"I have nothing to complain of," I answered, with an amiable glance at Inspector Neil.
The buzz of whispered conversation again broke out in the court, and looking round I caught sight for the first time of Mercia and Billy. They were sitting right at the back, but even at that distance Mercia's face stood out like some beautiful white flower. I made no sign of recognition, for I knew that the gentlemen of the Press were watching me with vulturean interest, and I was desperately anxious to avoid calling attention to her connection with the case.
I think my little tribute to the civility of the police had pleased Inspector Neil, for he conducted me back to my apartment in the most friendly fashion. Indeed, but for the fact that he was careful to turn the key in the lock when he left me, I might, from his manner, have been a private guest of his own instead of a suspected murderer. It struck me that perhaps he did not feel quite so certain as some of his colleagues as to the obviousness of my guilt.
I was not left very long to my reflections. A quarter of an hour could have hardly elapsed when my gaoler returned, coming into the room with a slightly awestruck expression on his good-natured countenance.
"The Home Secretary is here," he said, with a befitting sense of gravity. "He will see you at once."
"Thank you, Inspector," I returned, in the same dignified key.
A minute later Lord Lammersfield was ushered into the room.
I got up at once, and as the Inspector withdrew, closing the door behind him, I bowed to my distinguished visitor.
"It is very good of you to have come so soon," I said.
For a moment Lord Lammersfield made no answer.