“She left you just over a year ago, I understand?”

“Yes. Yes, she did. That is quite right.”

“And you were satisfied with her whilst she was with you? How long was she with you, by the way?”

“Oh! a year or two⁠—I can’t remember exactly how long. She⁠—she is very capable. I’m sure you will find her quite satisfactory. I didn’t know she was leaving Fernly. I hadn’t the least idea of it.”

“Can you tell me anything about her?” I asked.

“Anything about her?”

“Yes, where she comes from, who her people are⁠—that sort of thing?”

Mrs. Folliott’s face wore more than ever its frozen look. “I don’t know at all.”

“Who was she with before she came to you?”