"I don't think you need fear, Constance. There have been no burglars down here. Besides, you have a footman, and a coachman, and a gardener. With three men you are quite safe."
"I'm sure I hope so, dear. But one never knows. When do you expect Mr. Hill back?"
"In a few days. I don't know what he's doing. He refuses to tell me anything until he finds some definite clue. But I have his address, and can write to him when I want to."
"His father is in town also--so Mrs. Hill told me."
"Yes, Mr. Hill went up before Allen. I believe he has gone to some sale to buy ancient musical instruments."
"Dear me," said Mrs. Palmer, "what rubbish that man does spend his money on. What's the use of buying instruments you can't play on? I dare say he'll try to, though, for Mr. Hill is the queerest man I ever set eyes on."
"He is strange," said Eva gravely. She did not wish to tell Mrs. Palmer that she disliked the little man, for after all he was Allen's father, and there was no need to say anything. "But Mr. Hill is very clever."
"So they say. But he worries me. He's always got some new idea in his head. I think he changes a thousand times a day. Mrs. Merry doesn't like him, but then she likes no one, not even me."
"Poor nurse," said Eva sadly, "she has had an unhappy life."
"I don't think you have had a bright one, dear; but you shall have, if I can make it so. Are you sure you have everything you want?"