Mr. Wrench burst out into a loud laugh.
“Oh, dear me, no. Harm indeed! Of course not. What could have put that into your head?”
“Oh, I begs parding, sir. Meant no offence, but I should be sorry to get anybody into trouble.”
“You are not likely to do that. Now answer me one question before you go. See, here are five sovereigns, if you answer me truly.”
Mrs. Mumms was astounded at the sight of five sovereigns. Her breath seemed to be taken away.
“Do you consent?” cried her companion in a severe tone.
“What do you want me to do?”
“Speak the truth, that’s all. Mr. Gatliffe and Miss Stanbridge occupy one bedroom when he visits the house. I know they do, but that is one thing—I want to hear it from your lips.”
Mrs. Mumms took up the corner of her apron with which she wiped her lips, then her nose, and lastly her eyes.
“You hear what I say. Give me the desired information and the five pounds are yours. Why need you hesitate? If you won’t tell me I shall have no difficulty in finding somebody who will, possibly for a tenth part of this sum.”