Then he turned to Zillah with another set of questions. "How long have you known the last witness—Andrew Lauriston?" he enquired.
"Since one day last week," replied Zillah.
She had flushed at the mention of Lauriston's name, and Mr. Parminter was quick to see it.
"How did you get to know him?" he continued.
"By his coming to the shop—on business."
"To pawn his watch, I believe?"
"Yes."
"You attended to him?"
"Yes."
"You had never seen him before?"
"No."
"Ever seen him since?"
Zillah hesitated for a moment.
"I saw him—accidentally—in Kensington Gardens, on Sunday," she answered at last.
"Have any conversation with him?"
"Yes," admitted Zillah.
"About—pawnbroking?"
"No!" retored Zillah. "About his work—writing."
"Did he tell you he was very hard up?"
"I knew that!" said Zillah. "Hadn't he pawned his watch?"
"Perhaps—you seem to be a very good business woman—perhaps you gave him some advice?"
"Yes, I did! I advised him as long as he'd anything on which he could raise money, not to let himself go without money in his pocket."
"Excellent advice!" said Mr. Parminter, with a smile.
