“They have been known to do so,” said the schoolmaster, drily, “at least in classical times. You’ve probably heard of Oedipus, Solent?”

“But Oedipus didn’t die. That was the whole point. The gods carried him away.”

“Well, perhaps the gods will carry Mr. Malakite away.”

“What do you mean?” enquired Wolf, with great interest, lowering his voice.

“Oh, I daresay we make too much of these things. But there was a quarrel between this man and his wife, connected with his fondness for their daughter, this young Christie’s elder sister⁠ ⁠… and⁠ ⁠… well⁠ ⁠… there was a child born, too.”

“And the wife died?”