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 “You couldn’t have done anything if you’d been here. You heard what that woman said. If Margaret died of heart disease your suspicions were quite without ground.”

He shook her away, almost violently.

“For God’s sake, speak to us,” cried Susie.

His utter silence terrified her more than would have done any outburst of grief. Dr. Porhoët went up to him gently.

“Don’t try to be too brave, my friend. You will not suffer so much if you allow yourself a little weakness.”

“For Heaven’s sake leave me alone!” said Arthur, hoarsely.

They drew back and watched him silently. Susie heard their hostess come along to the sitting-room with tea, and she unlocked the door. The landlady brought in the things. She was on the point of leaving them when Arthur stopped her.

“How do you know that Mrs. Haddo died of heart disease?” he asked suddenly.

His voice was hard and stern. He spoke with a peculiar abruptness that made the poor woman look at him in amazement.

“Dr. Richardson told me so.”

“Had he been attending her?”

“Yes, sir. Mr. Haddo had called him in several times to see his lady.”

“Where does Dr. Richardson live?”

“Why, sir, he lives at the white house near the station.”