At present she had very red cheeks, and her cat-like eyes gleamed noticeably, but any kind of business would have found her as shrewdly competent as ever.
'What did you say ?' she whispered savagely 'Said I'd come an' ask.' 'You stay 'ere.

Don't say nothink.' Mrs.Peckover left the room, closed the door behind her, and went along the passage.

On the doorstep stood a man with white hair, wearing an unusual kind of cloak and a strange hat.

He looked at the landlady without speaking.
'What was you wantin', mister ?' 'I have been told,' replied the man in a clear, grave voice, 'that a child of the name of Snowdon lives in your house, ma'am.' 'Eh?
Who told you that ?' 'The people next door but one.

I've been asking at many houses in the neighbourhood.