“Shut up, you ass!” said Conrad.
“Listen!” Vivian interrupted, lifting her head. “That sounds like the doctor going!”
In another minute the door opened, and Charmian came in. She looked rather pale, as though she had sustained a severe shock, and she did not at first say anything.
“Is that Rame going?” Vivian asked. “What on earth has he been doing all this time?”
“Where’s Ray?” Conrad demanded.
“Seeing Rame off.” Charmian dug her hands into her coat-pockets, and took up her favourite position on the hearth-rug, with her feet widely planted. “Well, you might as well know at once what has happened. Rame won’t sign the certificate.”
Chapter Seventeen
Her words were received in uncomprehending silence. Conrad broke it. “What do you mean, he won’t sign the certificate? Why not?”
“He thinks Father didn’t die a natural death,” responded Charmian bluntly.
They all stared at her. “Didn’t die a natural death?” Conrad repeated. “What on earth are you driving at, Char?”