That's a recommendation in itself."
"Is it? Who is Mr. Simpkins? Oh, of course, he's the man from whom I
took the house."
"A capital fellow," said Meldon; "young, strong, and vigorous. The
sort of man," he sank his voice impressively, "that it would take a lot
to kill."
Miss King seemed moderately interested.
"But why do you think," she said, "that his servant's first cousin--"
"Sabina is her name," said Meldon. "It's a very attractive name, isn't
it?"
"Yes. But why do you think it likely that Mr. Simpkins' servant's
first cousin can cook?"
"He's a most particular man," said Meldon; "fidgety to a degree about
having everything quite right, always worrying the life out of his
servants, which is excellent for them, of course; but, well, if he was
married"--he sank his voice again--"I expect his wife would consider
herself quite justified in killing him. I daresay he'll be up to call
on you this afternoon."
"If he's as bad as that," said Miss King, "I had better go in and tidy
my hair before he comes."
"Perhaps you had," said Meldon.
"You're very rude," said Miss King.
She smiled as she spoke, blushed slightly, and then looking at Meldon
from under her eyelashes, said,--
"Come now, tell me the truth.
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