Mr. Thanos lost his smile. “They were horrible people. I wrote a letter to the governors of the Foundling Hospital about them, begging them to refuse to admit them again. I told McAdam of this, and he went straight to the police.”

“Good.” I relaxed. While I’d planned to speak to Inspector McGregor myself, he’d pay more attention to Daniel than to me. “But we are no closer to finding the children.”

“But if the Woolners know others like themselves . . .”

“Indeed. I hope Inspector McGregor interrogates them. He is very good at interrogation.”

“Their actions will have to be proved,” Mr. Thanos warned. “Even for McGregor to question them, there must be some evidence.”

“Yes, but it is a beginning. Inspector McGregor follows the rules, but he is not intimidated by them. And Daniel follows no rules but his own.”

“That is true, very true. It gives me hope.”

I unpacked the basket for him, and Mr. Thanos exuded gratitude. I suddenly wished I could cook for him always—he was so pleased with my efforts and also interested in the contents and preparation of each dish.

He invited me to join him, as I had brought plenty, but I was not much hungry tonight, and let Mr. Thanos indulge. He praised the cauliflower with mushrooms and dill, and I explained how Miss Townsend had gifted me with a box of herbs. I’d make plenty of sauces with them before they wilted, and then I’d dry the remainder, keeping me well stocked into summer.

As Mr. Thanos ate, I asked about his new position at the Polytechnic.

“It’s rather strange,” he said, enjoying the last bites of apple tart. “The Polytechnic, as it had been, is dissolved. Funds depleted. A pity, because so much was developed there. Photography came into its own through the Poly. And many prominent scientists have gone through its doors. But it is difficult to make people understand the importance of science, especially for practical purposes.”

“I suppose that is true,” I conceded. “If it has dissolved, then how are you to teach?”

“Well, another man, a chap called Quentin Hogg, has bought the building, and intends to start things up again. He’s a philanthropist and wants to provide education for poor young men with good minds. I’ve never met him, but the fellow who recruited me, Sir Arthur Maddox, is quite rich. I will begin teaching sometime next year, I believe.”

“Meanwhile, they’ll put you up here?”

“Indeed.”

Very generous. And slightly odd, but Mr. Thanos, who believed in the good in everyone, likely hadn’t questioned his fortune. This flat was much more elegant and comfortable than the one he’d inhabited near the British Museum, from what James had told me, and I too would have been loath to turn down fine new lodgings.

I was packing the basket and preparing to leave when a knock came at the door.