"Did you mention to anybody that you saw her?"
"I did not," replied the girl, as if the matter were one of supreme indifference to her.
"Why not?"
"I suppose Miss Rath is free to go where she pleases," said the girl airily. "She's privileged. When she used to live here she had the run of the house, just like one of the family. Tain't my business to question her comings and goings."
"Oh, Miss Rath used to live here, did she? How long ago?"
"Till about two years ago, before she went to business."
"And how long did she live here?"
"It must have been a good seven years or more," said Milly, considering. "She come here as a little girl when her mother come as housekeeper. Miss Heredith took a great fancy to her, and she was made quite a pet of the house, and did just what she liked. When she grew up she used to help her mother, and do little things about the house. But she never gave herself airs—I will say that."
"Very well. You may go now."
"Caldew," said Merrington quickly as the door closed behind the girl, "go and find the housekeeper and send her in here. And then keep an eye on her daughter, and do not let her out of your sight, until I send for you. Then bring her in."