‘It was intolerable. Never for one minute would she remain in the same position. I myself began three separate drawings of the one pose. I cannot paint in such circumstances, my nerves are lacerated and my work is valueless. I had made my resolution that I would leave the studio.’

‘Really! It was as bad as that?’

‘Certainly. If this had not happened, I would have told Troy I must go. I should have been very sorry to do this, because I have a great admiration for Troy. She is most stimulating to my work. In her studio one is at home. But I am very greatly at the mercy of my nerves. I would have returned when Bostock and Pilgrim had completed their large canvases, and Troy had rid herself of Sonia.’

‘And now, I suppose, you will stay?’

‘I do not know.’ Ormerin moved restlessly in his chair. Alleyn noticed that there was a slight tic in his upper-lip, a busy little cord that flicked under the dark skin. As if aware of Alleyn’s scrutiny, Ormerin put a thin crooked hand up to his lip. His fingers were deeply stained by nicotine.

‘I do not know,’ he repeated. ‘The memory of this morning is very painful. I am bouleversé. I do not know what I shall do. I like them all here at Troy’s—even this clumsy, shouting Australian. I am en rapport with them well enough, but I shall never look towards the throne without seeing there the tableau of this morning. That little unfortunate with her glance of astonishment. And then when they move her—the knife—wet and red.’

‘You were the first to notice the knife, I think?’

‘Yes. As soon as they moved her I saw it.’ He looked uneasily at Alleyn.

‘I should have thought the body would still have hidden it.’

‘But no. I knelt on the floor. I saw it. Let us not speak of it. It is enough that I saw it.’

‘Did you expect to see the blade. Mr Ormerin?’

Ormerin was on his feet in a flash, his face ashen, his lips drawn back. He looked like a startled animal.

‘What do you say? Expect! How should I expect to see the knife? Do you suspect me—me— of complicity in this detestable affair?’ His violent agitation came upon him so swiftly that Nigel was amazed, and gaped at him, his notes forgotten.

‘You are too sensitive,’ Alleyn said quietly, ‘and have read a meaning into my words that they were not intended to convey. I wondered if the memory of your experiment with the knife came into your mind before you saw it. I wondered if you guessed that the model had been stabbed.’

‘Never!’ exclaimed Ormerin, with a violent gesture of repudiation. ‘Never! Why should I think of anything so horrible?’