Marlow, of course, is out of the question. I 'm certain none of the
maids as for cook!

BARTHWICK. Oh, cook!

MRS. BARTHWICK. Of course! It's perfectly detestable to me to
suspect anybody.

BARTHWICK. It is not a question of one's feelings. It's a question
of justice. On principle----

MRS. BARTHWICK. I should n't be a bit surprised if the charwoman
knew something about it. It was Laura who recommended her.

BARTHWICK. [Judicially.] I am going to have Mrs. Jones up. Leave
it to me; and--er--remember that nobody is guilty until they're
proved so. I shall be careful. I have no intention of frightening
her; I shall give her every chance. I hear she's in poor
circumstances. If we are not able to do much for them we are bound
to have the greatest sympathy with the poor. [MRS. JONES comes in.]
[Pleasantly.] Oh! good morning, Mrs. Jones.

MRS. JONES. [Soft, and even, unemphatic.] Good morning, sir! Good
morning, ma'am!

BARTHWICK. About your husband--he's not in work, I hear?

MRS. JONES. No, sir; of course he's not in work just now.

BARTHWICK. Then I suppose he's earning nothing.