‘Who said he had murdered him? He might have had plenty to gain by lending young Stephen a hand,’ said Hemingway. ‘What I want to know is who inherits the old man’s money. Let’s go downstairs.’

Joseph met them in the hall, and was able to explain that Nathaniel’s solicitor was on the way to Lexham. He said that the study had been locked up by the local police, and Hemingway replied at once that he should not have the room opened until the solicitor was present.

He had not long to wait. At about half-past twelve, the car which had taken Maud and Mathilda to church drew up outside the door, and the two ladies came in, followed by a short, stout man who looked cold, and rather disgruntled. When introduced to Hemingway, he nodded, and said good morning, but his first thought was to get as near to the fire as possible, and to warm his chilled hands.

The noise of his arrival attracted most of the house-party to the hall, so while Mr Blyth thawed before the fire Hemingway had an opportunity to observe Roydon, Paula, Valerie, and Mrs Dean. Neither Stephen nor Edgar Mottisfont emerged from the billiard-room, whence the click of the ivory balls could faintly be heard, and Maud went upstairs to take off her coat and hat.

Joseph gave Blyth a glass of sherry, and fell into low-voiced conversation with him. Paula, suddenly becoming aware of Hemingway’s presence, stared at him for a moment, and then strode over to him, saying abruptly: ‘Are you the Inspector from Scotland Yard?’

‘Yes, miss, I am.’

‘I thought so. I’m Paula Herriard. I wish you luck!’ she said with a short laugh.

‘That’s very good of you, miss, I’m sure. I daresay I’ll need it,’ said Hemingway equably.

‘You will! What do you think of us?’

‘Well, I haven’t had much time to make up my mind.’

‘I may as well warn you that you are now speaking to one of the chief suspects.’

‘Fancy that!’ he said.

‘Oh yes!’ she said, tapping a cigarette on her thumbnail. ‘My uncle accused me of being ready to murder him for two thousand pounds. Haven’t you been told that?’

‘And were you?’ enquired Hemingway, in an interested tone.

‘Of course not! Besides, how could I possibly have done it?’

‘That’s what I was wondering.’

Joseph’s attention had by this time been caught by his niece’s unguarded voice, and he came over to her side, looking rather anxious, but saying with an assumption of lightness! ‘Now, what nonsense do I hear our naughty Paula talking? You mustn’t take this young woman too seriously, Inspector. I’m afraid she’s been trying to shock you.’

‘That’s all right, sir: I’m very broadminded.’

‘That’s just as well,’ said Paula, disengaging herself from the avuncular arm about her waist, and walking away.

‘My niece is a good deal upset by this appalling business,’ Joseph confided. ‘She was very fond of my brother. Now, Inspector, since Mr Blyth is here I’m sure you would like to go through all the papers and things as soon as possible. Mr Blyth is quite ready. You won’t mind if my nephew is present? I think he has a right to be there.’