“Don’t we?” Charlot persisted.
“We’ll tell the truth,” said Lord Charles, “certainly.” He looked at his children. “I want you to listen carefully. Your uncle was alone in the lift for some time before he and Aunt Violet were taken down. It seems that he was sitting in the lift with his hat pulled forward and his head bent. Your aunt only discovered that he was hurt after the lift had gone some way down. You all must have heard the return. Now each of you may have to account for your movements after your — after he got into the lift. Try to remember exactly what you did and where you were. If…”
He broke off abruptly. The doctor had come into the room.
Dr. Kantripp was stocky and dark, with a pleasingly ugly face. He looked profoundly unhappy.
“They’re coming,” he said, “immediately.”
“Good,” said Lord Charles.
“Dr. Kantripp,” said Charlot, “will he live?”
“He may — survive for a little, Lady Charles.”
“Will he be able to speak?”
“I think it most unlikely.”