“Is that a vague instinct of hospitality, or mere supineness?” inquired Philip Courtenay.
“Supineness. What have you come for, anyway?”
“Curiosity. Moreover, my dear, I've been interviewed by a bird-like policeman in plain clothes who asked me the most embarrassing questions about Arnold's private affairs. I can't be too thankful I relinquished the post of secretary when I did.”
“Well, at least, Eaton Place was more or less bearable when you were there,” said Antonia. “How's Maud? And the baby?”
“Both very fit, thanks. Maud sent her love.”
Violet said: “But do tell us! What did the detective want to know?”
“Hidden scandals. I hinted that subsequent secretaries might be of more use to him, but it transpired that the longest tenure of office since my departure had been five weeks, so that wasn't much use.”
Kenneth removed the brush from his mouth. “Subsequent secretaries is good,” he remarked. “Had Arnold got many?”
“Dozens, I believe, but out of my ken. I wasn't as private as that.”
“I don't quite understand,” Violet said, fixing her eyes on his face. “Do the police suspect a crime passionnel?”