you tell me something about Mr Laurence Brown?’
‘I’m afraid I can’t. He was engaged by my father.’
‘But he was engaged to teach your children, Mr Leonides.’
‘True. My son was a sufferer from infantile paralysis—fortunately a light case—and it was considered not advisable to send him to a public school. My father suggested that he and my young daughter Josephine should have a private tutor—the choice at the time was rather limited—since the tutor in question must be ineligible for military service. This young man’s credentials were satisfactory, my father and my aunt (who has always looked after the children’s welfare) were satisfied, and I acquiesced. I may add that I have no fault to find with his teaching, which has been conscientious and adequate.’
‘His living quarters are in your father’s part of the house, not here?’
‘There was more room up there.’
‘Have you ever noticed—I am sorry to ask this—any signs of intimacy between Laurence Brown and your stepmother?’
‘I have had no opportunity of observing anything of the kind.’
‘Have you heard any gossip or tittle-tattle on the subject?’
‘I don’t listen to gossip or tittle-tattle, Chief Inspector.’
‘Very creditable,’ said Inspector Taverner. ‘So you’ve seen no evil, heard no evil, and aren’t speaking any evil?’
‘If you like to put it that way, Chief Inspector.’
Inspector Taverner got up.
‘Well,’ he said, ‘thank you very much, Mr Leonides.’
I followed him unobtrusively out of the room.
‘Whew,’ said Taverner, ‘he’s a cold fish!’
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