Monica went off to the kitchen. She returned with the elderly maid who had opened the door to them earlier.
“We are thinking of buying this house,” said Tommy pleasantly, “and my wife was wondering whether, in that case, you would care to remain on with us?”
Crockett’s respectable face displayed no emotion of any kind.
“Thank you, sir,” she said. “I should like to think it over if I may.”
Tommy turned to Monica.
“I am delighted with the house, Miss Deane. I understand that there is another buyer in the market. I know what he has offered for the house, and I will willingly give a hundred more. And mind you, that is a good price I am offering.”
Monica murmured something noncommittal, and the Beresfords took their leave.
“I was right,” said Tommy, as they went down the drive. “Crockett’s in it. Did you notice that she was out of breath? That was from running down the back stairs after smashing the jug and basin. Sometimes, very likely, she has admitted her nephew secretly, and he has done a little poltergeisting, or whatever you call it, whilst she has been innocently with the family. You’ll see, Dr. O’Neill will make a further offer before the day is out.”
True enough, after dinner a note was brought. It was from Monica.
“I have just heard from Dr. O’Neill. He raises his previous offer by £150.”
“The nephew must be a man of means,” said Tommy thoughtfully. “And I tell you what, Tuppence, the prize he’s after must be well worth while.”