Hamel dined simply but comfortably. Mrs. Cox cleared away the things, brought him his coffee, and appeared a few minutes later, her shawl wrapped around her, ready for departure.
“I shall be here at seven o’clock in the morning, sir,” she announced.
Hamel was a little startled. He withdrew the pip from his mouth and looked at her.
“Why, of course,” he remarked. “I’d forgotten. There is no place for you to stay here.”
“I shall go back to my brother’s.” she said.
Hamel put some money upon the table.
“Please get anything that is necessary,” he directed. “I shall leave you to do the housekeeping for a few days.”
“Shall you be staying here long, sir?” she asked.
“I am not sure,” he replied.
“I do not suppose,” she said, “that you will stay for very long. I shall get only the things that you require from day to day. Good night, sir.”