and sat down to eggs and bacon. The bacon was rather cold.

 

“You’ve had an early call,” remarked Caroline.

 

“Yes,” I said. “King’s Paddock. Mrs. Ferrars.”

 

“I know,” said my sister.

 

“How did you know?”

 

“Annie told me.”

 

Annie is the house parlormaid. A nice girl, but an inveterate talker.

 

There was a pause. I continued to eat eggs and bacon. My sister’s nose, which is

long and thin, quivered a little at the tip, as it always does when she is

interested or excited over anything.

 

“Well?” she demanded.

 

“A bad business. Nothing to be done. Must have died in her sleep.”

 

“I know,” said my sister again.

 

This time I was annoyed.