Yes, the house was not empty, as I had half feared.
A moment later a neat maid-servant opened the door, and regarded me with some surprise.
"Is Mrs. Petre at home?" I inquired.
"No, sir, she isn't," replied the girl with a strong East Anglian accent.
"When will she be in?" I asked.
"I really don't know, sir," she said. "She hasn't left word where she's gone."
"Is anyone else at home?"
"No, sir."
"How long have you been with Mrs. Petre?" I asked, adding, in an apologetic tone, "I hope I'm not too inquisitive?"
"I've been here about two months—ever since she took the house."