VII
On returning to the flat just before lunch-time on the following morning, after a few confirmatory researches in Balham and the neighbourhood of Victoria Station, Lord Peter was greeted at the door by Mr. Bunter (who had gone straight home from Waterloo) with a telephone message and a severe and nursemaid-like eye.
«Lady Swaffham rang up, my lord, and said she hoped your lordship had not forgotten you were lunching with her.»
«I have forgotten, Bunter, and I mean to forget. I trust you told her I had succumbed to lethargic encephalitis suddenly, no flowers by request.»
«Lady Swaffham said, my lord, she was counting on you. She met the Duchess of Denver yesterday — »
«If my sister-in-law's there I won't go, that's flat,» said Lord Peter.
«I beg your pardon, my lord, the elder Duchess.»
«What's she doing in town?»
«I imagine she came up for the inquest, my lord.»
«Oh, yes — we missed that, Bunter.»