Miss Blow was alert and suspicious. “Why the hotel?” she asked.
“I’ll go to the police barrack if you like,” said Lord Manton. “I only suggested the hotel because it is a convenient central sort of place with a room in it large enough to hold the whole party.”
“The hotel is decidedly the most suitable place,” said Miss Farquharson.
She was beginning to dislike Miss Blow, whose manner struck her as aggressive to a degree quite unsuitable in a young woman. On the other hand, she highly approved of Lord Manton, who was most courteous and had given her tea, which she wanted badly.
“Besides,” said Mr. Goddard, “we shall be sure of seeing Jimmy O’Loughlin at the hotel.”
“I don’t see why Mr. O’Loughlin should be mixed up in our business,” said Miss Blow.
“Nor do I,” said Mr. Goddard. “I’ve always protested against the way he’s dragged in. But everybody does it. Sergeant Farrelly can’t say a simple sentence without quoting Jimmy as his authority; and you did the same thing yourself repeatedly when you were elaborating your theory of murder.”
“Besides,” said Lord Manton, “Jimmy O’Loughlin is a magistrate. He’s really far more of a magistrate than I am.”
“If he’s a magistrate,” said Miss Farquharson, “we ought to consult him.”
“He’s a liar,” said Miss Blow definitely.