“I see. Then if there’s no chance of my getting away why are you watching me?”

The glimmer of an appreciative smile showed on the immobile face of the valet. “I’m not exactly spying on you, miss. Mr. Hughes was afraid that as you didn’t know the district you might get into trouble⁠—fall into one of the dykes perhaps. So one of us will be always keeping an eye on you.”

She bit her lip. “Very considerate of Mr. Hughes. Do you suppose he means to starve me as well as keep me a prisoner?”

“I was to tell you, miss, that Mr. Hughes is waiting for you in the dining-room.”