“Do you know, I thought perhaps you might be?” said Randall.
“I am by no means satisfied that your uncle died a natural death. I accuse no one; I make no insinuations; but I shall be surprised if my suspicions are not found to be correct.”
“I know you like plain-speaking, my beloved aunt,” said Randall, “so you will not mind my telling you that I find your behaviour extremely officious.”
“Indeed?”
“And ill judged,” said Randall pensively.
“I am not concern—”
“Also more than a little stupid. But that was to be expected.”
“It may interest you to know—”
“Experience, my dear aunt, leads me to reply with confidence that whatever it is you have to say is not in the least likely to interest me.”
While Mrs Lupton fought for words Stella said curiously: “Then you don't think uncle can really have been poisoned, Randall?”