‘But for that stratagem of Manston’s in relation to the Springroves,’ Owen thought, ‘Cythie might now have been the happy wife of Edward. True, that he influenced Miss Aldclyffe only rests on Edward’s suspicions, but the grounds are good—the probability is strong.’
He went indoors and questioned Cytherea.
‘On the night of the fire, who first said that Mrs. Manston was burnt?’ he asked.
‘I don’t know who started the report.’
‘Was it Manston?’
‘It was certainly not he. All doubt on the subject was removed before he came to the spot—that I am certain of. Everybody knew that she did not escape after the house was on fire, and thus all overlooked the fact that she might have left before—of course that would have seemed such an improbable thing for anybody to do.’
‘Yes, until the porter’s story of her irritation and doubt as to her course made it natural.’
‘What settled the matter at the inquest,’ said Cytherea, ‘was Mr. Manston’s evidence that the watch was his wife’s.’
‘He was sure of that, wasn’t he?’
‘I believe he said he was certain of it.’