The box was nearly full of silver dollars and half-dollars minted in the era when they were all silver, not a base-metal sandwich. The coins were bright and worn from handling, and Mickels plunged his hands into the hoard, rubbing them between his thick fingers, lifting his hands and letting them pour back into the box, then plunging his hands in again. At first energetic in these motions, over the next ten minutes or so he gradually slowed, his actions becoming more playful, then almost sensual; at last holding just one in his palm, and rubbing it over his hands as if it were a sliver of soap. Then he dropped it back in the box with the rest, locked the chest, and put it back in his safe, smiling and calm.

Ms. Devonshire sat very straight and attentive in the big leather chair in Penberthy’s office. He was relieved to see her looking far less scattered and unhappy than she had only yesterday. And much more prepared to listen. Poor Huber, he’d had to deal with her when she was truly distraught.

“You know your sister died intestate?” he began.

“Without a will,” she replied.

“Yes.” He nodded, pleased at this sign of intelligence. “I talked with her on more than one occasion, but she said there was only you and she wanted you to inherit, so there was no need. I believe she was wrong—she had many interests and charities, some of which would have been very glad to be remembered. But it is too late now to know what she might have wished done about that.” He gave a subtle shrug. “Of course, she was so active and helpful during her life that perhaps she felt that was enough, and did in fact intend to leave everything to you.”

Ms. Devonshire said carefully, “I have been told by two of Margot’s friends that there is a rather large estate.”

Penberthy replied, “That depends on what you mean by large. I think, when everything has been accounted for, and all debts paid, there should be in the neighborhood of two and a half million.”

Ms. Devonshire froze and then her face began to flush. “Two—” she began, but her voice tripped over itself and she fell silent again.

“Two and a half million is only an approximation. And that’s before taxes, of course.”