“I asked the nurse to explain. Lady Wutherwood is so very — I didn’t suggest that she should be present. Only distress her. If you’ll excuse me I think I’d better have a word with Alleyn.”
He went out, meeting Patch in the doorway.
“I say,” said Patch, “there are more men going into 26. They’re using the lift.”
“Shut the door,” said Colin.
But even with the door shut they could hear unmistakable and heavy sounds of Uncle G.’s departure. Even the Lampreys had nothing to say and sat in an uncomfortable hush, listening and yet not appearing to listen. With a clank and a heavy mechanical sigh, Uncle G. went down again in the lift.
Henry moved to a window of the drawing-room, pulled aside the curtains and looked down into the street. The others watched him uneasily and in a moment the twins joined him. Unwillingly, Roberta read in their faces the stages of Uncle G.’s progress. Henry opened his window more widely. Down in Pleasaunce Court, doors were shut. An engine started, a motor horn sounded, Henry dropped the curtain and turned back into the room.
“I suppose,” he said, “I shall not be promoted to first suspect if I merely observe, thank God for that.”
“Patch,” said Charlot, “has Mr. Alleyn finished with you?”
“Yes, Mummy.”
“Then go to bed, darling. I’ll come and say good night if I can. But don’t stay awake for me. Run along.”