"
"Did she, then, anticipate anyone hiding--a burglar, for
instance?"
"Yes, I think she did. Her nature was warped from certain
events which happened in her early life, and she suspected
everyone."
"Was she on bad terms with anyone?"
"No. She never quarrelled. I am the quarrelsome person,"
said the lady, smiling. "I quarrelled with Mr. Clancy, who is
a rude man. But we have made it up since, as he has
apologized. It was Mr. Clancy who told me of your wish to see
me. Do you want to ask anything else?"
"If you do not mind."
"On the contrary, I am anxious to afford you all the
information in my power. Nothing would give me more
satisfaction than to see the murderer of my dear friend
brought to justice."
She spoke with great feeling, and there was an unmistakable
ring of truth about her speech. Jennings began to think he
must be wrong in suspecting her to have anything to do with
the death. All the same, he was on his guard. It would not
do to let Mrs. Herne, clever as she was, pull wool over his
eyes. "Have you any idea who killed Miss Loach?" he asked.
"No. She was quite well on that evening, and did not
anticipate death in any way--least of all in a violent form.
Mr. Hale, Mr. Clancy and myself would have been with her till
nearly midnight had I not quarrelled with Mr. Clancy. As it
was, Mr. Hale escorted me home about half-past nine, and I
understand Mr. Clancy left about ten. When Miss Loach was not
playing whist or bridge she never cared about having anyone in
her house.
Pages:
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197