"Will you answer that question?" Durham said.
"No, I will not. I will tolerate this no longer."
With a quick, angry gesture she turned to the door.
Durham was on his feet and in front of her before she could take two steps.
"Until I have seen your servant, Mrs. Eustace, you will remain here," he said. "Will you kindly come with me, Mr. Harding?"
He held the door open while Harding passed out, following him without another word.
But there was little to be ascertained from Bessie more than she had already told. She heard the door slam and her mistress go to the kitchen door, but whether she went on to the dining-room or not, Bessie "didn't notice."
"Could you see out of the window at the time?" Durham asked.
"No, sir, I was in the scullery washing up," the girl replied.
Mrs. Eustace, much to Harding's surprise, was still in the dining-room on their return. The papers Durham had placed on the table were untouched.