“That will do. I don’t require any further remarks. I am weary, and shall be glad to seek repose. When you are ready I am.”
“Oh, dear me, ma’am, of course I am at your service now. Dear me, my heart’s in my mouth, and I come all over with a cold shiver. A burglar! I never heard of such audacity. I am so sorry, ma’am.”
“Hold your tongue, do,” said Mrs. Metcalf. “I will go to bed at once, if you please.”
CHAPTER CV.
THE TWO DETECTIVES—CAPTURE OF A SMASHER—PASSAGES IN THE LIFE OF A DETECTIVE.
Charles Peace, as he wended his way homewards after his escapade at Mr. Metcalf’s house, was almost bewildered with the singular adventure that had taken place.
He could not in any way account for the altered position of the girl whom he had been so intimately acquainted with years before at Bradford.
He could not fail to understand that she was altered in every way. Her manners did not appear to resemble those of the mill-hand who was at one time his constant companion.
How the metamorphosis had taken place, and how she was able to assume the grace and demeanour of a well-bred woman to such perfection, was a matter he could not account for.
He felt ashamed of himself, if he ever had any shame in him. The better term would perhaps be that he was deeply mortified.