So far Jenny had spoken very steadily but she faltered now, and looked at Miss Emily. ‘It’s – it’s then that – that things began to happen. I –’

Miss Emily with perfect composure, said: ‘In effect, my dear Roderique, there was a scene. Major Barrimore made certain accusations. Dr Maine intervened. A climax was reached and blows were exchanged. I suggested, aside to Jenny, that she solicit your aid. The fracas continued. A glass was broken. Mrs Barrimore screamed and Mr Patrick arrived upon the scene. He was unsuccessful and, after a renewal of belligerency, Major Barrimore fell to the floor. The actual fighting came to a stop but the noise was considerable. It was at this juncture that the wireless was introduced. You entered shortly afterwards.’

‘Does everybody agree to this?’

There was no answer.

‘I take it that you do.’

Dr Maine said: ‘Will you also take it that whatever happened has not the remotest shade of bearing upon your case? It was an entirely private matter and should remain so.’ He looked at Patrick and, with disgust, at Major Barrimore. ‘I imagine you agree,’ he said.

‘Certainly,’ Patrick said shortly.

Alleyn produced his stock comment on this argument. ‘If it turns out that there’s no connection, I assure you I shall be glad to forget it. In the meantime, I’m afraid I must make certain.’

There was a tap at the door. He answered it. Fox, Bailey and Thompson had arrived. Alleyn asked Fox to come in and the others to wait.

‘Inspector Fox,’ he said, ‘is with me on this case.’

‘Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,’ Fox said.

They observed him warily. Miss Emily said: ‘Good evening, Mr Fox. I have heard a great deal about you.’

‘Have you, ma’am?’ he rejoined. ‘Nothing to my discredit, I hope.’ And to Alleyn: ‘Sorry to interrupt, sir.’

Alleyn gave him a brief summary of the situation and returned to the matter in hand. ‘I’m afraid I must ask you to tell me what it was that triggered off this business,’ he said. ‘What were Major Barrimore’s accusations?’

Nobody answered. ‘Will you tell me, Miss Emily?’

Miss Emily said: ‘I cannot. I am sorry. I – I find myself unable to elaborate upon what I have already said.’ She looked at Alleyn in distress. ‘You must not ask me,’ she said.

‘Never mind.’ He glanced at the others. ‘Am I to know?’ he asked and, after a moment, ‘Very well. Let us make a different approach. I shall tell you instead, what we have been doing. We have, as some of you know, been at Miss Cost’s shop. We have searched the shop and the living quarters behind it. I think I should tell you that we have found Miss Cost’s diary. It is a long, exhaustive, and in many places, relevant document. It may be put in evidence.’

Margaret Barrimore gave a low cry.