“I think Frid’s right,” said Stephen.
“Then,” said Henry, “for God’s sake come off your racket, you and Colin, and tell us who went down in the lift with them.”
Colin said: “I went down in the lift.”
“Don’t be a bloody fool,” said Stephen. “If Aunt V. did it, what do you want to muck in for? You’re mad.”
“You’re both mad,” said Henry. “If Aunt V. did it—”
“If Violet killed Gabriel,” said Charlot suddenly, “it is not our business to do anything but clear ourselves.”
“Immy, my dear—”
“If it’s you, Charlie, or one of my children, against Violet, then I’m against Violet. I believe Frid’s right. If Violet killed Gabriel she’s mad. She’s been shut up before; she’ll be shut up again. Does that matter so much? Does it matter so much, even if she didn’t do it?”
“Immy!”
“A mad woman, and, what’s more, a horrible woman. You know you think she’s horrible, Charlie. And if she wasn’t demented before, she is now. She’ll have to be shut up anyway. When I see Mr. Alleyn I shall make it perfectly clear that Violet had the opportunity. And if he asks what the relationship has been between them I shall tell him. Why not? Why, in God’s name, shouldn’t I? You yourself say we should speak the truth. What is it but the truth that Violet and Gabriel have hated each other for years? We all know they have. Let us say so. What about that woman you told me Gabriel installed—”