“Her ladyship is the daughter of the Earl of Ledbury. She is quite young—hardly of age. Sir Hercules McNaught has met her in society.” His manner conveyed that there was some impropriety in making Lady Violet’s name the subject of discussion. The day before I had been inclined to feel some contempt for the worthy Captain, but now I was only grateful for his stolid front.
My chief took a very different view, unfortunately.
“And is that all you have thought it worth while to find out? A peerage would have told us as much as that. I have no doubt that Sir Hercules has met many members of the Domino Club in society. It doesn’t follow that they are to be excluded from the investigation.”
This time the Inspector did not attempt to conceal his mortification.
“I beg your pardon, Sir Frank. Do you mean that Lady Violet Bredwardine is a member of the Domino Club? I hadn’t the slightest reason to suppose so.”
It was the consultant’s turn to show surprise. He stared at me.
“Surely her name was on the list I asked you to furnish to Captain Charles? I have a distinct recollection of it.”
I received the question, for which I had been waiting, with perfect coolness.
“I seem to recollect it too, sir.”
The Inspector was already turning over the pages of his note-book. He looked up at us in triumph.