A few moments later, having sped the Superintendent on his way, he returned to the studio to find that the argument had been interrupted by Violet, who throughout Hannasyde's visit had sat quietly at the other end of the room, turning over the leaves of a magazine. “I held my tongue while that man was here,” she was saying. “But I really was shocked at the way you went on, Kenneth. It's so silly of you, and childish. We know you didn't kill your half-brother, but you're simply asking for trouble, talking as you did. And I must say I don't think it's particularly nice of you, or sporting, to be so unkind to Mr Vereker.”
“Don't bother about me,” said Roger. “I don't mind him, as long as he doesn't start sticking knives into me.”
“I think that's extremely generous of you, Mr Vereker,” said Violet. “And whatever Kenneth may say, I hope you'll believe that I at least don't share his feelings.” She picked up her hat and gloves and held out her hand. “I'm going now. Good-bye - and please don't pay any attention to Kenneth or Tony.”
“Aren't you going to kiss him?” inquired Antonia ruthlessly.
“Shut up!” said Kenneth, an edge to his voice. “I'll see you home, Violet.”
They had barely left the studio when Roger remarked with sudden and unexpected shrewdness: “I'll tell you what she is: she's a gold-digger. I've met lots of them. He'd better not marry her.”
Antonia regarded him for the first time with a friendly eye. “Yes, she is a gold-digger, and I'll bet anything she's trying to vamp you so that you'll do something handsome for Kenneth.”
“Well, I shan't,” said Roger simply. “Not,” he added, “that I've got much chance to do anything for anybody so far, even myself. When can I have some money, Giles?”
“I'll get on to Gordon Truelove tomorrow,” replied Giles. “He's the other executor. I don't think you ever knew him.”
“No, and I don't want to,” said Roger. “All I want is some money, and I don't see why I can't have it.”