“There is certainly more evidence against Hannah than against anybody else,” said Tuppence thoughtfully, “and yet I have an idea—” She stopped.
“Yes?” said Tommy encouragingly.
“It is not really an idea. I suppose it is just a prejudice.”
“A prejudice against someone?”
Tuppence nodded.
“Tommy—did you like Mary Chilcott?”
Tommy considered.
“Yes, I think I did. She struck me as extremely capable and businesslike—perhaps a shade too much so—but very reliable.”
“You didn’t think it was odd that she didn’t seem more upset?”
“Well, in a way that is a point in her favor. I mean, if she had done anything, she would make a point of being upset—lay it on rather thick.”
“I suppose so,” said Tuppence. “And anyway there doesn’t seem to be any motive in her case. One doesn’t see what good this wholesale slaughter can do her.”
“I suppose none of the servants are concerned?”
“It doesn’t seem likely. They seem a quiet reliable lot. I wonder what Esther Quant, the parlormaid, was like.”
“You mean, that if she was young and good-looking there was a chance that she was mixed up in it some way.”
“That is what I mean.” Tuppence sighed. “It is all very discouraging.”