Than the heart of the citizen hissing in war on his own hearthstone?’

Really very apt, I think. I fear that the lust of gain in the heart of Cain is responsible for a great deal of crime.”

Rachel Treherne said “Cain-” in a sort of whisper, and Miss Silver nodded.

“Impossible not to realize that it is some member of your family circle who is suspected by Louisa Barnet, if not by yourself.”

“Miss Silver!”

“You had better face it. When it comes to attempted murder, it is no use just letting things slide. I am sure that you must realize this. For your own sake, and for the sake of your relatives, the matter must be cleared up. Your fears may be groundless. The attempt may have come from some other quarter than the one which is causing you so much distress. We will attack the matter courageously and see what can be done. Now, Miss Treherne, I would like full details of your household, the members of your family, and any guests who were staying with you at the time of these attempts.”

Rachel Treherne looked at her for a moment. Then she began to speak in a quiet, steady voice.

“I have a house at Whincliff. My father built it. It is called Whincliff Edge, and it stands, as the name suggests, on the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea. There are very fine gardens on the landward side. It is in fact a kind of show place, and the house is big enough to accommodate a good many guests. I have therefore to employ a considerable staff outside, and a housekeeper and five maids indoors. I don’t employ any men indoors. My housekeeper, Mrs. Evans, has been in the family for twenty years-she is one of the nicest women in the world. The maids are local girls and from no farther afield than Ledlington-I know all about them and their families. Maids generally stay with me until they marry. They are all nice, respectable girls. None of them could have the slightest motive for wishing to harm me. My guests-” She paused, and then went on. “The house is often full. My father built it not just for himself and me, but to be a rallying point for the family. They regard it in this light, and I am very seldom alone there.”