“It’s very kind of you,” said Miss Farquharson, “most kind; we shall be very glad----” “I shall neither eat nor drink in this house,” said Miss Blow. “I quite understand your feeling,” said Lord Manton. “There was a prophet once who said the same thing. As well as I recollect, a lion ate him afterwards; but of course that won’t happen in your case, Miss Blow. There aren’t any lions in Connacht.“ ”_I_,” said Miss Farquharson, with strong emphasis on the pronoun, “shall be very pleased to accept Lord Manton’s hospitality in the spirit in which it is offered.” “Thank you,” said Lord Manton. “And I’m sure Miss Blow won’t have the least objection to your doing so. She holds her own opinions, as we all do; but from what I know of her I’m convinced that she doesn’t want to force them upon other people.” “It is understood,” said Miss Blow, “that I accompany Mr. Goddard when he goes to arrest the murderers.” “He may not go himself,” said Lord Manton. “You will understand, Miss Blow, that it is not usual for a man in Mr. Goddard’s position, for an officer, to make arrests in person. It is probable that he will send Sergeant Farrelly and perhaps one of the constables.” “I shall accompany the sergeant, then,” said Miss Blow. CHAPTER XIX Lord Manton’s waggonette was a roomy vehicle, used chiefly for picnic parties in the summer, when Lady Flavia and her children were at Clonmore Castle. The four ladies, Lord Manton, and Mr. Goddard packed themselves into it quite comfortably. Lord Manton gave his order to the coachman. “Down to the village, Thomas, and stop at the hotel.” Miss Blow was alert and suspicious. “Why the hotel?” she asked. “I’ll go to the police barrack if you like,” said Lord Manton. “I only suggested the hotel because it is a convenient central sort of place with a room in it large enough to hold the whole party.” “The hotel is decidedly the most suitable place,” said Miss Farquharson. She was beginning to dislike Miss Blow, whose manner struck her as aggressive to a degree quite unsuitable in a young woman. On the other hand, she highly approved of Lord Manton, who was most courteous and had given her tea, which she wanted badly. “Besides,” said Mr. Goddard, “we shall be sure of seeing Jimmy O’Loughlin at the hotel.” “I don’t see why Mr. O’Loughlin should be mixed up in our business,” said Miss Blow. “Nor do I,” said Mr. Goddard. “I’ve always protested against the way he’s dragged in. But everybody does it. Sergeant Farrelly can’t say a simple sentence without quoting Jimmy as his authority; and you did the same thing yourself repeatedly when you were elaborating your theory of murder.” “Besides,” said Lord Manton, “Jimmy O’Loughlin is a magistrate. He’s really far more of a magistrate than I am.” “If he’s a magistrate,” said Miss Farquharson, “we ought to consult him.” “He’s a liar,” said Miss Blow definitely. “Really!” said Miss Farquharson.