'Thank you, Mrs Jennings,' he said. 'I'll let myself out.'

But she did not even hear him. The landlady had gone off into another trance, lost in happy memories of her former lodger and pressing one of his beloved books against her ample breasts as if it was imparting warmth and reassurance.

Robert Colbeck was pleased to see that the manager was in a less hysterical state that morning. Now that the corpse had been removed, Archelaus Pugh felt that he was in charge again and could devote all his energies to the smooth running of the hotel. It was he who told the inspector that Kate Linnane was now able to see him at last. Colbeck went up to her room at once. He did not expect her to add much to what Nigel Buckmaster had already told him but he wanted to hear a woman's appraisal of the silversmith.

In response to his knock, he was invited into the room. He opened the door to find the actress reclining on the chaise longue with a book in her hands. Wearing a silk robe with a floral pattern on it, she looked up with an inquiring smile. Colbeck closed the door then introduced himself.

'I'm pleased to meet you, Inspector,' she said, smile remaining in place as she looked him up and down. 'I do apologise for not being able to see you yesterday but I was profoundly upset by what happened here yesterday. The murder was only three doors away.'

'I'm glad to see that you've recovered now, Miss Linnane.'

She put her book aside. 'You've spoken to Nigel, I gather.'

'Mr Buckmaster was very helpful.'

'I hope that I can be equally helpful,' she told him. 'But do please sit down.'

'Thank you,' said Colbeck, taking a seat and noting that she had been studying the text of Macbeth. 'I understand that you think this tragedy is in some way connected with the play you've chosen to perform in Cardiff.'

'I'm convinced of it, Inspector Colbeck.'