Anthony embarked upon an adventure of propitiation. “I don’t imagine for a minute, sir, that Lady Fullgarney will really be able to add to the information that you have given me so clearly. I am deeply in your debt, Sir Matthew. But her mere corroboration will be important and most valuable.” Sir Matthew nodded. “Here she is,” he said. Anthony bowed to the lady. She in her turn favoured him with a charming smile. Sir Matthew performed the necessary introduction. “Mr. Bathurst is a friend of the Crown Prince of Clorania,” he added. “I expect you remember him.” He evidently regarded this connection as an additional testimonial. “And he is also investigating the murder of poor Sheila Delaney. He wants to ask you something—he imagines—although he wouldn’t admit as much—that you may be able to help him. He’s an optimist, if he only knew it.” He wheezed hilariously. Lady Fullgarney smiled indulgently. Then she bowed to Anthony. “What a terrible affair, Mr. Bathurst. Of course we knew poor Sheila Delaney well. Close neighbours and closer friends. What help do you want from me?” “I’ve been asking Sir Matthew a few facts with regard to the Hunt Ball of last year. You, in company with other beautiful women, were there, Lady Fullgarney, I take it?” “I was, Mr. Bathurst. Are you Irish, by any chance?” Lady Fullgarney became roguish. “’Tis my one claim to distinction, your Ladyship. That and perhaps a peculiarly-shaped nose.” “What about two very fascinating grey eyes?” Sir Matthew snorted. This was too much! “You and I apparently must be of the same country, I imagine,” said Anthony. He bowed again. “What I wanted to ask you was this. You met the Crown Prince Alexis at the Hunt Ball?” “I won’t contradict you, Mr. Bathurst. His Royal Highness held the tips of my fingers for a much longer period than I considered necessary.” “His Royal Highness has a ‘flair’ for selection, Lady Fullgarney, and I’m certain it was never more happy than at that particular moment.” “And a ‘flair’ often develops a ‘flame’!” “Can it be wondered at?” murmured Mr. Bathurst with delicate suggestion. “Surely you will agree with me—you have a mirror——” Sir Matthew’s snort became a rumble of positive menace. Anthony recognised its significance. “Can you tell me, then, Lady Fullgarney, if the Crown Prince of Clorania upon that evening of the Hunt Ball, to your knowledge, made the acquaintance of Sheila Delaney?” “I don’t remember ever seeing them together. But I’ll tell you with whom I _do_ remember seeing him—Daphne Carruthers—Desmond Carruthers’ niece. She danced with him a lot. But she’s a pretty girl, Mr. Bathurst. Matthew’s noticed that—haven’t you, Matthew?” There was a dangerous coldness in her tone. Lady Fullgarney was turning the matrimonial tables. “I can believe that,” interjected Mr. Bathurst. “Sir Matthew has, of course, such a high standard of comparison.” He gestured towards the lady. “Indeed I can’t think of a higher.”