"It might under certain circumstances.

You're in the Diplomatic Service. They're rather particular about wives. No - please don't say all the things that you're just bursting to say. You're bound to say them - and I believe you really think them -and theoretically I quite agree with them.

But I'm proud - I'm devilishly proud. I want our marriage to be a good thing for everyone - I don't want to represent one half of a sacrifice for love! And, as I say, it may be all right…"

"You mean the doctor - may have made a mistake?"

"Even if he hasn't made a mistake, it won't matter - so long as the right person killed him."

"What do you mean, Sophia?" J "It was a beastly thing to say. But, after all, one might as well be honest."

She forestalled my next words.

"No, Charles, I'm not going to say any more. I've probably said too much already.

But I was determined to come and meet you tonight - to see you myself and make you understand. We can't settle anything until this is cleared up."

"At least tell me about it." amp;«She shook her head.

"I don't want to."

"But-Sophia-" r m u "No, Charles. I don't want you to see us from my angle. I want you to see us unbiassed from the outside point of view."

"And how am I to do that?"

She looked at me, a queer light in her brilliant blue eyes.

"You'll get that from your father," she said.

I had told Sophia in Cairo that my father was Assistant Commissioner of Scotland Yard. He still held that office. At her words, I felt a cold weight settling down on me.

"It's as bad as that, then?"

"I think so. Do you see a man sitting at a table by the door all alone - rather a nice-looking stolid ex-Army type?"

"Yes."

"He was on Swinly Dean platform this evening when I got into the train."

"You mean he's followed you here?"