thereweretwoclassroomsintheotherwing,andpastthemwasthedoorattheendofthehallwaythatledtothebasement.
ShehadcometoaccepttheSunday-morningchessgamesasherprerogative.Untilthatday.ItstillconstrictedherthroattorememberthesilenttableaufollowingMrs.Deardorff’svoiceshouting“Elizabeth!”andthecascadeofpillsandfragmentedglass.Thennomorechess.
