“Probably not,” said Inspector Neele, “but
it might give me some clue as to what was in
Mrs. Fortescue’s mind.”
“You mean–you think she might have
done it herself?”
Inspector Neele noticed the brightening on
her face. It would certainly be a very
convenient solution as far as the family was
concerned. Inspector Neele did not think it
175
was true for a moment. Adele Fortescue was
not to his mind a suicidal type. Even if she
had poisoned her husband and was convinced
the crime was about to be brought home to
her, she would not, he thought, have ever
thought of killing herself. She would have
been sure optimistically that even if she were
tried for murder she would be sure to be
acquitted. He was not, however, averse to
Elaine Fortescue’s entertaining the hypothesis.
He said, therefore, quite truthfully:
“There’s a possibility of it at least. Miss
Fortescue. Now perhaps you’ll tell me just
what your conversation was about?”
“Well, it was really about my affairs.”
Elaine hesitated.
“Your affairs being . . .?” he paused
questioningly with a genial expression.
“I–a friend of mine had just arrived in the
neighbourhood, and I was asking Adele if she
would have any objection to–to my asking
him to stay here at the house.”
“Ah. And who is this friend?”
“It’s a Mr. Gerald Wright. He’s a schoolmaster.
He–he’s staying at the Golf Hotel.”
“A very close friend, perhaps?”
Inspector Neele gave an avuncular beam
which added at least fifteen years to his age.
176
“We may expect an interesting announcement
shortly, perhaps?”
He felt almost compunction as he saw the
awkward gesture of the girl’s hand and the
flush on her face. She was in love with the
fellow all right.
“We–we’re not actually engaged and of
course we couldn’t have it announced just
now, but–well, yes I think we do—- I mean
we are going to get married.”
“Congratulations,” said Inspector Neele
pleasantly. “Mr. Wright is staying at the Golf
Hotel, you say? How long has he been
there?”