once had I spoken to my chief about it. As it was, I judged
it best to let matters remain as they were, so long as the
house was respectably conducted."

"I'm sure it was conducted well, sir," said Susan, who
appeared rather indignant. "Senora Gredos was a most
respectable lady."

"She lived alone always, I believe?"

"Yes, sir." Then Susan hesitated. "I wonder if she had a
mother?"

"Why do you wonder?"

"Well, sir, the lady who came to see Miss Loach--"

"Mrs. Herne?"

"I heard her name was Mrs. Herne, but she was as like Senora
Gredos as two peas, save that she was older and had gray
hair."

"Hum!" said Jennings, pondering. "Did you ever hear Senora
Gredos speak of Mrs. Herne?"

"Never, sir. But Mrs. Pill--the cook of Miss Loach--said
that Mrs. Herne lived at Hampstead. But she was like my old
mistress. When I opened the door to her I thought she was
Senora Gredos. But then the scent may have made me think