Fanks glanced at his watch. It was a quarter past two, so this unknown woman might be expected in a short space of time. Fanks was curious to see her and to learn the reason of her coming; as it might be that she was indirectly connected with the case. As yet there was no woman mixed up in the matter with the doubtful exception of Mrs. Boazoph; but from long experience Fanks was sure that the necessary element would yet appear. It seemed as though his expectations were about to be realised.
"Was she a lady, Maxwell, or an imitation of one?"
"A real lady, sir; she gave me half a sov., sir."
"You had no business to take the money," he said, half smiling at Maxwell's definition of what was a real lady.
"I couldn't help it, sir," said Maxwell, piteously, "she would give it to me, sir. I am ready to return it, sir, if she should come back."
"Well! We shall see; show her into the sitting-room if she calls again; has that valet been out to-day?"
"No, sir; he seems too frightened to go out. He does nothing but go about the 'ouse 'owling. A poor miserable thing, Mr. Fanks."
"Has he said much to you?"
"Never a word, sir; he 'olds his tongue and 'owls; that's all."
This behaviour of the servant struck Fanks as strange; but he did not make any comment thereon to the policeman. Again desiring Maxwell to show the young lady into the room when she called, he went in search of Garth. To his surprise he found the barrister alone.