‘I think we shall probably do so. It depends a little on the interview we hope to have in a minute or two. This has been an abominable week for you. I’m sorry I had to keep all these people together here and station bluebottles at your doors and before your gates and so on. It was partly in your own interest. You would have been overrun with pressmen.’

‘I know.’

‘Do you want me to tell you—?’

‘I think I know.’

‘You know?’

‘I think I do. Last night I said to myself: “Which of these people do I feel in my own bones is capable of this crime?” There was only one—only one of whom it did not seem quite preposterous to think: “It might—it just might be you!” I don’t know why—there seems to be no motive, but I believe I am right. I suppose woman’s instinct is the sort of phrase you particularly abominate.’

‘That depends a little on the woman,’ said Alleyn gravely.

‘I suppose it does,’ said Troy and flushed unexpectedly.

‘I’ll tell you who it is,’ he said after a moment. And he told her. ‘I can see that this time the woman’s instinct was not at fault.’

‘It’s—so awful,’ whispered Troy.

‘I’m glad you decided to lunch with my mother,’ said Alleyn. ‘It will be easier for you to get right away from everything. She asked me to say that she would be delighted if you would come early. I suggest that you drive over there now.’

Troy’s chin went up.

‘Thank you,’ she said, ‘but I’m not going to rat.’

‘There’s no question of ratting—’

‘After all, this is my ship.’

‘Of course it is. But it’s not sinking and, unfortunately, you can’t do anything about this miserable business. It may be rather particularly unpleasant. I should take a trip ashore.’

‘It’s very kind of you to think of me, but, however illogically, I would feel as if I was funking something if I went away before—before you did. I’ve got my students to think of. You must see that. And even—even Pilgrim—’

‘You can do nothing about him—‘

‘Very well,’ said Troy angrily, ‘I shall stay and do nothing.’

‘Don’t, please, be furious with me. Stay, then, but stay with your students.’

‘I shan’t make a nuisance of myself.’

‘You know perfectly well that ever since I met you, you have made a nuisance of yourself. You’ve made my job one hundred per cent more difficult, because you’ve taken possession of my thoughts as well as my heart. And now, you go off to your students and think that over. I want to speak to Pilgrim, if you please.’

Troy gazed bleakly at him. Then she bit her lips and Alleyn saw that her eyes were full of tears.

‘Oh, hell and damnation, darling,’ he said.