"Isn't it?" asked Hetherwick. "At present I don't see any way through or over it."
"Oh, I think you're getting towards something!" she retorted. "All these things, puzzling as they are, are better than nothing. I've got some news, too—if you're sure there are no eavesdroppers about."
"Oh, we're all right!" said Hetherwick. "Good stout old doors, these—close-fitting. What next?"
Rhona leaned across the table a little, and lowered her voice.
"There was a sort of row at the Court; at least, at the Home, yesterday," she said. "With that man Baseverie!"
"Ah!" exclaimed Hetherwick. "That's interesting! Tell about it."
"Well, I told you that Lady Riversreade arrived from London yesterday morning about nine-thirty," continued Rhona. "Major Penteney arrived with her."
"Who's Major Penteney?" demanded Matherfield.
"He's a retired Army man who's greatly interested in Lady Riversreade's Home, and looks after its affairs in London," replied Hetherwick. "And Miss Hannaford thinks he's in love with the foundress. I've seen him—saw him with Lady Riversreade on Sunday. Yes," he added, turning to Rhona, "Major Penteney came back with her? Go on."
"As soon as they arrived—I saw them come, from my office window—they came across to the Home," continued Rhona. "It struck me that they both looked unusually grave and serious. They talked to me for a few minutes on business matters: then they went into Lady Riversreade's private office. They were there for some little time; then Lady Riversreade came out and went away; I saw her cross to the Court. Presently Major Penteney came to me, and told me that he wanted to have a little private talk with me. He said—as near as I can remember—'Miss Featherstone——'"