“With you a talk I should like to have,” said the friendly familiar voice. “Could I this afternoon you see?”
“Not this afternoon,” answered Anna, “but this evening, I think yes. My mistress will I ask if I an evening free have can.”
“Is it necessary her to ask?” The question was put doubtfully.
“Yes, yes! But mind she will not. To me she is goodness itself—never more good than this morning she was,” shouted back Anna loyally.
“Fortunate you are,” the voice became rather sharp and dry. “I notice already have to quit—told I must skip.”
“Never!” cried Anna indignantly. “Who has that you told?”
“The police.”
“A bad business,” wailed Anna. She was shocked at what her old acquaintance told her. “I will Mrs. Otway ask you to help,” she shouted back.
He muttered a word or two and then, “Unless before eight you communicate, Jane and I expect you this evening.”