"If you think I killed the poor lamb, you are mistaken," she said. "I can account for all my actions on that night, policeman."
This last was hurled at Blair with the object of keeping him well in mind of her condescension in receiving him.
"I never had the slightest suspicion of you," he protested. "My errand has to do with quite a different matter. And might I suggest," he added, a trifle testily, "that I am usually addressed as Inspector Blair?"
"Oh, of course, if you insist upon it!" she cried, with a shrug. "Inspector Blair--will that do?"
"That will do very well, thank you." He paused, and stared hard at the expensive tea-gown and the aggressive jewelry until the widow became restive. "Are you rich?" he asked abruptly.
"What has that got to do with you?" cried Mrs. Warrender furiously. "Remember you are talking to a lady!"
"To a rich lady or to a poor one?"
"Upon my soul, this is too much? Mind your business, Inspector Blair!"
"This is my business," he retorted, keeping himself well in hand. "I merely asked you the question, because, if you are not rich, then I come to make you so."
"What do you mean?"