Giles's eyes rested thoughtfully on Hannasyde's face. It was quite impassive, nor was there much expression in Hannasyde's voice as he said: “Very well, Mr Vereker. If you are determined not to answer, I have no option but to detain you.”
Giles carefully tipped the ash off the end of his cigarette. He still said nothing.
Kenneth's brows rose. “Now, I thought you'd arrest me,” he remarked. “Why don't you?”
The Superintendent made no reply. Antonia got up rather suddenly, and said with a curtness which informed all those who knew her how much alarmed she was: “Giles! For God's sake, why don't you do something?”
He said in his calm way: “There is nothing I can do at the moment, Tony. Don't panic.”
“But it's impossible! You're making an absurd mistake, Superintendent!” Leslie cried. “He didn't do it! I know he didn't do it!”
Violet, who had turned very pale, fixed her eyes on Hannasyde's face and said slowly: “One sees, naturally, that the evidence is very strong, but surely you are being a little hasty? I mean, Kenneth isn't the only person who could have done it. And I must say - though I know perfectly well that it won't be appreciated - that I should like very much to know what Tony was doing last night.”
“Thanks, we'll cut out that bit,” said Kenneth. “Tony was out with Giles, as you very well know.”
“You needn't look at me like that,” said Violet. “I know she says she was with Mr Carrington until twelve, but personally I feel -”
“No one is interested in your feelings, personal or otherwise. Dry up!”