Sir Matthew glared at him—his cold blue eyes full of purpose. But Mr. Bathurst gave him back an equally unwavering stare.
“I quite appreciate what you say,” said the old man eventually; “I appreciate it to the full.”
“By the way, Sir Matthew, there is one more point before I go. Perhaps you would be good enough to enlighten me? Can you remember the Westhampton Hunt Ball—a year ago last February?”
“Certainly I can. I was present—naturally.”
“Good—I was expecting you to say that. Now tell me this. Was the Crown Prince of Clorania present?” Mr. Bathurst watched him keenly and carefully. So much depended upon the exact terms of the answer. It came quickly.
“I have always understood so! His Royal Highness preserved his ‘incognito,’ it is true, but as far as I know he was most certainly there.”
“Did you speak to him?”
“Of course. Most assuredly. I was introduced to him by Desmond Carruthers.”
“I see. Please think carefully. For this question is most important. Did you at any time during the evening of the ball see the Crown Prince in conversation with or dancing with Sheila Delaney?”
The Lord Lieutenant knitted his brows. Then he began to shake his head negatively. “No—I can’t remember that. Sheila at that time was flying round with young Alan Warburton. I can distinctly remember him being there. No! I can’t remember her with the Crown Prince.”