"People generally are," said Meldon. "In fact, I've hardly ever met any one who wasn't. I happen just now to know of a really excellent girl, called Sabina. With a little training she'd make a first-rate cook. She's first cousin to the red-haired girl who's with Mr. Simpkins. That's a recommendation in itself."
"Is it? Who is Mr. Simpkins? Oh, of course, he's the man from whom I took the house."
"A capital fellow," said Meldon; "young, strong, and vigorous. The sort of man," he sank his voice impressively, "that it would take a lot to kill."
Miss King seemed moderately interested.
"But why do you think," she said, "that his servant's first cousin—"
"Sabina is her name," said Meldon. "It's a very attractive name, isn't it?"
"Yes. But why do you think it likely that Mr. Simpkins' servant's first cousin can cook?"
"He's a most particular man," said Meldon; "fidgety to a degree about having everything quite right, always worrying the life out of his servants, which is excellent for them, of course; but, well, if he was married"—he sank his voice again—"I expect his wife would consider herself quite justified in killing him. I daresay he'll be up to call on you this afternoon."
"If he's as bad as that," said Miss King, "I had better go in and tidy my hair before he comes."
"Perhaps you had," said Meldon.