Berry started, said, "Oh—er—thanks very much," and opened the box.
Then he took out a cigar, idly enough.
I became conscious that Daphne's and Adèle's eyes were upon me as Jonah brought me the cigarettes. I took one without looking, and stared back. Instantly their eyes shifted to the cigarette in my hand. I followed their gaze, to behold one of the brand which I had smoked invariably for seven years.
Dazedly I looked across at Berry, to see him regarding his cigar with bulging eyes….
As in a dream, I heard Jonah's voice.
"You must forgive my cousins. They're not being rude. To tell you the truth, we've recently had a bereavement. A particularly cherished friend, who was to furnish us all with tobacco for several months, disappeared in sickening circumstances only two days ago. The cigar and the cigarette have revived some painful memories."
Our hostess opened and closed her mouth before replying.
Then—
"What," she said faintly, "what was your—er—cherished friend like?"
Berry started to his feet.
"Both hinges gone," he shouted, "tied up with rope—reeking of pepper——"