‘We have your statement and your address, I think, Mr. Symonds?’
‘Yes, sir,’ answered the seafaring gentleman, ‘my address when ashore; but I ain’t often there. I’m mostly a little beyond the four-mile radius.’
Mr. Limpet smiled condescendingly.
‘Then for the present we can spare you, Mr. Symonds. The firm will see you compensated for any trouble you may be put to.’
‘Thank you, cap’en and gen’l’men, one and all,’ said Mr. Symonds; ‘and good-morning, ladies—yours most obedient.’
Mr. Symonds made a leg, swung his hat in the nautical manner and rolled out of the room.
‘Mrs. Turvey, for the present I hope you will remain in charge of the house now we have found a woman to be with you.’
‘Yes, sir,’ answered Mrs. Turvey; ‘I don’t mind now I’ve company; and I never was afeard of human beings; but ghosts I was not brought up to, and never shall be.’
‘Certainly not, my dear madam,’ said Limpet. ‘We will send to you again when necessary. Good-morning.’
Mrs. Turvey rose to go. She curtseyed, and led Topsy to the door.