‘Oh, he just said, “Righto. I didn’t think I had an earthly, and you’re quite right – I’m much too old for you. Still, if you should change your mind, remember I’m still in the market. I suppose you wouldn’t like to kiss and still be friends?” I said that I shouldn’t. He tried to grab me, but I smacked up at him pretty hard and turned nasty, so he chucked it. He went pretty soon after that, and when he was going I laughed – because he looked rather pipped and deflated – and told him that if I ever changed my mind, I’d let him know. I was sorry as soon as I’d said it, because he perked up quite a bit and looked hopeful again, so I added that I didn’t suppose I would change my mind because, as far as I knew, I didn’t particularly care whether I got married or not. He took that quite well, and went off more jauntily than I had expected. There must be something in me which appeals to the Fullalove family. Tiny proposed to me too – that was last August. It’s very embarrassing for a poor girl who only wants a bit of peace and quiet to get on with her work.’

Deborah recounted this conversation to Mrs Bradley.

‘Although I can’t imagine,’ she added, wrinkling her brow, ‘that Bill Fullalove would have been the type to commit suicide because of a girl. Besides, if there was no injury and no symptoms of poisoning, how did he manage to do it? Would he just have lain down in the snow? He was leaning on that gate when he was found.’

‘What is Miss Fielding’s work?’ Mrs Bradley enquired.

‘She’s going to be a research chemist. She’s on holiday at present. Most of her time she is in London, at college, of course. I believe she’s exceptionally brilliant. Doctor Fielding doesn’t say much, but he’s frightfully proud of her.’

‘Ah,’ said Mrs Bradley vaguely. Deborah glanced quickly at her, but the sharp black eyes and beaky little mouth betrayed nothing. Deborah knew better than to ask questions. She turned the conversation on to her bulbs, which seemed, she thought, in need of care and protection. Mrs Bradley accepted the change of subject gracefully, and no more was said about poisons, chemistry, and violent death until the telephone rang and a voice asked for Jonathan.

Jonathan, not too pleased at being disturbed, went to the telephone and listened. His brow creased perplexedly.

‘What was it?’ asked Deborah, when he put the receiver down.