"Gardening done."
"Anyone there?" he inquired.
An old woman, standing in the doorway, came forward. "What can I do for you, sir?"
"If I am not mistaken, it was you who attended to Lady Beltham's garden?"
"Yes, sir, we kept her garden in order. But my husband hasn't worked there for several months, as Lady Beltham has been away."
"I heard she was coming back to Paris, and called to-day, but found the house closed up."
"Oh, I am sorry. Lady Beltham's an excellent customer and Mme. Raymond also bought flowers of us."
"Mme. Raymond. She is a friend of Lady Beltham?"
"Her companion. It is now close to a year that Mme. Raymond has been living with her. Oh! a very pleasant lady; a pretty brunette, very elegant and not at all proud."
Fandor thought it well not to seem astonished.