"What is the matter, Tuppence?" they asked, puzzled by her shocked expression.
"I went to put the flowers in Froken's room," she said slowly.
"Don't tell us there were some there already?" someone said; and there was a general laugh.
"I heard the Staff talking about Rouse."
"Well, what about her? Is she better?"
"She's dead."
The cup Innes was holding crashed on the hearth. Beau crossed over to her to pick up the pieces.
"Oh, nonsense," they said. "You heard wrong, young Tuppence."
"No, I didn't. They were talking on the landing. She died half an hour ago."
This was succeeded by a dismayed silence.