“Who has only a duty to perform, like myself,” said the officer.
“You cannot see Lady Verner,” said his lordship; “and your desire to do so is an impertinence. If you choose to conduct your inquiries respectfully you may continue them; if not, were you twenty times a policeman I would have you bundled out of this room, sir. There!”
“I bow to your superior authority, your lordship,” said the officer, calmly. “May I ask you one more question before I proceed to put one or two to your servants?”
“You may,” said Earl Verner.
“Did this gentleman come here on business?”
“I think he had some little business with his sister, the Countess.”
“Thank you, my lord,” said the officer.
“What is your name?” asked the officer, turning to the groom.
“Jones—Peter Jones,” said the man.
“Tell me all you know about this affair,” said the officer, “and how you found the deceased.”