“Three years.”
“Do you pay her adequately?”
“Yes. I didn’t, but I do now. Ten thousand a year.”
“Then why does she want to ruin you? Just cussedness? Or has she got it in for you?”
“She has — she thinks she has a grievance.”
“What about?”
“Something...” Bess Huddleston shook her head. “That’s of no importance. A private matter. It wouldn’t help you any. I am willing to pay your bill for finding out who sent those letters and getting proof.”
“You mean you will pay me for fastening the guilt on Miss Nichols.”
“Not at all. On whoever did it.”
“No matter who it is?”