"And how many people have been hanged on evidence which has afterwards been proved incorrect?" retorted Mrs. Parry. "I don't care how certain they are of her guilt. In my opinion she is an innocent woman. I am glad she has escaped."
"I am not sorry myself," sighed the other. "I was fond of Anne, for she had many good points. But Mr. Steel says——"
"Who is Mr. Steel?"
"The detective who has charge of the case."
"I thought the police from Chelmsford had it in hand."
"Of course, Mr. Morley sent for the police the morning after poor Daisy's death. That is three days ago. To-morrow the inquest is to be held. I suppose they will bring a verdict against poor Miss Denham."
"Ha!" said Mrs. Parry, rubbing her nose, "and my greengrocer is on the jury. Much he knows about the matter. But this Steel creature. Where does he come from?"
"Mr. Morley sent to London for him. He has a private inquiry office, I believe."
"No such thing," contradicted Mrs. Parry, "he is from Scotland Yard. A genuine detective—none of your makeshifts."
"I thought you knew nothing about him?"