“A couple of times within the last week.”
“Why did you not report them?” The question came a bit sharply.
“Just carelessness, I suppose,” admitted Katharine frankly. “We never bother about things until they are entirely out of commission. You see we’re always just getting back from somewhere, or going out to something; so we really don’t have much time.” Katharine grinned in a friendly manner at the stern woman behind the desk; nothing could disturb or subdue Katharine. Dean Walters made a few notes on a small pad, then turned to Patricia.
“Tell me exactly where you were last night, and every detail of your evening.”
Slowly and coherently Patricia furnished the desired information, and then paused, hoping with all her heart that she would not be questioned further. False hope.
“You say you were in your room for a short time before the fire broke out. Did you notice anything out of the ordinary then?”
Patricia flushed up to the roots of her hair, opened her lips, and then closed them again.
“I see that you did,” commented the Dean quickly. “Let me have all the facts, please.”
Reluctantly Patricia told about the man she had seen, and his odd actions.
“Describe him,” ordered Dean Walters, making notes rapidly.