She went on in her deep voice, ‘You want to know who was in the house, and what they were doing, and whether I think any one of them has been trying to kill me – don’t you? Well, I can give you a list of names, but it isn’t going to help you any more than it has helped me. Sometimes I think I’m imagining the whole thing. I came to see you because quite suddenly I felt I couldn’t just sit and wait for the next thing to happen. Quite a lot of people come and go at Ford House. I’ll give you their names and tell you who they are, but I want it to be clearly understood that I’m not suspecting anyone or accusing anyone, and that if I say the word, you will tear up any notes you may have taken and forget everything I’ve told you.’

Miss Silver said,

‘I have already assured you that whatever you say will be in confidence. Always provided that no tragic event should necessitate the intervention of the law.’

Adriana’s hand rose and fell. It was the gesture Miss Silver had remembered – slight, graceful, and expressive.

‘Oh, after me the deluge! If I’m murdered, you can do what you like!’ The words were spoken on an impulse which spent itself and died. A frown followed, and quick words. ‘Now why did I say that? I didn’t mean to. We had better get on with those names.’ She tapped with her fingers upon the arm of her chair. ‘I don’t know how much you know about me, but everyone knows that I’ve retired from the stage. I live three miles from Ledbury in an old house down by the river. It is called Ford House. I bought it twenty years ago. I fancied it because of the name. I was born Rutherford, but I went on the stage as Adriana Ford. Some of my relations have stuck to the Scotch Rutherford, but some of them call themselves Ford – after me. I’m the last of my own generation. Now, I’ll begin with the staff at Ford House. Alfred Simmons and his wife, butler and cook. They’ve been with me for twenty years. They live in, and so does Meeson, whom I suppose you can call my maid.