Soapstone Miss Ellis was sitting in the office. She was doing nothing, for there was nothing to do. But she had grown tired of sitting in her bedroom. Officially she was on strike and under notice, but she did not intend to leave Pendizack until she had found another job. Presently Mrs. Cove looked in and asked for Mrs. Siddal. ‘Out,’ said Miss Ellis. ‘Are you in charge?’ ‘No,’ said Miss Ellis, with a titter. ‘I believe I’m sacked.’ ‘What a place,’ muttered Mrs. Cove, retreating. ‘First I’m robbed and then …’ ‘Robbed?’ cried Miss Ellis, galvanized into interest. ‘Have you missed something?’ ‘Yes. Something has been stolen from my room.’ ‘Tck! Tck! You’d better give me the particulars, Mrs. Cove.’ ‘If you are not in charge I don’t see …’ ‘Oh, I’d better look into it, I suppose. Mrs. Siddal would probably expect it. What have you lost?’ Mrs. Cove gave the details in as few words as possible.
