“Oh, the jury were very quick⁠—I only waited ten minutes or so, you know, just on the chance⁠—and when they came back they said, ‘Wilful murder against somebody unknown’⁠—or something like that. I must say, I was surprised, because the Coroner was very down on Mr. Egerton⁠—”

“And so were you, I gather,” said Mrs. Whittaker, with forced calm; the Whittakers liked Egerton, and Mrs. Vincent was slowly bringing them to the boil.

“Well, if you ask me, I really don’t think he comes out of it very well. Of course, I know the jury didn’t say anything about him, but⁠—”