It was Warrender. He shut the door behind him and went quickly to the sofa. ‘What the devil have you done to him? Dicky, old boy …’

‘No!’ Richard said with exactly the same inflexion as before. Warrender stood above him. For a moment, apparently, they looked at each other. Then Richard said: ‘I forgot that letter you gave me to post. I’m sorry.’

Alleyn and Fox moved, but Warrender anticipated them, stooping over Richard and screening him.

‘If you don’t mind,’ Richard said. ‘I’d rather be by myself. I’m all right.’

‘And I’m afraid,’ Alleyn pointed out, ‘that I must remind you of instructions, Colonel Warrender. I asked you to stay with the others. Will you please go back to them?’

Warrender stood like a rock for a second or two and then, without another word, walked out of the room. On a look from Alleyn, Fox followed him.

‘We’ll leave you,’ Alleyn said. ‘Don’t get up.’

‘No,’ Dr Harkness said. ‘Don’t. I’ll ask them to send you in a cup of tea. Where’s that old nanny of yours? She can make herself useful. Can you find her, Gracefield?’

‘Very good, sir,’ Gracefield said.

Alleyn, coolly picking up Richard’s dispatch-case, followed Gracefield into the hall.

‘Gracefield.’

Gracefield, frigid, came to a halt.

‘I want one word with you. I expect this business has completely disorganized your household and I’m afraid it can’t be helped. But I think it may make things a little easier in your department if you know what the form will be.’

‘Indeed, sir?’

‘In a little while a mortuary van will come. It will be better if we keep everybody out of the way at that time. I don’t want to worry Mr Templeton more than I can help, but I shall have to interview people and it would suit us all if we could find somewhere that would serve as an office for the purpose. Is that possible?’

‘There is Mr Richard’s old study, sir, on the first floor. It is unoccupied.’

‘Splendid. Where exactly?’

‘The third on the right along the passage, sir.’

‘Good.’ Alleyn glanced at the pallid and impassive face. ‘For your information,’ he said, ‘it’s a matter of clearing up the confusion that unfortunately always follows accidents of this sort. The further we can get, now, the less publicity at the inquest. You understand?’

‘Quite so, sir,’ said Gracefield, with a slight easing of manner.

‘Very well. And I’m sorry you’ll be put to so much trouble.’

Gracefield’s hand curved in classic acceptance. There was a faint crackle.

‘Thank you, Gracefield.’

‘Thank you very much, sir,’ said Gracefield. ‘I will inform Mrs Plumtree and then ascertain if your room is in order.’ He inclined his head and mounted the stairs.

Alleyn raised a finger and the constable by the front door came to him.