Read 1965 - The Way the Cookie Crumbles for Free Online

said.
    Phil Algir came into the room, his straw hat in his hand. His handsome face carried just the right expression of sorrow, friendliness and consideration that immediately appealed to Graham. Algir’s clothes also met with the doctor’s approval. Here, obviously, was a man of substance whose sincerity plainly showed on his face.
    ‘I’m sorry to have to call on you so early,’ Algir said in his rich baritone. He allowed himself a slight, sober smile. ‘I can imagine, with the end of term so close, you must be fully occupied. But unhappily this is an emergency and I thought I should come at once.’
    ‘Yes, of course,’ Dr. Graham waved to a chair. ‘Do sit down. How is Mrs. Devon?’
    Algir sat down and shook his head.
    ‘She’s very bad, I’m afraid. Have you broken the news to Norena yet?’
    ‘Yes, I have done that. She is naturally shocked, but I didn’t tell her the worst.’
    ‘I’m afraid it could be the worst. We should hurry. Even now, we could be too late.’
    ‘She’s ready, I’m sure.’ Graham rang the bell on his desk. ‘In which hospital is Mrs. Devon?’
    Ready for this question, Algir said glibly, ‘I don’t know. It was all rather hurried. Mr. Edris forgot to tell me. I propose driving first to his place, and then to the hospital. I will see you are kept informed, doctor.’
    The maid came to the door.
    ‘Please tell Miss Devon we are ready,’ Graham said.
    When the maid had gone, Algir got to his feet and crossed over to the big window. He had to divert Graham’s attention and avoid any embarrassing questions. He looked out at the school grounds.
    ‘Nice place you have here, doctor. I’m glad to see it. I often get clients asking for a good school for their daughters. I’ll be happy to recommend your school.’
    Graham beamed.
    ‘That’s very kind of you, Mr. Tebbel. Perhaps you would care to have some copies of our prospectus?’
    ‘Certainly.’
    Dr. Graham produced several printed folders which Algir took and began to examine. His interested questions kept Graham’s attention from Norena.
    Finally, there came a knock on the door. Graham crossed the room and opened the door.
    ‘Come in, Norena. Mr. Tebbel is here.’
    The girl came in and stood awkwardly just inside the room. She was wearing a grey pleated skirt, a white shirt and a small black hat and black shoes. She carried over her arm a short coat to match the skirt. She looked what she was, a seriously minded College girl going somewhere in her best clothes.
    Graham saw she had been weeping. Her eyes behind
    the lenses of her glasses were red-rimmed and swollen.
    She was very pale, but in control of herself and she managed a faint smile as Algir crossed the room, his own smile friendly but sober.
    ‘We have never met, Norena,’ he said, offering his hand. ‘I have looked after your mother’s affairs for some time now. She has often talked to me about you. I wish we could have met under happier circumstances.’
    ‘Yes, Mr. Tebbel,’ Norena said and looked away, struggling to control the emotion that surged over her.
    ‘We’ll get off,’ Algir said, turning to Graham. ‘I’ll telephone you as soon as I have some news.’ He turned to Norena. ‘The car’s at the door. Will you go on ahead?’
    Graham took the girl’s hand.
    ‘Goodbye, Norena. You mustn’t worry. It’ll come out all right. It generally does.’
    ‘Goodbye, doctor and thanks.’ She turned quickly and left the room.
    ‘Is her luggage ready?’ Algir asked. ‘I don’t think she’ll be coming back. This is her last term, isn’t it?’
    ‘Yes, it’s her last term. She’s only packed a bag. I’ll have the rest of her things sent on to her home.’
    ‘Fine. I’ll get off. Well, let’s hope.’
    The two men shook hands, then Algir hurried down the steps and got into the Buick by Norena’s side. He sent the car down the long drive-in and out on to the Alain Street. He drove with restrained care through Greater Miami. He itched