Chapter 56

“What is it, Joseph?” I asked. “Do these women imagine these things? Or is somebody getting into the house?” “They’re very nervous, madam. And nothing has been taken.” I looked at him. It seemed to me that he stood not so erect as formerly; that he looked older and very tired. And lately I had noticed that he was less certain in his movements, slightly inco-ordinate. I put my hand on his arm. “This is wearing on you, Joseph,” I said. “Would you like a vacation? I daresay we could manage.” But he shook his head. “Th…