"Was there any one else," the inspector asked slowly, "who might, for any reason, have entertained unfriendly feelings towards Miss Manderson?"
Copplestone's glance sharpened a little under the question.
"I suppose there was," he admitted, with some reluctance.
"Who was it?"
Copplestone paused, frowning.
"Please do not hesitate," the inspector pressed firmly. "We must know everything."
"Perhaps," the tired voice confessed, "it wasn't altogether playing the game to announce my engagement so unexpectedly to—to——"
"Well?" the inspector insisted—"to whom?"
"To Phyllis Astley-Rolfe."
There was silence for a moment. The inspector waited quietly. With an effort, Copplestone continued.