Chapter 7
Joanna Southwood said, "And suppose he's a terrible tough?"
Linnet shook her head. "Oh, he won't be. I can trust Jacqueline's taste."
Joanna murmured, "Ah, but people don't run true to form in love affairs."
Linnet shook her head impatiently. Then she changed the subject. "I must go and see Mr Pierce
about those plans!"
"Plans?"
"Yes, some dreadful insanitary old cottages. I'm having them pulled down and the people moved."
"How sanitary¹ and public-spirited of you, darling!"
"They'd have had to go anyway. Those cottages would have overlooked my new swimming pool."
"Do the people who lived in them like going?"
"Most of them are delighted. One or two are being rather stupid about it - really tiresome² in fact.
They don't seem to realize how vastly improved their living conditions will be!"
"But you're being quite high-handed about it, I presume."
"My dear Joanna, it's to their advantage really."
"Yes, dear, I'm sure it is. Compulsory³ benefit."
Linnet frowned. Joanna laughed.
"Come now, you are a tyrant⁴, admit it. A beneficent tyrant if you like!"
"I'm not the least bit a tyrant."
"But you like your own way!"
"Not especially."
"Linnet Ridgeway, can you look me in the face and tell me of any one occasion on which you've
failed to do exactly as you wanted?"
"Heaps of times."
"Oh, yes, 'heaps of times' - just like that - but no concrete example. And you simply can't think up
one, darling, however hard you try! The triumphal progress of Linnet Ridgeway in her golden car."
Linnet said sharply, "You think I'm selfish?"
"No - just irresistible⁵. The combined effect of money and charm. Everything goes down before
you. What you can't buy with cash you buy with a smile. Result: Linnet Ridgeway, the Girl Who
Has Everything."
"Don't be ridiculous, Joanna!"
"Well, haven't you got everything?"

分享到：