"Leave! Why he ain't never come since the flat was took."
"And when was that?"
"On the fourth of August, sir. My memory ain't of the best, and I only recollect the date because it was on that day, sir, that this here 'orrible war broke out. The fourth of August was the date, or I ain't never been married, which I've lived to repent ever since the very moment the ring was put on me finger."
Crouch sat silent for a moment, mersed in thought, filling the room with clouds of his evil-smelling tobacco smoke.
"How is it," he asked at length, "that none of the other flats in the building have been taken?"
"There's no knowing," said the old woman. "But the fact is, that since August no one, saving yourself, ain't been near the place."
Crouch drew a whistle and looked across at Jimmy; then, once more, he turned to Mrs. Wycherley.
"And what about Emily Jane?" he asked.
"She was took bad three weeks ago, and ain't left her bed for a fortnight. And it's my solemn belief as all her blood's turned to water."
Whereupon, as the old woman showed signs of tears, Crouch thought it advisable to change the subject; which he did with great dexterity.