And when I saw the officers come out without you I knew you had successfully entertained them with some sort of plausible explanation." His gaze fixed on Matilda.

"So, my dear sister, you're really the housekeeper here." He shook his head chidingly.

"And the usual crook of a housekeeper, eh--trying to make a safe clean-up while her mistress is away.

You're deeper than I thought, Matilda.

I understand the whole affair now.