"What did she call for?"
Bridgewater was silent.
"I repeat," said Miss Hancock, speaking as an examiner might speak to a candidate, "I repeat, what did she call for? You surely must have some inkling."
"I am afraid she called about nothing. I'm afraid so, very much afraid so."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm afraid, Miss Patience, it was an assignation."
"How long did she stay?"
"About twenty minutes; but that is not the worst."
"Go on."