Hallett did not seem satisfied, but he was too much of a gentleman to push his questions home, and the matter dropped. The old tenant of the house moved out at once; Mary had a charwoman at work for a general clean up, and ended by dismissing her for smelling of gin, and doing the cleaning herself; and before a fortnight was over the change had been made, and I was able to congratulate myself on a capital arrangement.
“You think it is now,” I said, “Hallett, don’t you?”
“I do now, Antony,” he said, “for more reasons than one.”
“What do you mean?” I said; for he looked very peculiar and stern.
“I have seen that man hanging about here once or twice.”
“Mr Lister?”
He nodded.
“Oh, but surely that is all over. He would never dare.”
“He hates me, I am sure, Antony,” he replied, “and would do anything to injure me; and, besides, such a man as that would not lightly give up his plans.”
“But Linny dislikes him now, I am sure,” I said.