It occurred to them at this juncture, that the maid-of-all-work below-stairs might possibly impart some information as to the exact time when the young lady left the house. They rang for that domestic accordingly, and bewildered her with a variety of questions in vain.
Had she seen Miss Algernon during the morning? She was to think, and take time, and answer without being frightened.
"Miss Algernon! Lor! that was her as come here most days, along o' him," with a backward nod at Dick. "No--she hadn't a-seen her to-day, she was sure. Not particler, that was. Not more nor any other day."
"Had she seen her at all?"
"O, yes! she'd seen her at all. In course, you know, she couldn't be off of seeing her at all!"
"When did she see her?"
"When? O! last week, every day a'most. And the week afore that too! She wasn't a-goin' to tell a lie!"
"Then she hadn't seen her this morning?"
"Yes, she'd seen her this morning. When she come in, you know, along o' the other gentleman." Here a dive of the shock head at Simon, and symptoms of approaching emotion.
"Why you said you hadn't at first!" exclaimed Dick, perplexed and provoked.