The constable said austerely: "You mustn't get it into your head, sir, that the police want people to go about killing themselves. All I said was, it's a bit hard that when a Framley man commits sooicide them chaps from Manfield get called in before I hear anything about it. Not that I'm blaming you, sir," he added handsomely. "No doubt you done as you see fit, and it isn't everyone who keeps his head on his shoulders when he goes and finds a thing like a corpse."
The inquest, as Charles had predicted, was not particularly interesting to Celia and Margaret, but those outside the family who had not imagined that any other verdict than suicide would be forthcoming, were in a positive buzz of speculation and wonderment.
Charles and Peter recounted all that they had done, both citing as their reason for visiting Duval's cottage his suspicious presence in their grounds on the night before. The inspector was called, and also Dr Puttock, and the inspector then asked for an adjournment, pending further police inquiries. This was granted, and for the time being the case was over.
"And I vote," said Peter, "that we ask old Ackerley in for some tennis this afternoon, and try to get the taste of all this out of our mouths."
They waited for the Colonel outside the court-room, and when he appeared he readily accepted the invitation. "I won't ask questions now," he said, "but I warn you, I'm all agog to hear a bit more. If you don't want to fall into Mrs. Pennythorne's clutches, you'd better get away before she catches you. I saw her making for the door fairly bursting with curiosity."
"Then let's clear out at once," Peter said. "Half-past three suit you, Colonel? We ought to tell you that the court's a terror, and full of docks."
"Be able to blame it then for my bad shots," the Colonel said.
They escaped just as the Vicar's wife emerged from the court-room, and drove back to the Priory in time for a late lunch. The Colonel arrived punctually at half-past three, and proved to be a player of considerable standing.
"What a pity we couldn't have got another man!" Celia said when they repaired to the terrace for tea. "But Dr Roote doesn't look as though he'd be any good, and I can't see Mr. Titmarsh standing up to you, Colonel."
"Give me a mixed double every time," the Colonel said. "Much better fun! But I'm out of practice. When I was in India I used to play a lot. I've rather given up of late years."