“Ah!” interjected Flamborough, now keenly interested. “And your sister knew of this?”
“She learned it from me just two days before her death. And you understand, there was no grief with it. My aunt had suffered terribly in the last few months. Angina pectoris, very painful. We were quite glad to see her suffering at an end.”
Flamborough felt that this fresh piece of information needed consideration before he ventured on to the ground which had been disclosed.
“Are you staying in Westerhaven, Mr. Renard?” he inquired.
“Yes, for a few days yet, I expect,” the little man answered. “I have some legal matters in my hands which need my presence on the spot. As my sister is now dead, there is the disposal of this money to be considered. I find difficulties which I had not expected.”
“And your address during your stay will be?”
“I am at the Imperial Hotel. You can always find me there.”
“Well, Mr. Renard, I'd like to have a talk with you later on, if I may. Just at present, I'm very busy. Perhaps you could spare a few minutes when my hands are free.”
“I shall be delighted,” Renard acquiesced. “Whenever you wish to see me, send a message. I am much worried, you understand?” he concluded, with a quiver in his voice which pierced through the official coating of Flamborough and touched the softer material inside.