I've done for them from the beginning, yes, sir.
Eight o'clock till twelve, those are my hours.
Very nice lively young ladies, always ready for a joke or a bit of fun.
Not stuck up at all.
"Well, of course I couldn't say if it's the same Miss Dawes you knew, sir - the same family, I mean.
It's my fancy her home's in Devonshire.
She gets the cream sent her now and again and says it reminds her of home, so I think it must be.
"As you say, sir, it's sad for so many young ladies having to earn their livings nowadays.
These young ladies aren't what you'd call rich, but they have a very pleasant life.
It's Miss Dawes has got the money, of course.
Miss Anne's her companion in a manner of speaking I suppose you might say.
The cottage belongs to Miss Dawes.
"I couldn't really say what part Miss Anne comes from.
I've heard her mention the Isle of Wight, and I know she doesn't like the North of England, and she and Miss Rhoda were together in Devonshire because I've heard them joke about the hills and talk about the pretty coves and beaches."
The flow went on.
Every now and then Superintendent Battle made a mental note.
Later, a cryptic word or two was jotted down in his little book.
At half-past eight that evening he walked up the path to the door of Wendon Cottage.
It was opened to him by a tall dark girl wearing a frock of orange cretonne.
"Miss Meredith live here?" inquired Superintendent Battle.
He looked very wooden and soldierly.
"Yes, she does."
"I'd like to speak to her, please.
Superintendent Battle."
He was immediately favored with a piercing stare.
"Come in," said Rhoda Dawes, drawing back from the doorway.
Anne Meredith was sitting in a cosy chair by the fire sipping coffee.
She was wearing embroidered crepe de Chine pajamas.
"It's Superintendent Battle," said Rhoda, ushering in the guest.
Anne rose and came forward with outstretched hand.
"A bit late for a call," said Battle. "But I wanted to find you in and it's been a fine day."
Anne smiled.
"Will you have some coffee, Superintendent?
Rhoda, fetch another cup."
"Well, it's very kind of you, Miss Meredith."
"We think we make rather good coffee," said Anne.
She indicated a chair and Superintendent Battle sat down.
Rhoda brought a cup and Anne poured out his coffee.
The fire crackled and the flowers in the vase made an agreeable impression upon the superintendent.
It was a pleasant homey atmosphere.
Anne seemed self-possessed and at her ease and the other girl continued to stare at him with devouring interest.
"We've been expecting you," said Anne.
Her tone was almost reproachful. "Why have you neglected me?" it seemed to say.
"Sorry, Miss Meredith. I've had a lot of routine work to do."
"Satisfactory?"
"Not particularly.
But it all has to be done.
I've turned Doctor Roberts inside out, so to speak.
And the same for Mrs. Lorrimer.
And now I've come to do the same for you, Miss Meredith,"