"Yes, he went first to put a step-ladder in the billiardroom, out of harm's way."
The Inspector's eyes were very bright. "Did he, miss? Was Mr. Nathaniel Herriard anywhere about at that moment?"
"He had just gone up to his room." "
Did you see him go?"
"Yes, certainly I did," she said, a little puzzled.
"Where were you, miss?"
"In the hall. Actually, standing in the doorway of this very room. I was enjoying a quiet cigarette in here after the somewhat strenuous time we'd been through over Mr. Roydon's play. The rest of the party had gone up to change, I think. Then I heard Nathaniel and Joseph Herriard come out of the drawing-room together."
"Go on, if you please, miss. What were they doing?"
"Quarrelling. Well, no, that's not quite fair. Mr. Herriard was still very angry about the play, and - and one thing and another, and Mr. Joseph Herriard was doing his best to smooth him down."
"Did he succeed?"