"Sorry, Aunt. It's all rather disappointing. I'm going back to bed."
Sir Humphrey demanded to know what was to stop the burglar returning through the damaged window. Mr. Amberley professed complete unconcern. He was still holding the book, and he went out carrying it with him.
Chapter Twelve
Mr. Anthony Corkran was about to answer the telephone, which was ringing shrilly in the lobby off the hall, when he was forestalled by the polite Baker.
The butler apologised with his usual deprecating air for being late and took the receiver off the hook. He said: "Hullo!" and Mr. Corkran, still standing in the hall, could have sworn a female voice answered. The butler gave a sidelong glance towards him and said primly: "I do not know whether it is convenient just now miss."
The voice spoke again. Baker listened and said: "What name, please?"
Apparently no name was given. Corkran saw a curious expression come into the butler's face and wondered. Baker set the receiver down carefully and went away across the hall to the kitchen premises. His interest aroused, Corkran lingered in the doorway of the library to see who was being fetched. Not entirely to his surprise Collins came into the hall a few moments later and went towards the telephone lobby. Corkran drew back into the library and shut the door.
Collins went into the lobby and picked up the receiver. "Who is it? Collins speaking."
"I think you know who I am," said a woman's voice.
The valet cast a quick look over his shoulder and spoke urgently into the mouthpiece. "It's no use your ringing me up here. It's not safe. I told you before."