When the cheeky (and nosy) student left, the housekeeper, who had been working for the Bedwen family all her life, and had even followed the family to Ashford, brought a tray of tea to the living room. After putting it on the coffee table, in front of the armchair Prof. Bedwen sat in during the evenings, she paused.
"Mr. Bedwen. I'm really sorry to ask, but… why didn't you kick her out as soon as she broke into the house? You certainly could have. That story about the meeting for the thesis was all bogus. Besides, you don't have to accept students. Why did you allow her to spend hours playing trains with your son? And then invite herself to dinner?"
"Billie likes her, Bettie. Have you seen him eat like that? As long as Miss Bedwen wants something from me, and I assure you it's not writin
