She sat down on it. She was looking a little pale, and there was an anxious expression in her eyes which did not escape the Inspector.

"Now, miss! I understand that Mr. Robert Steel called here this morning to see Mrs. Carter. Is that a fact?"

"Yes."

"You didn't mention it to me before. How was that?"

"I didn't think it was important. Mr. Steel is a close friend, and often drops in to see us."

"Was Mr. Steel a close friend of Mr. Carter's, miss?"

She hesitated. "I should call him a friend of the house."

"Is it not a fact that he is Mrs. Carter's friend?"

"He is more her friend than Mr. Carter's. But he is also a friend of mine."

"We'll let that pass, miss. Had you no reason to suppose that Mr. Steel might feel more than friendly towards Mrs. Carter?"