There was a slight pause. "Mary, you don't mean he was actually murdered, do you?"
"I'm afraid so. How did you hear of it?"
"One of my men's just come in with the news. He says it's all over the village. Good God, I couldn't believe it! Mary, how's Ermyntrude?"
"She's upset, naturally. We hope to get her to bed."
"I'll come over at once. We can't talk on the telephone."
"Oh no, you will not come over!" said Mary. "Dr Chester's with her now, and she doesn't want any visitors tonight. Besides, the more you stay out of this the better it'll be, Robert. Peake heard what you said to me this morning, and he told the police."
"Hell, what do you think I care for that?"
"I don't know, and I'm past minding, but if you come over here you won't see Aunt Ermy, I promise you."
There was another pause. "All right. I'll wait till the morning. Tell her I rang up, won't you?"
"Oh yes, I'll tell her!" said Mary, glancing round as the door opened, and Vicky came into the room. "Sorry, I can't stay any longer. Good-bye!" She put down the receiver. "What have you done with the Prince, Vicky? He hasn't gone back into the drawing-room, has he?"