The layout of Quill Street was very similar to Saint Derain Square, except the rooms were smaller than those in Shade's home. The woman living alone had not been prepared to receive a guest so early, but at least the living room was not too messy, and there were no articles of clothing Shade should not have seen.
The temperature indoors seemed even higher than outside, and Miss Louisa's apartment was filled with the scent of a distinctive spice. She had probably just finished breakfast; Shade could even see half a bowl of salad sitting on the cupboard in the dining room connected to the living room.
"Miss Louisa seemed to be eating vegetable salad at the restaurant last night too. Is she watching her figure?"
He speculated inwardly, but out of politeness, he did not keep looking around.
Shade sat down on the sofa in the living room and examined the fabric long sofa, which was somewhat old but unexpectedly full of lived-in warmth. Compared to the nearly undecorated walls of the Detective Agency, Miss Louisa's apartment was covered with all sorts of framed pictures and oil paintings.
If Saint Derain Square was a cold, impersonal office, then this was an apartment where someone actually lived.
"What, have you finally made up your mind to borrow the Dream Pen of Joy and give it a try?"
Miss Louisa teased as she brought Shade some tea.
Shade immediately shook his head.
"No, no. I really did think of something while reading yesterday, so I came to ask you about it."
"You want to ask a question? All right, go ahead."
The blonde writer sat upright, a faint smile on her face.
"It's like this. Since we talked about the fairy tale of the 'Match Girl' yesterday, what era did this