“Yes, she always had early tea.”
“Who took that to her?”
“Oh, the under-housemaid! Usually the upper housemaid, but we haven't got one at the moment.”
“Does she also prepare the tea?”
“I don't know. She or the cook, I suppose.”
“Did Miss Matthews take anything else? Any medicine, perhaps?”
Stella looked questioningly at her mother, but Mrs Matthews shook her head. “Really, Superintendent, I've no idea what my sister-in-law may or may not have taken.”
Hannasyde did not pursue this. Instead he asked Stella what her aunt had eaten for breakfast. When he heard that Miss Matthews had had only tea and one slice of bacon, he said: “Was it the same tea which you and your brother drank, Miss Matthews?”
“Well, I had coffee,” replied Stella. “Guy, you had the tea, didn't you?”
“Yes,” said Guy. “Same pot, too.”