"Doggott," he asked in an even, toneless voice, "have you ever mentioned to anybody your suspicion about Mr. Rutton's race?"
"Only to you, sir."
"That's good. And you won't?"
"No, sir."
"Have you," continued Amber, looking away and speaking slowly, "ever heard him mention his marriage?"
"Never, sir. 'E says in that paper 'e was a widower; I fancy the lady must have died before I entered 'is service. 'E was always a lonely man, all the fifteen year I've been with 'im, keepin' very much to 'imself, sir."
"He never spoke of a—daughter?"
"No, sir. Didn't 'e say 'e was childless?"
"Yes. I merely wondered…. Tell me, now, do you know of any letters or papers of his that we should destroy? If there are any, he would wish us to."
"'E never 'ad many, sir. What letters 'e got 'e answered right away and destroyed 'em. There was a little packet in 'is trunk, but I see that's gone."