"Was she on bad terms with anyone?" "No. She never quarrelled. I am the quarrelsome person," said the lady, smiling. "I quarrelled with Mr. Clancy, who is a rude man. But we have made it up since, as he has apologized. It was Mr. Clancy who told me of your wish to see me. Do you want to ask anything else?" "If you do not mind." "On the contrary, I am anxious to afford you all the information in my power. Nothing would give me more satisfaction than to see the murderer of my dear friend brought to justice." She spoke with great feeling, and there was an unmistakable ring of truth about her speech. Jennings began to think he must be wrong in suspecting her to have anything to do with the death. All the same, he was on his guard. It would not do to let Mrs. Herne, clever as she was, pull wool over his eyes. "Have you any idea who killed Miss Loach?" he asked. "No. She was quite well on that evening, and did not anticipate death in any way--least of all in a violent form. Mr. Hale, Mr. Clancy and myself would have been with her till nearly midnight had I not quarrelled with Mr. Clancy. As it was, Mr. Hale escorted me home about half-past nine, and I understand Mr. Clancy left about ten. When Miss Loach was not playing whist or bridge she never cared about having anyone in her house. She was rather a misanthrope." "Did she expect anyone that evening?" "No. At all events, she said nothing about expecting anyone." "Did she expect her nephew?" "Mr. Basil Saxon?" said Mrs. Herne, looking surprised. "Not that I am aware of. She did not mention his name. To be sure, they were on bad terms, and she had forbidden him the house. No, I do not think she expected him." "Do you know the cause of the quarrel?" "It had something to do with money. I believe Miss Loach helped Mr. Saxon, who was rather extravagant, but she grew weary of his demands and refused to help him further. He lost his temper and said things which forced her to order him out of the house." "Did he utter any threats?" "Miss Loach never said that he did. Mr. Jennings," remarked the old lady, bending her brows, "is it possible you suspect that young man?" "No. I suspect no one at present. But I am bound to make inquiries in every direction, and of course, if Mr. Saxon is of a passionate temper, he might wish to avenge himself for being forbidden the house." "He has a temper," said Mrs. Herne, thoughtfully, "but I never saw it exhibited, though I met him once at Miss Loach's. She said he had a lot of bad blood in him, but that may have been because she hated her sister, Isabella Octagon." "Did she hate her?" "Yes. And I think she had cause. Mrs. Octagon behaved very badly in connection with some romantic episode of the past." "I fancy I know about that," said Jennings quickly, then added, "You are fond of perfumes?"