‘She heard you shout that you were going to ring me up. You had your back to the window as you telephoned. The paper-weight was on the table, near to hand. In an ecstasy of rage and of fear for herself and her ward, she threw it at you and bolted. Everything she has done has been out of the unreasoning depths of her passion for that wretched girl. Her brother had threatened to bring a charge of theft against Mary, so Connie picked up Leiss’s gloves from wherever they had been dumped in her hall and laid the trap for him. Afterwards, because the gloves were torn and stained with the stuff she put on her thumb, she buried them in her rubbish heap, which was due to be lit next day. She didn’t wear gloves when she threw the paper-weight. Her prints were there, quite clearly, along with several others.’

‘But –’ Nicola began and then said: ‘Yes. Of course.’

‘Of course – why?’

‘I was just remembering. They would be, anyway, because Mr Period handed it round before lunch.’

‘I wonder if she’s thought of that,’ said Alleyn.

He went over to Mr Period. ‘You’ve had a horrid time of it,’ he said, ‘and I can’t say the sequel will be anything but very deeply distressing, but as far as your private affairs are concerned, I don’t think they will come into the case at all.’

Mr Period tried once or twice to speak. At last he said: ‘You are very kind. Too kind. I’m most grateful.’

Alleyn shook his hand and left him. Nicola and Andrew saw him out.

Nicola said: ‘I’ve often tried to imagine what you were like in action. Now, I know. It’s a bit sobering.’

‘I’ve been wondering,’ Andrew said. ‘Did you ever suspect me?’

‘You?’ Alleyn looked at the pair of them and grinned. ‘You didn’t, it appeared, leave Nicola for long enough. And I’m damned if I go any further with this recital. Goodbye to you both.’ He went a few paces down the drive and turned. ‘By the way,’ he said. ‘I’ve been talking to Troy. She seems to think you’re an acquisition as a pupil. I’ve seldom heard her so enthusiastic. Congratulations.’

He waved his hand and left them.

Nicola looked at Andrew. ‘Congratulations,’ she said.

‘Darling!’ Andrew began excitedly, but she backed away from him, ‘No! Not now! Not yet. Let’s wait. I must get back to Mr Period,’ said Nicola in a flurry.

‘I love you,’ said Andrew. ‘Isn’t it astonishing?’

‘It’s heaven,’ Nicola cried and ran into the house.

Mr Period was looking pensive and had the air of a man who has made up his mind.