“Oh, certainly. Absolutely.”

 

I got away at last, after being forced to listen to more justifications of her

conduct.

 

The parlormaid was in the hall, and it was she who helped me on with my

overcoat. I observed her more closely than I had done heretofore. It was clear

that she had been crying.

 

“How is it,” I asked, “that you told us that Mr. Ackroyd sent for you on Friday

to his study? I hear now that it was _you_ who asked to speak to _him_?”

 

For a minute the girl’s eyes dropped before mine.

 

Then she spoke.

 

“I meant to leave in any case,” she said uncertainly.

 

I said no more. She opened the front door for me. Just as I was passing out, she

said suddenly in a low voice:—

 

“Excuse me, sir, is there any news of Captain Paton?”

 

I shook my head, looking at her inquiringly.