She was a little, withered old woman, but with a pleasant face and
shrewd but kindly eyes.
"Martha," said Kenneth, "did you employ the new linen maid, Eliza
Parsons?"
"Yes, sir," she replied, apparently surprised at the question.
"This is Mr. Burke, Martha. Please answer any questions he may ask you."
"Yes, Master Kenneth."
"Did the girl bring any recommendations?" asked the detective.
Martha reflected.
"I do not think she did, sir."
"Are you accustomed to hiring maids without recommendations?" asked Mr.
Burke.
"Oh, Eliza had a letter from my cousin, Mrs. Hopkins, who lives in
Elmwood."
"Is Mrs. Hopkins your cousin?" asked Kenneth.
"Yes, sir. She were a Phibbs before she married Erastus, and my name is
Phibbs."
"What did the letter from Mrs. Hopkins say?"
"It said she knew Eliza to be a clever and worthy girl, and if I had a
place for her I couldn't do better than take her on. So I needed a linen
maid and Eliza went right to work. Isn't she satisfactory, sir? Has she
been doing anything wrong?"
"No. Please do not mention this interview to her at present, Miss
Phibbs," said the detective. "That is all, I believe."
"Would you like to see Eliza?" asked Kenneth, when the housekeeper had
retired.
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