I formed my estimate at once of this young woman,—indeed, of both of them. Hester seemed to me to be shallow, vain, thoughtless, giddy; and her companion, artful, cunning, and heartless.
“I want you, Miss Downie,” I began, “to tell me truthfully the story of your connection, firstly, with Job Panton; secondly, with Mr. Charnworth; thirdly, with Mr. Trankler.”
This request caused the girl to fall into a condition of amazement and confusion, for I had not stated what the nature of my business was, and, of course, she was unprepared for the question.
“What should I tell you my business for?” she cried snappishly, and growing very red in the face.
“You are aware,” I remarked, “that both Mr. Charnworth and Mr. Trankler are dead?”
“Of course I am.”
“Have you any idea how they came by their
