“Oh, no, I just thought you might have seen them after church!”
“They aren't churchgoers. At least, he isn't. I don't know what she may do: I believe she's and R.C.”
“Oh! Aunt Miriam, why did the Ainstables take Warrenby up?”
“It's news to me that they did.” said Miss Patterdale curtly.
“Aunt Miriam! I distinctly remember you saying once that you couldn't imagine why the Squire tolerated him!”
“Tolerating people isn't the same as taking them up. Who's been putting this idea into your head?”
“Gavin more or less started it—”
“He would!” interrupted Miss Patterdale, her eyes snapping.
“Oh, he didn't say anything about that! He was only talking rot about the Squire having done the murder because he was the least likely person,” said Abby, not very lucidly. “And that made Charles ask his father exactly what I've asked you.”
“It did, did it? And what did Mr. Haswell say?”