“I’d like to speak to her, please. Superintendent Battle.”
He was immediately favoured with a piercing stare.
“Come in,” said Rhoda Dawes, drawing back from the doorway.
Anne Meredith was sitting in a cosy chair by the fire, sipping coffee. She was wearing embroidered crêpe de chine pyjamas.
“It’s Superintendent Battle,” said Rhoda, ushering in the guest.
Anne rose and came forward with outstretched hand.
“A bit late for a call,” said Battle. “But I wanted to find you in, and it’s been a fine day.”
Anne smiled.
“Will you have some coffee, Superintendent? Rhoda, fetch another cup.”
“Well, it’s very kind of you, Miss Meredith.”
“We think we make rather good coffee,” said Anne.
She indicated a chair, and Superintendent Battle sat down. Rhoda brought a cup, and Anne poured out his coffee. The fire crackled and the flowers in the vases made an agreeable impression upon the superintendent.
It was a pleasant homey atmosphere. Anne seemed self-possessed and at her ease, and the other girl continued to stare at him with devouring interest.
“We’ve been expecting you,” said Anne.
Her tone was almost reproachful. “Why have you neglected me?” it seemed to say.
“Sorry, Miss Meredith. I’ve had a lot of routine work to do.”
“Satisfactory?”
“Not particularly. But it all has to be done. I’ve turned Dr. Roberts inside out, so to speak. And the same for Mrs. Lorrimer. And now I’ve come to do the same for you, Miss Meredith.”
Anne smiled.
“I’m ready.”
“What about Major Despard?” asked Rhoda.
“Oh, he won’t be overlooked. I can promise you that,” said Battle.
He set down his coffee cup and looked towards Anne. She sat up a little straighter in her chair.
“I’m quite ready, superintendent. What do you want to know?”
“Well, roughly, all about yourself, Miss Meredith.”
“I’m quite a respectable person,” said Anne, smiling.
“She’s led a blameless life, too,” said Rhoda. “I can answer for that.”
“Well, that’s very nice,” said Superintendent Battle cheerfully. “You’ve known Miss Meredith a long time, then?”
“We were at school together,” said Rhoda. “What ages ago, it seems, doesn’t it, Anne?”
“So long ago, you can hardly remember it, I suppose,” said Battle with a chuckle. “Now, then, Miss Meredith, I’m afraid I’m going to be rather like those forms you fill up for passports.”