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“Naturally, sir, or I wouldn’t have remained with her. There were many other positions available.”

“Did she ever admit you into her confidence regarding personal affairs?”

“No, sir, she did not. It was one of the things I liked about her.”

“When did you last see your mistress?”

“At a bit before seven-thirty. I was about to go down to the kitchen for a cup of tea, for I saw that my dinner was likely to be long delayed. Miss Fane came to her room—I was in the one adjoining. She called to me and said she wanted a pin for some orchids she had in her hand. I went and got it for her.”

“Kindly describe the pin.”

“It was a rather delicate affair, set with diamonds. About two inches long, I should say. I fastened the flowers to the shoulder-strap of her gown.”

“Did she remark about those flowers?” Charlie inquired.

“She said they were sent to her by some one of whom she was once very fond. She seemed a bit excited.”

“What happened next?”

“She sat down at the telephone,” Anna told him. “There is an extension in her room. She looked up a number in the telephone book and then busied herself with the dial, sir.”

“Maybe you heard subsequent conversation ?” Chan suggested.

“I am not accustomed to spying, sir. I left her at once and went down to the kitchen.”

“You were in the kitchen at two minutes past eight?”