"You are all alike," she said bitterly. "All alike in your curiosity. I prefer to put them in writing."
I assured her of the inviolability of her confidence and rose.
"Stay," she commanded. "If that girl asks you any impertinent questions send her to me."
Her hands moved quickly as she spoke. The concentration of her voice alarmed me so that I could think of nothing to say. I bowed and withdrew. It was only when I was once outside the room that I recalled, curiously enough, at no time during my interview had I seen Mrs. Drainger's face.
Miss Emily was not visible. I was about to search for the street door when, in her usual extraordinary manner, she appeared out of the gloom.
"What did she want?" she demanded, almost fiercely, her eyes holding me as though they were hands.
I explained as best I could why I could not tell her.
"Humph!" she ejaculated, and without further speech led me to the door.
"There will be fees, I suppose," she said contemptuously, staring at her hand upon the doorknob. "Do not expect much. You are the only person who has entered this house for a year."
I was embarrassed how to reply.