“Well, sir, I thought ... I made sure that Mr. Greve ...”
There was a moment’s tense silence.
“Well?” snapped Humphries.
“I was going to say I made certain that Mr. Greve was going to Mr. Parrish in the library to tell him tea was ready. Mr. Greve passed me in the hall and went down the library corridor just after I had served the tea.”
All eyes turned to Robin.
“It’s perfectly true,” he said. “I went out into the gardens for a mouthful of fresh air just before tea. I left the house by the side door off the corridor here. I didn’t go to the library, though. It is an understood thing in this house that no one ever disturbs Mr. Parrish when he ...”
He broke off sharply.
“My God, Mary,” he cried, “you mustn’t come in here!”
All turned round at his loud exclamation. Mary Trevert stood in the doorway. Dr. Romain darted forward.
“My dear,” he said soothingly, “you mustn’t be here ...”