“She gave notice yesterday, I believe.”
“To you?”
“Oh, no. I have nothing to do with the servants. Miss Russell attends to the household matters.”
The inspector remained lost in thought for a minute or two. Then he nodded his head and remarked, “I think I’d better have a word with Miss Russell, and I’ll see the girl Dale as well.”
Poirot and I accompanied him to the housekeeper’s room. Miss Russell received us with her usual sang-froid.
Elsie Dale had been at Fernly five months. A nice girl, quick at her duties, and most respectable. Good references. The last girl in the world to take anything not belonging to her.
What about the parlormaid?
“She, too, was a most superior girl. Very quiet and ladylike. An excellent worker.”
“Then why is she leaving?” asked the inspector.
Miss Russell pursed up her lips.