‘I felt that Nelly would be not entirely in sympathy with my impulsive little sortie and I was therefore concerned to return before I could be missed. So I went downstairs and there she was, speaking to Colonel Warrender in the drawing-room. They paid no attention to me. I don’t think they saw me. Warrender, I thought, looked very much put out. There seemed nothing to do but go away. So I went. A curious and not unintriguing experience.’

‘Thank you, Octavius,’ Alleyn said, staring thoughtfully at him. ‘Thank you very much. And now I, too, must leave you. Goodnight.’

As he went out he heard Octavius saying rather fretfully that he supposed he might as well go to bed.

A very grand car had drawn up beside Miss Bellamy’s house and Mr Montague Marchant was climbing out of it. His blond head gleamed, his overcoat was impeccable and his face exceedingly pale.

‘Wait,’ he said to his chauffeur.

Alleyn introduced himself. The anticipated remark was punctually delivered.

‘This is a terrible business,’ said Mr Marchant.

‘Very bad,’ Alleyn said. ‘Shall we go in?’

Fox was in the hall.

‘I just don’t quite understand,’ Marchant said, ‘why I’ve been sent for. Naturally, we – her management – want to give every assistance but at the same time …’ He waved his pearly gloves.

Alleyn said: ‘It’s very simple. There are one or two purely business matters to be settled and it looks as if you are our sole authority.’

‘I should have thought …’

‘Of course you would,’ Alleyn rejoined. ‘But there is some need for immediate action. Miss Bellamy has been murdered.’

Marchant unsteadily passed his hand over the back of his head. ‘I don’t believe you,’ he said.

‘You may as well, because it happens to be true. Would you like to take your coat off? No? Then, shall we go in?’

Fox said: ‘We’ve moved into the drawing-room, sir, it being more comfortable. The doctor is with Mr Templeton but will be coming in later.’

‘Where’s Florence?’

‘She helped Mrs Plumtree with the bed making and they’re both waiting in the boudoir in case required.’

‘Right. In here, if you will, Mr Marchant. I’ll just have a look at the patient and then I’ll join you.’

He opened the door. After a moment’s hesitation, Marchant went through and Fox followed him.

Alleyn went to the study, tapped on the door and went in.

Charles was in bed, looking very drawn and anxious. Dr Harkness sat in a chair at a little distance, watching him. When he saw Alleyn he said: ‘We can’t have any further upsets.’

‘I know,’ Alleyn rejoined and walked over to the bed. ‘I’ve only come in to inquire,’ he said.

Charles whispered: ‘I’m sorry about this. I’m all right. I could have carried on.’

‘There’s no need. We can manage.’

‘There you are, Charles,’ Harkness said. ‘Stop fussing.’