Wolfe grunted and passed the paper back to me. “It can wait. Mrs. Hawthorne and I have been discussing the matter of the will. It is her opinion that it expresses the wishes of her husband and his deliberate intention to deprive her of her rightful share of his fortune. She is not surprised at her husband’s duplicity, but strongly resents the fact that Mr. Prescott did not inform her of the will’s contents at the time it was drawn, though I have told her that had he done so it would have been a flagrant breach of ethics. Please make a note of these remarks. I asked Mrs. Hawthorne if she has dealt, or attempted to deal, directly with Miss Karn in the matter, and she says she has not and would not. I believe that covers the points we’ve discussed, madam?”
“Yes.” The veil inclined slightly forward and straightened up again.
Wolfe regarded it with half-closed eyes. “Well. Has Mr. Dunn told you that he has asked me to investigate your husband’s death?”
“No, but his wife has. My sister-in-law June.”
“Have you talked with the police?”
The veil was inclined again. “Last night. The district attorney. Mr. Skinner.”
“Are you willing to discuss it with me? I want to say, Mrs. Hawthorne, that I realize I am in your home, this is the library of your home, and I thank you for allowing me to work here. I assure you I shall clear out at the earliest possible moment. The luncheon — I shall not impose upon you for another meal if I can help it. But I do have a few questions to ask.”
“I am perfectly willing to answer them. I don’t believe — I doubt if I can help your investigation any, although I know quite well who killed my husband.”
“Oh. You do?”
“Yes. April.”