“How long did this state of things continue?”
“I told you, sir, that the young woman died about two weeks ago. She was buried at Oak Hill Cemetery. Miss Fronde paid all the funeral expenses and adopted the orphan. I have often heard that childless people often love their adopted children as well or better than if they had been born their own. I do think this was the case with Miss Fronde. Young as she was, she took to this little five-year-old orphan as if she had been the widow, and it was her own and only child. Yes, sir, it is wonderful to see. Her heart is just wrapped up in that mite. I really do think it would grieve her to death if she were to lose it. I did wonder at it; but I said to myself it is because she is alone in the world—not knowing anything about her engagement to you, sir, you must recollect.”
“When did Miss Fronde leave here for Goblin Hall?”
“Nearly two weeks ago, sir; a few days after the funeral.”
“Taking the child with her?”
“Yes, sir. I told you so.”
“And no one else?”
“No, sir. I told you that also.”
“Had Miss Fronde any visitors while here?”
“No, sir.”