She lowered her voice as they walked upstairs, and said:
'To tell the real truth, she gave me a shiver down the spine. I believe that girl capable of anything. That dark skin with those pale blue eyes! I strongly suspect she has a touch of the tarbrush.'
'My dear! Nonsense. You can't have looked at her fine little features and her white hands.'
'Why is she so dark?'
'There may have been Italian or Spanish blood in her family,' said
Edith, laughing. 'It's not a symptom of crime.'
'There may, indeed,' replied Madame Frabelle in a tone of deep meaning, as they reached the door of her room. 'But, mark my words, Edith, that's a dangerous woman!'
* * * * *
An event had occurred in the Ottley household during their absence. Archie had brought home a dog and implored his mother to let him keep it.
'What sort of dog is it?' asked Edith.
'Come and look at it. It isn't any particular sort. It's just a dog.'