He asked her for a larger envelope and put the collection into it.

‘When do you plan to go to Portcarrow?’

‘On Monday,’ said Miss Emily composedly. ‘Without fail.’

Alleyn thought for a moment and then sat down and took her hand in his. ‘Now, my dear Miss Emily,’ he said. ‘Please do listen to what I’m going to say – in English, if you don’t mind.’

‘Naturally, I shall listen carefully since I have invited your professional opinion. As to speaking in English – very well, if you prefer it. Enfin, en ce moment, on ne donne pas une leçon de français.’

‘No. One gives, if you’ll forgive me, a lesson in sensible behaviour. Now, I don’t suggest for a minute that these messages mean, literally, what they seem to threaten. Possibly they are simply intended to put you off and if they fail to do that, you may hear no more about it. On the other hand they do suggest that you have an enemy at Portcarrow. If you go there you will invite unpleasant reactions.’

‘I am perfectly well aware of that. Obviously. And,’ said Miss Emily on a rising note, ‘if this person imagines that I am to be frightened off –’

‘Now, wait a bit. There’s no real need for you to go, is there? The whole thing can be done, and done efficiently, by your solicitors. It would be a – a dignified and reasonable way of settling.’

‘Until I have seen for myself what goes on in the Island I cannot give explicit instructions.’

‘But you can. You can get a report.’

‘That,’ said Miss Emily, ‘would not be satisfactory.’

He could have shaken her.

‘Have you,’ he asked, ‘shown these things to your solicitors.’

‘I have not.’

‘I’m sure they would give you the same advice.’

‘I should not take it.’

‘Suppose this person means to do exactly what the messages threaten? Offer violence? It might well be, you know.’

‘That is precisely why I have sought your advice. I am aware that I should take steps to protect myself. What are they? I am not,’ Miss Emily said, ‘proficient in the use of small-arms and I understand that, in any case, one requires a permit. No doubt in your position, you could obtain one and might possibly be so very kind as to give me a little instruction.’

‘I shall not fiddle a small-arms permit for you and nor shall I teach you to be quick on the draw. The suggestion is ridiculous.’

‘There are, perhaps, other precautions,’ she conceded, ‘such as walking down the centre of the road, remaining indoors after dark and making no assignations at unfrequented rendezvous.’

Alleyn contemplated his old instructress. Was there or was there not a remote twinkle in that dead-pan eye?

‘I think,’ he said, ‘you are making a nonsense of me.’

‘Who’s being ridiculous now?’ asked Miss Emily tartly.