What I
propose is this, Mrs. Clover. When Polly comes in--never mind how
late it is, I'll see you safe 'ome--let her get upstairs just as
usual. Then you go up to her door and you knock and you just say,
'Polly, it's me, and I want a word with you; let me come in,
please?' If she lets you in, all right; have a talk and see what
comes of it. If she won't let you in just come down again and let us
know, and then we'll think what's to be done next."
This suggestion was approved, and time went on as the three
discussed the mystery from every point of view. At about ten o'clock
Mrs. Bubb's ear caught the sound of a latch-key at the front door.
She started up; her companions did the same. By opening the door of
the parlour an inch or two it was ascertained that a person had
entered the house and gone quickly upstairs. This could only be
Polly, for Mr. and Mrs. Cheeseman were together in their
sitting-room above, their voices audible from time to time.
"Now then, Mrs. Clover," said Gammon, "up you go. Don't be nervous;
it's only Polly Sparkes, and she's more call to be afraid of you
than you of her.
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