"About five months."
"I take it that she doesn't give entire satisfaction," said Hemingway. "Would you mind telling me if her references were all in order?"
"I'm afraid I can't help you over that. I engaged her on the recommendation of Mr. Seaton-Carew."
"Is that so, madam? Was Miss Birtley a friend of his?"
"Mr. Seaton-Carew had - most kindly - interested himself on her behalf. A form of charity rather than of friendship. I should have said that Miss Birtley cordially disliked Mr. Seaton-Carew. It would be better, perhaps, if you questioned Miss Birtley her self I am very reluctant to say anything more about her than that she is in my employment, and that while she has been with me I have had no reason to complain of her conduct. Now, if that is all - ?"
"Not quite, madam. How long have you known Mr. Seaton-Carew?"
She had made as if to rise from her chair, but she relaxed again. "For very many years. He was a close friend of my husband's - almost one of the family. Since my husband's death, twelve years ago, he has advised me on business matters. His death has been a terrible shock to me: I can scarcely realise it yet. I find it very painful to be obliged to discuss it."
"I'm sure you must," agreed Hemingway sympathetically. "I understand he dined with you tonight?"
"Yes, he did."
"Was there any sort of disagreement between you, madam?"