"I gave my name and address to the local policeman," Stannard added. "But I was not needed. I took the train from Newbury: giving (I recall) a very callow statement to a newspaper reporter at the train. I have no connection with the Fleets, and never met any of them from that day to this."
"And that's all"
"That's all," smiled Stannard, and Ruth joined the smile. "Stung!" said H.M.
From the desk he picked up the pen with the long blue feather, and seemed to meditate aiming and firing it at one of the brass andirons opposite.
"Whole great big beautiful bloomin' possibility," he said, "and yet—" H.M. threw down the pen. He adjusted his spectacles, peering at Ricky over them. "I say, son. That roof. It's our last hope. Is there any possibility of seeing it?"
"Certainly. We use it more nowadays, for parties, than we ever did like to come along, Martin?"
"Not for a minute,'‘ replied a bedevilled man whose thoughts churned round and round Jenny. "If you don't mind: in spite of what the old poisoner said—"
"Poisoner?'
"Lady Brayle. I was speaking figuratively. In spite of what she said, I’d like to use your telephone."
"At your service, old boy. Beside the stairs in the hall"