The Mystery Guest: A Maid Novel

Molly is embarrassed by her report card, which states that her social behavior is extremely poor. Gran makes her feel better and gives her some tips on how to behave, then leaves to do laundry in the basement. Suddenly, a stranger knocks on the door. It is a young woman with pock-marked skin and nervous energy. She answers questions that prove that she knows Gran, so Molly lets her in. (The narrative will later reveal that this is Molly’s mother.) The woman is too overwhelmed to talk to Molly and begins crying, but she soon stops when she sees the envelope of rent money on the table. She asks Molly for a Band-Aid but leaves before Molly comes back. Molly is pleased with what she believes to be a positive social interaction, but Gran is horrified to hear about the visit, and Molly realizes that the cash is gone.

Molly cannot sleep because she now suspects Mr. Preston of theft, so she demands a meeting later that day. Mr. Snow is nervous and tells Molly that Detective Stark has assigned plainclothes police to the hotel. Beulah, the LAMBS member covered in cat hair, tells Molly that there is rivalry in the ranks of the LAMBS.