“To the station—eh?”
“Yes, I heard him tell the man to drive to Princes Street.”
“He hadn’t been very long with you, had he?”
“About a week. He came on the Monday, telling me that he had been recommended by a friend of his, an actor. I let rooms to professionals,” she added, in explanation.
“He is a very reticent man,” I remarked. “I suppose he seldom went out?”
“No; he used to read all day, and go for just half-an-hour’s stroll at night. He struck me as a rather eccentric man.”
“So he is,” I laughed. “I’m an old friend of his, so, of course, I know. I hope he is not in your debt. If so, please tell me and I’ll liquidate it.”
“Oh, not at all, sir. He’s paid for everything,” declared the woman, upon whom my ready offer to pay her lodger’s debts had evidently made an impression. “His sudden departure mystified us.”
“Did he receive many letters?”
“Only two—and a telegram you sent him—which I found dropped by the side of his dressing-table.”