Chapter XXXV

At eight o'clock the same evening, Mr. Reynolds
and Mr. Hayley were eating a hasty meal in the
Trellis House. James Hayley had been compelled to
stay on till the last train back to town, for on him the
untoward events of the day had entailed a good deal
of trouble. He had had to put off his cousin's tenants,
find lodgings for their two servants, and arrange
quarters for the policeman who, pending inquiries, was
guarding the contents of Anna's bedroom.

A charwoman had been found with the help of Mrs.
Haworth. But when this woman had been asked -- her
name was Bent, and she was a verger's wife -- to provide
a little supper for two gentlemen, she had demurred,
and said it was impossible. Then, at last, she
had volunteered to cook two chops and boil some potatoes.
But she had explained that nothing further
must be expected of her; she was not used to waiting at
table.

The two young men were thus looking after themselves
in the pretty dining-room. Mr. Reynolds, who
was not as particular as his companion, and who, as a
matter of fact, had had no luncheon, thought the chop
quite decent. In fact, he was heartily enjoying his
supper, for he was very hungry.

"I daresay all you say concerning Anna Bauer's
powers of cooking, of saving, of mending, and of
cleaning, are quite true!" he exclaimed, with a laugh.
"But believe me, Mr. Hayley, she's a wicked old

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v?