A slow ironic smile broke over the elder woman’s face. Penelope saw what the answer must be before she spoke. “Didn’t you hear what Mr. Hughes said? You can’t bribe me.” She moved towards the door. “If you want anything more, will you please ring.”

Down in one of the morning rooms Larry Hughes smoked a thoughtful cigarette and nursed his right knee between his hands. He straightened up as Sophie entered soft footed.

“Well,” he demanded, “everything all right?”

“She offered me money to post a letter.”

“Didn’t you take it?” he replied carelessly. “More fool you.”

He did not even look at her, and the glowering eyes of the woman were lost to him. “What are you going to do with her?” she asked.