“Had he tasted his tea?”
“I think he had taken one sip,—not more, I’m sure.”
“There was poison in that tea, Professor.”
“There must have been, but how could there be?”
“Who gave it to him?”
“Let me see; Miss Carnforth presided, as Mrs. Landon was not at home. Miss Carnforth made the tea, and poured the cups, and Vernie and Mr. Tracy,—yes, and Mr. Landon were passing the things around. It was all most informal, we never have the servants in at tea-time. I couldn’t really say just who did give Mr. Bruce his cup. Vernie gave me mine, I think.”
“Well, the poison was put in Mr. Bruce’s cup, after Miss Carnforth fixed it for him.”
“Bless my soul, do you think so? That lets Braye out, then, for he wasn’t there.”
“You don’t suspect Mr. Braye, do you?”
“No; of course not; but I don’t really suspect anybody. But Mr. Braye is the heir, you know, and so may be said to have motive.”