“She did not mention having intercepted a note from Mrs. Stephen Bellamy—having abstracted it from a book in the library?”
“I see,” said Mr. Ives, the brows relaxing, the smile returning, a little deeper and more dangerous. “No, I don’t believe that she mentioned that. It would probably have made an impression on me if she had.”
“Had you any reason to believe that Miss Page was jealous of Mrs. Bellamy, Mr. Ives?”
“Jealous of Mrs. Bellamy? Why should Miss Page have been jealous of Mrs. Bellamy?”
“I thought that possibly you might be able to tell us.”
“You were in error,” said Mr. Ives, leaning a little forward in his chair. “I am totally unable to tell you.”
He did not lift his voice, but Mr. Lambert moved back a step somewhat precipitately.
“Yes—exactly. Now, Mr. Ives, Melanie Cordier has testified that you told her that you had not found the note she claims to have placed there. Was that correct?”
“That is what I told her, certainly.”
“And it was an accurate statement on your part?”