A fresh thought seemed to pass through Markfield's mind and a faint suggestion of distrust appeared on his face.
“Well, I'm ready to answer any questions you care to put,” he said, though there seemed to be a certain reluctance in his voice.
Sir Clinton's attitude indicated that it was the turn of the Inspector. Flamborough pulled out his notebook.
“First of all, then, Dr. Markfield, could you tell us when you first became acquainted with Mrs. Silverdale?”
“Shortly after she and her husband came to Westerhaven. That's about three years ago, roughly.”
“You knew her fairly well?”
“I used to see her at dances and so forth. Lately, I've seen less of her. She picked up other friends, naturally; and I don't dance much nowadays.”
“She danced a good deal, I understand. Can you tell me any particular people who associated with her frequently in recent times?”
“I daresay I could give you a list of several. Young Hassendean was one. She used him as a kind of dancing-partner, from all I heard; but I go out so little nowadays that I can't speak from much direct knowledge on the point.”
“What sort of person was Mrs. Silverdale, in your judgment?”