‘Ah yes, that is what is supposed. But a girl could hide anything in the toe of a gym shoe, or wrapped up in an old pullover or in a scarf.’

‘What sort of thing, Mademoiselle Blanche?’

But Mademoiselle Blanche had no idea what sort of thing.

‘Even the most indulgent fathers don’t give their daughters diamond necklaces to take to school,’ the Inspector said.

Again Mademoiselle Blanche shrugged her shoulders.

‘Perhaps it is something of a different kind of value—a scarab, say, or something that a collector would give a lot of money for. One of the girls has a father who is an archaeologist.’

Kelsey smiled. ‘I don’t really think that’s likely, you know, Mademoiselle Blanche.’

She shrugged her shoulders. ‘Oh well, I only make the suggestion.’

‘Have you taught in any other English schools, Mademoiselle Blanche?’

‘One in the north of England some time ago. Mostly I have taught in Switzerland and in France. Also in Germany. I think I will come to England to improve my English. I have a friend here. She went sick and she told me I could take her position here as Miss Bulstrode would be glad to find somebody quickly. So I came. But I do not like it very much. As I tell you, I do not think I shall stay.’

‘Why don’t you like it?’ Kelsey persisted.

‘I do not like places where there are shootings,’ said Mademoiselle Blanche. ‘And the children, they are not respectful.’

‘They are not quite children, are they?’

‘Some of them behave like babies, some of them might be twenty-five. There are all kinds here. They have much freedom. I prefer an establishment with more routine.’

‘Did you know Miss Springer well?’

‘I knew her practically not at all. She had bad manners and I conversed with her as little as possible. She was all bones and freckles and a loud ugly voice. She was like caricatures of Englishwomen. She was rude to me often and I did not like it.’

‘What was she rude to you about?’

‘She did not like me coming to her Sports Pavilion. That seems to be how she feels about it—or felt about it, I mean—that it was her Sports Pavilion! I go there one day because I am interested. I have not been in it before and it is a new building. It is very well arranged and planned and I am just looking round. Then Miss Springer she comes and says “What are you doing here? This is no business of yours to be in here.” She says that to me—me, a mistress in the school! What does she think I am, a pupil?’

‘Yes, yes, very irritating, I’m sure,’ said Kelsey, soothingly.

‘The manners of a pig, that is what she had. And then she calls out “Do not go away with the key in your hand.” She upset me. When I pull the door open the key fell out and I pick it up. I forget to put it back, because she has offended me. And then she shouts after me as though she thinks I was meaning to steal it. Her key, I suppose, as well as her Sports Pavilion.’