Page:Alice Stuyvesant - The Vanity Box.djvu/99

 intended to do when you got back?" the coroner went on, and those who listened began to take a keen interest in his line of questioning, as it was evident that he had a point to make.

"We usually had tea between half-past four and five," Sir Ian said.

"Were you expecting any visitor or visitors to tea that day?"

The witness's face changed, ever so slightly; but it did change, as if the question had not been among those put to him previously by the police. The more sharp-sighted of the jurymen noticed this, and wondered if Sir Ian had perhaps not intended to mention the fact that a visitor was expected. All waited eagerly to hear a name or names, which were sure to come out and must be of interest.

"We thought it possible that there might be visitors." (Was there reluctance in his tone?)

"Several?"

"Two."

"Will you kindly give their names?"

"Is that necessary?"

(There was no longer any doubt. Sir Ian had not wished to mention the expected visit!)

"Yes, I believe it to be necessary."

"Mrs. Forestier said at luncheon, she understood that Mrs. Ricardo of White Fields meant to call with a cousin of hers, at Friars' Moat, some time after four."