“Eh, yes; but I should have thought the major’s experiences overseas would have accustomed him to gruesome scenes.” Mitchell paused in front of the portières and adjusted them carefully so that they completely covered the doorway.
“Walking into a room and finding a friend lying dead is a shock, regardless of any past experience,” responded McLean dryly.
“Did Major Wallace know Miss Baird well?” inquired Mitchell.
“Know her well?” repeated McLean. “Yes, and her niece, Kitty Baird, even better, if rumor speaks truly.”
A certain inflection in the surgeon’s voice caused Mitchell to eye him sharply, but McLean’s attention was entirely centered on the tea table before which he was standing, and he appeared unaware of the inspector’s scrutiny.
“Exactly what do you mean, Doctor?” asked the latter. “Your words would imply—”
“Nothing—except that rumor has it that Leigh Wallace and Kitty Baird are engaged to be married.” McLean balanced one hand on a chair and tipped it back and forth.
“And what is your personal opinion, Doctor?” asked Mitchell shrewdly.
McLean hesitated. “I am not quite so certain,” he admitted. “Three months ago I believed Wallace and Kitty were engaged; then—”