"For three months," replied Mrs. Presk, referring to a dingy little book with which she had furnished herself, in anticipation of the ordeal. "She came to me on the first of May last; she left here--for heaven, I hope--on the twenty-fourth day of July; so, as you can see for yourself, Mr. Gebb, she has been with me two months and twenty-four days, neither more nor less; and there ain't no Court of Law as I'd swear different in."
"She came in answer to an advertisement, I suppose?"
"No, she didn't," contradicted the widow. "I don't advertise: it's low. I put a card in the window, and it was that card which made Miss Ligram apply here for board and lodging. She applied," continued Mrs. Presk, consulting her book, "on the twenty-ninth of April, and I agreed to take her on the thirtieth; so that she entered my house on the first of May."
"Why two days' delay?"
"Because I couldn't make up my mind about taking her in."
"She offered you too little?"
"On the contrary, Mr. Gebb, she offered me too much."
"No wonder you thought her eccentric," said the detective, with irony; "but kindly explain the position more fully."
"I asked her three pound a week for parlour, bedroom, fire, and light, which is little enough, I'm sure, as everything in my house is of the best To my surprise. Miss Ligram offered to pay me six--just double--on condition that I allowed her to dismantle the front room, and refurnish it herself."
"Did she give any reason for this singular request?"