'I don't know.'

'He was a pretty odd man. All that conjuring with spirits.'

'I don't know,' said Biranne.

'Or perhaps – Of course, there was that awful business with his wife. Someone told me he hadn't been the same since she died. I thought myself he was getting very depressed. You remember, that terrible accident last year '

'Yes,' said Biranne. He laughed his high-pitched little laugh, like an animal's yelp. 'Isn't it just like Radeechy's damn bad taste to go and shoot himself in the office!'

'Kate, darling.' Octavian was on the telephone to his wife in Dorset.

'Darling, hello. Are you all right?'

'I'm fine,' said Octavian, 'but something's happened in the office and I won't be able to get down till tomorrow morning.'

'Oh dear! Then you won't be here for Barbie's first evening home!' Barbara was their daughter and only child, aged four teen.

'I know, it's maddening and I'm very sorry, but I've just got to stay. We've got the police here and there's a terrible to-do.'

'The police? What's happened? Nothing awful?' 'Well, yes and no,' said Octavian. 'Someone's committed suicide.' 'God! Anyone we know?' 'No, no, it's all right. No one we know.' 'Well, thank heavens for that. I'm so sorry, you poor dear. I do wish you could be here for Barbie, she'll be so dis: appointed.' 'I know. But I'll be along tomorrow. Is everything OK at your end? How is my harem?' 'Your harem is dying to see you!' 'That's good! Bless you, sweetheart, and I'll ring again tonight. 'Octavian, you are bringing Ducane with you, aren't you?' anve mm Gown. 'Splendid. Willy was wanting him.' Octavian smiled. 'I think you were wanting him, weren't you, my sweetheart? V 'Well, of course I was wanting him! He's a very necessary man.'