“So if the library door and the two other doors were closed things could happen in this room without anybody hearing?”
Florence nodded.
“Then what did you do when you came into the house?”
“I came into the library and saw this,” she answered.
“Thank you, Miss Ballau,” Norton smiled at her. “That will be all for the present. I suggest you lie down.” To the man at the door he added, “Call the housekeeper.”
Florence stood up and De Medici came to her side. His eyes had avoided her during the questioning. But he pressed her arm eagerly with his fingers now. The lieutenant was watching. He felt certain of this. So he could say nothing now. He felt her draw back as they came to the door, beyond which rose a babble of excited voices.
“If you please, Mr. De Medici,” Norton’s voice called, “will you remain while we examine the housekeeper?”
“I’ll be all right,” she murmured close to him. He opened the door and watched her as she walked slowly and silently down the corridor. Jane, the housekeeper, entered and was motioned to the chair in which Florence had sat.
“What’s your name?” Lieutenant Norton asked.
The woman’s eyes were reddened with crying. Her voice was indistinct.