He was terribly restless. “Here, sit,” said Lenox. At last Ludo settled into the armchair Graham had only recently occupied, opposite Lenox and in front of the cold hearth.

“Thanks, thanks,” he said. “Now-may I bring you back with me? My carriage is outside.”

“I’m honored that you came to me, but it’s the worst possible moment for me to take on any new responsibilities.”

“You mean you can’t come look?”

“I wish I could, but I cannot. The leaders of our party have made allowances because of my marriage, but as you well know the House reconvenes in a little more than a week’s time, and there are meetings for me to attend hour after hour before then.”

“If it’s about money…?”

Shocked, Lenox drew himself up in his chair and said, “No, it isn’t.”

Ludo saw straightaway that he had made a blunder. “I’m so terribly sorry. Of course it isn’t about money. Forgive me.”

“As I say, my responsibilities at the moment scarcely permit me any return to my old field. You of all people can understand how daunting it is to be a new Member.”

“Yes, of course.”

“The Yard is competent in these matters, I promise.”

Ludo, still agitated, said, “Are you sure you couldn’t come and have a quick look?”

In fact Lenox was sorely tempted to do it. He missed his old work and, excited though he was about his new career, contemplated with mute dread the idea of giving detection up forever. Even while he had been on the Continent, absorbed by Jane and the local life, his mind had often turned back to old cases. Still, he said, “No, I’m afraid-”

“Oh, please, Lenox-if only for my wife. She has no peace of mind at all just now.”

“But-”