"Well," said Blacklock, "our business seems over."
He felt he had spoken a little more abruptly than he intended, and would have liked to repeat his observations in a more genial tone.
"Yes," said she almost as casually, "there is nothing more to be done to-night, I suppose."
"I shall have to write up my report of our friend Mr Belke's life and last words," said he with a half laugh.
"And I have got to get over to Mrs Brown's," she replied, "and so I had better go at once."
"Oh, there's no such desperate hurry," he said hastily; "I haven't much to write up to-night. We must have some supper first."
"Yes," she agreed, "I suppose we shall begin to feel hungry soon if we don't. I'll see about it. What would you like?"
"The cold ham and a couple of boiled eggs will suit me."
She agreed again.
"That won't take long, and then you can begin your report."