“In other words,” said Steingall, “you were deliberately reared to fill a higher social station, and then, for no assignable reason, save a whim, compelled to sink to a much lower level?”
“I do not know. I never disputed aunty’s right to do what she thought best.”
“Well, well, it is odd. Do you ever entertain any visitors?”
“None whatever. We have no acquaintances, and live very quietly.”
“Do you mean to say that your aunt never sees any one but yourself and casual callers, such as tradespeople?”
“So far as I know, that is absolutely the case.”
“Very curious,” commented Steingall. “Does your aunt go out much?”
“She leaves the house occasionally after I have gone to bed at ten o’clock, but that is seldom, and I have no idea where she goes. Every week-day, you know, I am away from home between seven in the morning and half past six at night, excepting Saturday afternoons. If possible, I take a long walk before going to work.”
“Do you go straight home?”
Winifred remembered Mr. Fowle’s query, and smiled again.