"Never mind your mother just now," said Merrington, as the girl bent over as though to sooth her. "Please return to your seat and answer my questions."
Hazel turned round at the sound of his voice, but stood where she was, regarding him anxiously.
"You stayed here last night with your mother, I understand?" Merrington continued.
"Yes."
"When did you arrive here?"
"Yesterday afternoon."
"Where from?"
"From Stading, by train. I had an afternoon off, and I came to see my mother."
"How long is it since you visited her previously?"
"It must be about three months," said Hazel, after a short reflection.