But, as it happened, Wally's murder was not just then paramount in Ermyntrude's mind. Her daughter's engagement had cast every other consideration into the background. It was, she said, the most delightful surprise of her life, and made up for everything. "I couldn't have wished for better!" she told Mary. "Of course, I don't say I haven't thought of an Earl, or at any rate a Viscount for her, but you can't absolutely bank on getting a peer, can you, dearie? And the Derings are county: there's no getting away from that! What's more, he's very nice, Hugh is, and not a bit up-stage with me, like an Earl might be. Fancy, though! I'd quite made up my mind it was you he was after! Well, I must say, you could have knocked me down with a feather! It's to be hoped I don't get any more shocks today, for really the excitement of' this has made me feel quite exhausted!"
She was to have yet another. Shortly after dinner Dr Chester was announced, and came into the drawing room looking rather grim.
"Well, and what little bird can have told you the news?" exclaimed Ermyntrude. "If it isn't like you, Maurice, to be the first to come and congratulate. Well, I do think it's sweet of you!"
"Congratulate?" he repeated. "What news are you talking about?"
"But, Maurice! Vicky and Hugh!" Ermyntrude said. His brow seemed to lighten. "Vicky and Hugh! No, really? Yes, of course I congratulate you both, most heartily!"
Hugh, who had stayed to dine at Palings, shook hands with him. "Thanks. But I think you've got some rather different news, haven't you?"
"You know, then?" Chester said.
"No. I've an inkling, though, since I encountered Inspector Hemingway this afternoon."
"They've arrested White," Chester said.
"Arrested White?" Mary gasped. "But why? On what conceivable grounds?"