«We don't want to distress you unnecessarily, Lady Levy. If you will just tell us what to look for — the — ? Yes, yes, certainly — and — yes — stopped with gold? Yes — the lower jaw, the last but one on the right? Yes — no teeth missing — no — yes? What kind of a mole? Yes — just over the left breast? Oh, I beg your pardon, just under — yes — appendicitis? Yes — a long one — yes — in the middle? Yes, I quite understand — a scar on the arm? Yes, I don't know if we shall be able to find that — yes — any little constitutional weakness that might — ? Oh, yes — arthritis — yes — thank you, Lady Levy — that's very clear. Don't come unless I ask you to. Now, Wingate.»
A pause. A murmur. «Pulled out? After death, you think — well, so do I. Where is Dr. Colegrove? You attended this man in the workhouse? Yes. Do you recollect — ? No? You're quite certain about that? Yes — we mustn't make a mistake, you know. Yes, but there are reasons why Sir Julian can't be present; I'm asking you, Dr. Colegrove. Well, you're certain — that's all I want to know. Just bring the light closer, Mr. Wingate, if you please. These miserable shells let the damp in so quickly. Ah! what do you make of this? Yes — yes — well, that's rather unmistakable, isn't it? Who did the head? Oh, Freke — of course. I was going to say they did good work at St. Luke's. Beautiful, isn't it, Dr. Colegrove? A wonderful surgeon — I saw him when he was at Guy's. Oh, no, gave it up years ago. Nothing like keeping your hand in. Ah — yes, undoubtedly that's it. Have you a towel handy, sir? Thank you. Over the head, if you please — I think we might have another here. Now, Lady Levy — I am going to ask you to look at a scar, and see if you recognize it. I'm sure you are going to help us by being very firm. Take your time — you won't see anything more than you absolutely must.»
«Lucy, don't leave me.»
«No, dear.»
A space cleared at the table. The lamplight on the Duchess's white hair.
«Oh, yes — oh, yes! No, no — I couldn't be mistaken. There's that funny little kink in it. I've seen it hundreds of times. Oh, Lucy — Reuben!»
«Only a moment more, Lady Levy. The mole —»
«I—I think so — oh, yes, that is the very place.»
«Yes. And the scar — was it three — cornered, just above the elbow?»
«Yes, oh, yes.»