Chapter Thirty-sixMiss Silver had rung the front door bell of 176 Selby Street about half an hour earlier. She came by appointment, and was most unwillingly received. That she was received at all was due to the fact that in the course of her brief telephone conversation with Mrs. Salt she had taken it upon herself to quote Mr. Tattlecombe with some authority.
‘He would, I think, advise you to see me.’
Abigail’s voice came back stiffly.
‘I do not always follow my brother’s advice.’
Miss Silver coughed.
‘In this instance you would, I think, be well advised to do so.’
‘Can you tell me why?’
‘He thought you would find it preferable to a more official visit.
Abigail Salt said in an expressionless voice,
‘You can come at five o’clock.’
Conducted to the upstairs parlour, Miss Silver sea
