"Yes," replied Gebb, becoming as curt and as business-like as herself, "you can give me a trifle of information."
"Can I?" said Miss Wedderburn, dryly. "That entirely depends upon my humour and what you want to know. Also, why you what to know it. Who are you?"
"My name is Absalom Gebb."
"I am no wiser," interrupted the girl, with pointed insolence.
"Of New Scotland Yard, Detective," finished Gebb, coolly.
This time his reply made a decided impression on his hitherto cool auditor. The rich colouring of her face vanished as by magic, and she became pale even to the lips. Nevertheless, she forced herself to smile with some composure, and controlled her emotion by a powerful effort of will. Startled as she was, she even attempted to speak lightly.
"And what does Mr. Absalom Gebb, Detective, wish with me?" she said in a low voice, her eyes fixed on the man's face.
"He wishes to ask you a few questions," said Gebb in the same vein.
"About what? About whom?"
"About Miss Ligram."