Timothy, who, with Mr.. James Kane, had been attempting in an unobtrusive way, to slide out of the room, cast his betrothed a glance of reproach, but responded to her appeal. He went to Cynthia, and took one of her hands, saying: "There isn't a best way of telling her. You've got to prepare yourself for a shock, Cynthia."
"Gosh, Mummy isn't dead, is she?"
"Yes," replied Timothy. "She is dead."
Cynthia stared at him, and then at his silent companions. She gave an uncertain laugh. "Oh, don't be so silly! Quite unfunny, darling!"
"Quite," said Timothy steadily.
"But how can she be dead? There was nothing the matter with her at tea-time! You don't mean she's been run over, or anything, do you?"
"Not run over. She's been murdered, Cynthia."
It seemed as though for a moment she scarcely took in what he said. She repeated stupidly: "Murdered? Murdered, like Dan was?"
"Yes, like that."
"But she can't be! She can't be!" Cynthia cried shrilly. "What'll happen to me?"