«Never talk business with your mouth full,» said Lord Peter, reprovingly; «have some Oxford marmalade — and then I'll show you my Dante; they brought it round last night. What ought I to read this morning, Bunter?»
«Lord Erith's collection is going to be sold, my lord. There is a column about it in the Morning Post. I think your lordship should look at this review of Sir Julian Freke's new book on 'The Physiological Bases of the Conscience' in the Times Literary Supplement. Then there is a very singular little burglary in the Chronicle, my lord, and an attack on titled families in the Herald — rather ill-written, if I may say so, but not without unconscious humour which your lordship will appreciate.»
«All right, give me that and the burglary,» said his lordship.
«I have looked over the other papers,» pursued Mr. Bunter, indicating a formidable pile, «and marked your lordship's after-breakfast reading.»
«Oh, pray don't allude to it,» said Lord Peter, «you take my appetite away.»
There was silence, but for the crunching of toast and the crackling of paper.
«I see they adjourned the inquest,» said Parker presently.
«Nothing else to do,» said Lord Peter, «but Lady Levy arrived last night, and will have to go and fail to identify the body this morning for Sugg's benefit.»
«Time, too,» said Mr. Parker shortly.
Silence fell again.