"If this is the case, not improbably there may be one or other of
these women with whom you might open direct negotiations. What has
struck me is this. The men who were over there with me of course slept
and took their meals in the village; still, going about as they did in
the house, no doubt they talked with the servants. The Miss Penfolds
were away, and I dare say the women had plenty of time to gossip; and
it is probable the men gathered from their talk something of their
sentiments toward the Miss Penfolds and their brother, and which side
they would be likely to go with. I might ask the foreman about it."
"I think the idea is a capital one, Mr. Tallboys; but there is one
detail I think might be improved. I imagine that if instead of asking
the foreman you choose the youngest and best-looking of the men,
provided he is unmarried, you are more likely to get at the women's
sentiments."
Mr. Tallboys laughed. "No doubt you are right, Mrs. Conway. That shall
be done. I must get the foreman first, though, for I don't know the
names or addresses of the other men. I shall tell him frankly that I
want to find out the opinions of the servants at the Hall about the
missing will, ask him which of his men was the most given to gossip
with them, and tell him to send him here to me at ten o'clock
to-morrow morning; then when you see him and hear what he has to say,
you can judge for yourself how far you care to trust him in the
matter, or whether to trust him at all.
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