Chapter IX The Inquest––––––––
LUNCHEON was served informally. The members of the household and the guests drifted in and out of the dining room, where the footmen served them from a buffet. It chanced that I sat down with Morland and Archer.
We all said little, but though Morland was quiet, it seemed as though we were endeavoring not to talk, though he really wanted to.
“Would you rather we went away?” Archer asked of him; “perhaps you would prefer not to have any guests at present?”
“No, no,” said Morland a little irritably. “You two fellows stay on, of course. Perhaps you can help me, and Lord knows I need help. As to the ladies, they must do as they choose. Mrs. Stelton wants to remain; but I fear these awful scenes will prove too much for the nerves of Miss Fordyce. She is so high
