"Oh, Alexis, I do think that's so sweet and sacrificing of you!" said Vicky. "Only, do you feel it's wise of you?"
"Wise of me? I do not understand!"
"I rather suspect that the police will think it's a bit odd of you. That Inspector asked the most unnerving questions about you, and he's so dumb that I wouldn't be at all surprised if he's cast you for the part of the murderer."
"But it is ridiculous!" exclaimed the Prince. "You are joking, surely!"
"Oh, Alexis, joking at such a time! Oh, how could you think I'd be so frightful?"
"You are overwrought, then. As for your Police Inspector, I snap my fingers at him, so! Do not trouble your so lovely little head on my account, my Vicky!"
A telephone-bell had rung in the distance a minute or two before, and Peake now came into the hall to tell Mary that Mr. Steel wished to speak to her.
She pulled herself out of her chair. "All right, Peake; I'll take it in the library," she said.
Steel's voice, at the other end of the wire, sounded deeper even than usual. He said: "That you, Mary? I've just heard the most incredible It isn't true, is it?"
"If you mean Wally's death, yes, it's true."