“I am almost afraid, Israel, that people may say unpleasant things. Reading the bare evidence, they may be tempted to come to ridiculous conclusions.”
I saw that it was time to affect a serious view of the matter. I kept a close watch on my tone of voice, however, and was most careful as to the light and shade of any expressions I used.
“You don’t mean to say, sir, that you seriously think anybody would connect me with the crime?”
“Seriously, no; but I think irresponsible gossip might make things very unpleasant.”
“It certainly would be unpleasant.”
“You are my heir, Israel. Failing me, the title passes on to the branch of Lord George Gascoyne, whose heir you are through your mother.”
“Exactly, sir; as I said, in my case there is motive.” I looked a little grave, and continued slowly:
“Someone must have put the poison in the bottle.” I was deliberately allowing my gravity to increase in order to emphasise my growing apprehension.
“I notice the detective has left the house,” I said.
“Detective!” echoed Mr. Gascoyne in amazement.