Sir Thomas, but with Mr. Prendergast. But there was some doubt
whether or no Mr. Mollett would come. It might be that he had means
of ascertaining what strangers arrived at Castle Richmond; and it
might be that he would, under the present circumstances, think it
expedient to stay away. This visit, however, was not to take place
till the second day after that on which Mr. Prendergast had heard
the story; and, in the meantime, he had that examination of Mrs.
Jones to arrange and conduct.

The breakfast was again very sad. The girls suggested to their
brother that he and Mr. Prendergast should sit together by
themselves in a small breakfast parlour, but to this he would not
assent. Nothing could be more difficult or embarrassing than a
conversation between himself and that gentleman, and he moreover was
unwilling to let it be thought in the household that affairs were
going utterly wrong in the family. On this matter he need hardly
have disturbed himself, for the household was fully convinced that
things were going very wrong. Maid-servants and men-servants can
read the meaning of heavy brows and sad faces, of long meetings and
whispered consultations, as well as their betters. The two girls,
therefore, and Aunt Letty, appeared at the breakfast-table, but it
was as though so many ghosts had assembled round the urn.

Immediately after breakfast, Mr. Prendergast applied to Aunt Letty.
"Miss Fitzgerald," said he, "I think you have an old servant of the
name of Jones living here."

"Yes, sure," said Aunt Letty. "She was living with my sister-in-law
before her marriage."