‘How much?’
‘Nearly ten thousand roubles.’
‘That is a large sum! I suppose you will lose it?’
‘Oh dear no!’
‘Why? Did he die worth money?’
‘His life was insured for ten thousand. I hold the policy and a letter from him to the effect that, should he die before paying me my due, I was to receive the policy money.’
‘Have you any idea where he spent his last evening, after leaving you?’
‘It is known that he went to the opera, because some acquaintances saw him there.’
‘But after that?’
‘I haven’t the remotest idea.’