It seemed to Captain Stanhill that the tension of the housekeeper's face relaxed, and that a look of relief came into her eyes, as though the question were different from the one she had expected.
"I did not tell you a lie," she replied, in a firmer tone. "I sent in all the servants who were in the house at the time. Milly was not at home."
"Where was she?"
"She went across to the village to see her mother, who is ill."
"With your permission, I presume?"
"Yes."
"Why did you permit her to go?"
"The girl's mother was very ill, and needed her daughter."
"You let her go, although I had told you I wanted to question all the servants?"
"No, it was before you told me that I gave Milly permission to have the morning off," responded Mrs. Rath quietly.