Free Third Girl by Agatha Christie

might say.”
    Frances gave another enormous yawn.
    â€œI was up too late last night,” she said. “At Basil’s party. I feel dreadful. Oh well, I suppose black coffee will be helpful. Have some more before I’ve drunk it all? Basil would make us try some new pills—Emerald Dreams. I don’t think it’s really worth trying all these silly things.”
    â€œYou’ll be late at your gallery,” said Claudia.
    â€œOh well, I don’t suppose it matters much. Nobody notices or cares.
    â€œI saw David last night,” she added. “He was all dressed up and really looked rather wonderful.”
    â€œNow don’t say you’re falling for him, too, Fran. He really is too awful. ”
    â€œOh, I know you think so. You’re such a conventional type, Claudia.”
    â€œNot at all. But I cannot say I care for all your arty set. Trying out all these drugs and passing out or getting fighting mad.”
    Frances looked amused.
    â€œI’m not a drug fiend, dear—I just like to see what these things are like. And some of the gang are all right. David can paint, you know, if he wants to.”
    â€œDavid doesn’t very often want to, though, does he?”
    â€œYou’ve always got your knife into him, Claudia…You hate him coming here to see Norma. And talking of knives….”
    â€œWell? Talking of knives?”
    â€œI’ve been worrying,” said Frances slowly, “whether to tell you something or not.”
    Claudia glanced at her wristwatch.
    â€œI haven’t got time now,” she said. “You can tell me thisevening if you want to tell me something. Anyway, I’m not in the mood. Oh dear,” she sighed, “I wish I knew what to do.”
    â€œAbout Norma?”
    â€œYes. I’m wondering if her parents ought to know that we don’t know where she is….”
    â€œThat would be very unsporting. Poor Norma, why shouldn’t she slope off on her own if she wants to?”
    â€œWell, Norma isn’t exactly—” Claudia stopped.
    â€œNo, she isn’t, is she? Non compos mentis. That’s what you meant. Have you rung up that terrible place where she works? ‘Homebirds,’ or whatever it’s called? Oh yes, of course you did. I remember.”
    â€œSo where is she?” demanded Claudia. “Did David say anything last night?”
    â€œDavid didn’t seem to know. Really, Claudia, I can’t see that it matters.”
    â€œIt matters for me,” said Claudia, “because my boss happens to be her father. Sooner or later, if anything peculiar has happened to her, they’ll ask me why I didn’t mention the fact that she hadn’t come home.”
    â€œYes, I suppose they might pitch on you. But there’s no real reason, is there, why Norma should have to report to us every time she’s going to be away from here for a day or two. Or even a few nights. I mean, she’s not a paying guest or anything. You’re not in charge of the girl.”
    â€œNo, but Mr. Restarick did mention he felt glad to know that she had got a room here with us.”
    â€œSo that entitles you to go and tittle-tattle about her everytime she’s absent without leave? She’s probably got a crush on some new man.”
    â€œShe’s got a crush on David,” said Claudia. “Are you sure she isn’t holed up at his place?”
    â€œOh, I shouldn’t think so. He doesn’t really care for her, you know.”
    â€œYou’d like to think he doesn’t,” said Claudia. “You are rather sweet on David yourself.”
    â€œCertainly not,” said Frances sharply. “Nothing of the kind.”
    â€œDavid’s really keen on her,” said Claudia. “If not, why did he come round looking for her here the other day?”
    â€œ You soon marched him out again,” said Frances. “I think,” she added,