"What is it?"
"You have just left 9 Durley Road?"
"Y-yes."
"I'm a detective officer. I'm engaged in watching the house. Have you any complaint to make?"
"I don't wish to, thank you."
"We know all sorts of things go on, but it's difficult to get evidence."
"I don't care to give you any because—because—"
"I understand, ma'm," said the man kindly. "I know what trouble is."
Mavis was feeling so physically and mentally low with all she had gone through, that the man's kindly words made the tears course down her cheeks.
She wiped them away, resettled the baby in her arms, and walked sorrowfully up the road, followed by the sympathetic glance of the plain-clothes detective.