"A summons?" Marion said, puzzled.
"A summons to appear at the police court on Monday morning to answer a charge of abduction and assault." It was obvious that Hallam was not happy.
"I don't believe it," Marion said slowly. "I don't believe it. You mean you are charging us with this thing?"
"Yes, Miss Sharpe."
"But how? Why now?" She turned to Robert.
"The police think they have the corroborative evidence they needed," Robert said.
"What evidence?" Mrs. Sharpe asked, reacting for the first time.
"I think the best plan would be for Inspector Hallam to serve you both with the summonses, and we can discuss the situation at greater length when he has gone."
"You mean, we have to accept them?" Marion said. "To appear in the public court-my mother too-to answer a-to be accused of a thing like that?"
"I'm afraid there is no alternative."