"I hope I am not a fool," said she impatiently.

"Meaning - " he began, but broke off. "How long do you say it is
since Dick left the house?"

"Ten minutes at most," replied her ladyship.

He turned and pulled the door open again. "Mullins?" he called.
"Mullins!"

"What a man to live with!" sighed her ladyship, appealing to Miss
Armytage. "What a man!" And she applied a vinaigrette delicately
to her nostrils.

Tremayne smiled, and sauntered to the window. And then at last
came Mullins.

"Has any one left the house within the last ten minutes, Mullins?"
asked Sir Terence.

Mullins looked ill at ease.

"Sure, sir, you'll not be after - "

"Will you answer my question, man?" roared Sir Terence.

"Sure, then, there's nobody left the house at all but Mr. Butler,
sir."