`You know the circumstances, Mrs Bitton?' Hadley asked impassively.
`What Bob was able to tell me. Poor Phil! I'd like to..'
She paused, seeming to meditate punishments for a murderer. `Of course it was absurd asking me to fill out that silly paper. As though I had to explain:
`It was merely a matter of form. However, you under that all the people who were here near the time of the tragedy must be questioned.!
'Of course I understand that.' She looked at Hadley sharply. `When was Phil killed?'
`Well come to that in a moment, Mrs Bitton. Let's get things in order, if you don't mind…. To begin with, I dare say this isn't the first time you've visited the Tower? Naturally, you're interested in the — er — historic treasures of the place?'
A rather humorous look crept into her face. `That's- a gentleman's way of asking me my business:' Her eyes wandered to Sir William. `I imagine Will has already told you about me. He thinks I haven't any interest in musty ruins and things like that.'
General Mason was stung. The word `ruins' had shocked him. He took the cigar out of his mouth.
`Madam,' he interposed, warmly, `if you will excuse my reminding you.. '
`Certainly,' she agreed, with a bright smile, and looked back at Hadley. `However, that's not true. I do like them. I like to think about those people in armour, and the tournaments and things, and fights. But I was going to tell you why I was here. It wasn't the Tower exactly. It was the walk.'