The next witness examined was Margery, and she refused to open her mouth unless she sat by Miss Bull. The old maid held Margery's hand and coaxed her into answering when she proved recalcitrant. Quex could not but admire the way in which Miss Bull managed the lumpish creature.
"You left the drawing-room with this lady?" he asked, indicating Miss Bull, and speaking in a persuasive tone.
"Yes. We played 'Patience' in Miss Bull's bedroom. I did it twice."
"At what time did you leave?"
"About eleven--just before it."
"Did the clock strike the hour when you were in your own bedroom?"
"No," said Margery, trying to collect her wits, "when I was in the passage."
"What were you doing in the passage? It would only take you a few minutes to get to your room, would it not?"
"Yes," put in Miss Bull. "My bedroom is on the second floor, and Margery's is on the fourth, right above my head. You could easily have got to your room before the clock struck, Margery.
"I did try to," admitted the girl, "but my aunt kept me talking."