‘Ah, Lizzie brings up the tray,’ she said. ‘She sets it on the floor while she unlocks my door, then I pull the bolts back and open it ever such a little, and then I pull the tray in.’
It was such a simple procedure that Abbershaw’s spirits rose.
‘When does this happen?’ he said. ‘What time of day?’
‘Half after eight in the morning and half after eight at night.’
He glanced at his watch.
‘She’s due now, then, practically?’
Mrs Meade glanced up at the window. ‘Shouldn’t be at all surprised,’ she agreed. ‘Light looks about right. I’ll go back to my own room, then, if you don’t mind. Best not to let anybody know that I’ve been havin’ any truck wi’ you.’
On the last word she turned her back on him, and after closing the door, connecting the two rooms, silently, they heard her softly pressing the bolts home.
‘What an extraordinary old woman,’ whispered Meggie. ‘Is she mad, do you think?’
Abbershaw shook his head.