“I know not. She went as she came, and I asked no questions.”
“More the fool for that!” said the officer, coarsely. “But I am afraid there is as much of the knave as the fool in the present case. Right kind of people are not in the habit of letting suspicious old women, and total strangers at that, come into their houses and depart at will, yet asking no questions. The story isn’t probable, madam.”
“But true, for all,” answered Mrs. Weir. “It is just as I have said. Mrs. Fordham came and went, and I asked no questions.”
“And why not?”
“Because I—I——”
The woman hesitated.
“Say on.”
“We are commanded not to cast pearls before swine,” she replied, with sudden spirit; “and I shall not cast down things precious to be trampled under your feet.”
“You’ve got some spice in you, I see,” returned the officer, a little amused. “People in your trade generally have. It requires a full portion to carry them through.”
The woman’s face flushed as she said,—