Kate asked, “How did you come to get the job?”

“I applied for it. Isn’t that usually how one gets a job? It was advertised, and I thought it would be interesting to return to the Manor and see what changes had been made, apart from the building of the clinic. My own profession, if you can call it that, is of an art historian, but I could hardly combine that with living here. I hadn’t intended to stay long, but I find the work interesting and I’m in no hurry at present to move on. I expect that’s what you wanted to know. But is my personal history really relevant to Rhoda Gradwyn’s death?”

Kate said, “We can’t tell what is or what is not relevant without asking questions which may seem an intrusion. Often they are. We can only hope for co-operation and understanding. A murder investigation isn’t a social occasion.”

“Then let’s not treat it as one, Inspector.”

A flush flowed quickly over her pale and remarkable face like a dying rash. The temporary loss of composure made her more human and, surprisingly, more attractive. She held her emotions under control, but they were there. She was not, thought Benton, a passionless woman, only one who had learnt the wisdom of keeping her passions under control.

He said, “How much contact did you have with Miss Gradwyn, either on her first visit or subsequently?”

“Practically none, except on both occasions to be part of the reception committee and to show her to her room. We hardly spoke. My job has nothing to do with the patients. Their treatment and comfort are the responsibility of the two surgeons and Sister Holland.”

“But you recruit and control the domestic staff?”

“I find them when there’s a vacancy. I have been used to running this house. And, yes, they come under my general authority, although that word is too strong for the kind of control I exercise. But when, as occasionally happens, they have anything to do with the patients, then that’s Sister Holland’s responsibility. I suppose there’s a certain overlapping of duties, since I’m responsible for the kitchen staff and Sister for the kind of food the patients receive, but it seems to work quite well.”

“Did you appoint Sharon Bateman?”

“I placed the advertisement in a number of papers and she applied. She was working at the time in a home for the elderly and presented very good references. I didn’t actually interview her. I was at my London flat at the time, so Mrs. Frensham, Miss Westhall and Sister Holland saw her and took her on. I don’t think anyone has regretted it.”

“Did you know, or did you ever meet Rhoda Gradwyn before she arrived here?”