"No, sir. I was busy preparing for luncheon."
"In the dining-room?"
"Between the dining-room and the pantry, sir. I should tell you that there is a door leading from the dining-room to the passage outside the pantry."
"You did not show Mrs. Chudleigh out?"
"No, sir. I understand that Mrs. Chudleigh left by way of the garden."
"Oh? Which way is that?"
The butler moved towards the west window. "You may see for yourself, sir. This opens on to the path leading from the drive to the lawn at the back of the house."
Harding followed him, and looked out. "I see." He consulted the paper in his hand again. "One more question. At what hour did Mr. Billington-Smith leave the house on Monday morning?"
"I really couldn't say, sir," replied Finch, after a moment's consideration.
The grey eyes lifted to his face. "Try to remember, will you?" said Harding gently.