The man was silent and lean, with a pair of sad eyes.
He followed Jennings like a dog and never spoke unless he was
required to answer a question.
Mrs. Herne did not possess a house of her own, which struck
the detective as strange, considering she appeared to be a
wealthy woman. She always wore costly dresses and much
jewellery, yet she was content with two rooms, one to sit in
and the other to sleep in. Certainly the sitting-room (which
was all Jennings saw) was well furnished, and she apparently
thoroughly appreciated the luxuries of life. There was a
bow-window which commanded a fine prospect of the Heath, and
here Mrs. Herne was seated. The blinds were half-way down, so
that the brilliant sunlight could not penetrate into the
somewhat dusky room. When the detective entered Mrs. Herne
excused the semi-darkness. "But my eyes are somewhat weak,"
she said, motioning him to a seat. "However, if you wish for
more light--" she laid her hand on the blind-cord.
"Not on my account," said Jennings, who did not wish to appear
unduly suspicious. "I am quite satisfied."
"Very well, then," replied Mrs. Herne, resuming her seat and
crossing her delicate hands on her lap. "We can talk. I am
at your orders."
She was arrayed in a blue silk dress of a somewhat vivid hue,
but softened with black lace. She had a brooch of diamonds at
her throat, a diamond necklace round it, bracelets set with
the same gems and many costly rings.
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