As he spoke Martha Jane appeared with the clean glass, and, taking it off the tray, he turned to Marsden. "How about a drop of champagne, Inspector?" he suggested. "There's nothing like it after a busy day, and, besides, you've got to drink to the health of the happy pair." "I won't say no to a good offer like that," returned the detective. He accepted the beaker which Mark held out to him, and, raising it in his hand, nodded first to Nancy and then to Colin. "I've already congratulated the doctor," he said. "As for you, miss, if you'll excuse my saying so, I think you've made as big a success in choosing a husband as you did in choosing a grandfather." He drained his glass to the dregs, and set it down on the table with an appreciative smack. "I'm sorry to tear myself away from such a pleasant party," he added, "but I've got to get back to the Yard and complete my report of the case. We're fixing the inquest for the day after to-morrow." "Shall I have to give evidence?" inquired Nancy in some dismay. "I'm afraid there's no getting out of that, miss. You and Doctor Gray will be the two principal witnesses, but I shall be seeing the Coroner first, and you can take it from me that you won't be asked more questions than are absolutely necessary." He turned to Colin. "I should like to see you the first thing in the morning, doctor. This case is bound to attract a good deal of attention, and there are one or two points in connection with it which it will be better if we keep to ourselves." "That's all right," said Colin calmly. "You tell me what you want us to say, and Nancy and I will stick to it like Britons." Marsden laughed, and, picking up his cap from the table, shook hands all round. "Let me see you as far as the door, Inspector," suggested Mark. "I think I'm just sober enough to be able to manage the staircase." He led the way out on the landing, followed by the detective, and for the first time since their return to the house Colin and Nancy found themselves alone. He put his arm round her, and, bending down, kissed her hair. "You mustn't let all this distress you too much, darling," he said gently. "It's been a horrible and ghastly business, but I do believe it's ended in the best way possible. If these men hadn't been killed----" "I know, Colin," she said. "I think it's only a sort of selfish feeling I've got. I am so happy myself I want everyone else to be happy too." "So they are!" declared Colin. "At least, everyone who matters. There's you and I and Mark and Mary and Joe----" He paused. "By the way, I wonder what's happened to Joe."