"It isn't," said Mrs. Beatson, ironically, "unless you consider the death of Mr. Leigh serious."
"What?" Kit jumped up with his face as white as chalk.
"Don't," said his mother irritably, "you get on my nerves, and they're bad enough as it is." She paused, then continued, rather pleased with the sensation she was making. "I know a great deal about the murder."
"Oh!" Miss Tollart's eyes grew large and round, and became filled with curiosity. "Have you any idea as to who murdered Mr. Leigh?"
"I have. But what I am about to tell you, keep to yourselves."
"We have promised that," snapped Sophy, for all this mysterious talk was irritating her greatly. "What is it you know?"
"I must begin at the beginning," said Mrs. Beatson solemnly, and taking every advantage of the situation; "and when my son knows all, I shall expect my son to defend my honor."
"Against Mr. Hendle?" asked Kit nervously.
"He has behaved like a brute!" cried Mrs. Beatson, flaming up. "But bad as he is, he is not so bad as that nasty Mr. Carrington."
"The lawyer," said Sophy, curiously. "What has he to do with it."