“That was brought in and there was the usual inquest and funeral. After the funeral Mrs. Eltham left her work at the hotel and stayed at home, setting up as a discreet entertainer of gentlemen. The local parson and the head of the college both asked us to move her on, but

…”

“She didn’t keep a disorderly house,” interrupted the inspector. “She did permit me to glance at her bank book, which showed a balance of well over four thousand pounds, and so she could not be charged with having no means of support. Besides, she wasn’t a bad little woman. In fact, she had more culture than the majority of the women here. If we booted out all the victims of gossip and spite, there would be no one left here at all. Go on, Sawtell.”

The sergeant eased his slightly emphasised paunch, opened his shoulders and lit a cigar.

“As the inspector says, the Eltham woman had character as well as good looks. She liked parties, and at the parties in her own house she always behaved well. Her gentlemen friends were carefully chosen. She dressed well, never flashily. When we went through her house we found pictures and paints and things, pictures signed with her initials, and books, dozens of the best books. It added up to what we learned about her afterwards.”

“That she lived that way because she rebelled against society, following three years or four of freedom in one of the Services?”

“That’s about the strength of it. She had no domestic living with her. A woman reported every morning at eight, and left again at six. This woman usually found the kitchen door open on her arrival in the morning. If it was locked, she would go home and return again at midday.