'One of them. But does it belong to you?'

'No. It's interesting, but not my period.'

'But this is your house. And Miss Lisle is your guest.'

He smiled and wandered over to the sideboard.

'Will you have coffee?' She watched while he went over to the hotplate, poured her cup and refilled his own. Then he said:

'I accept the implied criticism. One's guests certainly have the right not to be harassed or menaced while under one's roof. But what do you suggest I can do? I'm not a policeman. I can hardly interrogate my other house guests. That, apart from its certain lack of success, would only result in six aggrieved persons instead of one. I doubt whether Clarissa would thank me. And, forgive me, aren't you taking this a little too seriously? I admit that it's a practical joke in poor taste. But is it any more than a joke? And surely the best response to this kind of nonsense is a dignified silence, even a certain amused contempt. Clarissa is an actress. She should be able to simulate one response or the other. If there is someone on the island who is trying to spoil her performance he – or more likely she – will soon give up if Clarissa demonstrates a total unconcern.'

'That's what she will do, at least until after the play. She won't see this. I can trust you not to tell her?'

'Of course. I have a strong interest in Clarissa's success, remember. You didn't put the thing there yourself by any chance?'

'No.'

'I thought not. Forgive my asking, but you see my difficulty. If it wasn't you, it was presumably her husband – except that he isn't here at the moment – her stepson, her cousin, her faithful dresser, or one of her oldest friends. Who am I to start probing these family and long-standing relationships? Incidentally, that woodcut belongs to Roma.' 'To Roma! How do you know?'

'You do sound fierce, quite like a schoolmistress. Roma used to teach you know. Geography and games, Clarissa tells me. A strange combination. I can't quite picture Roma, whistle at the lip, panting down the hockey field exhorting the girls to greater efforts or plunging into the deep end of the swimming pool. Well, perhaps I can believe that. She has aggressively muscular shoulders.'

Cordelia said:

'But the woodcut?'

'She told me that she found it in a second-hand book and thought I might be interested in seeing it. She showed it to me yesterday, just before the rehearsal, and I left it on the blotter on my desk in the business room.'

'Where anyone could have seen and taken it?'

'You sound like a detective. As you say, where anyone could have seen and taken it. It looks, incidentally, as if the message were typed on my machine. That, too, is kept in the business room.'

The typesetting, at least, would be easy enough to check. She might as well do it now. But before she could make the suggestion Ambrose said:

'And there's another thing. Forgive me if I find it rather more annoying than Clarissa's poison pen. Someone has broken the lock of the display cabinet outside the business room and taken the marble arm. If, during your duties as secretary-companion you should happen to learn who it is, I'd be grateful if you would suggest that he or she put it back. I admit that the marble's not to everyone's taste but I have a fondness for it.'

Cordelia said:

'The arm of the Princess Royal? When did you notice that it had gone?'

'Munter tells me that it was in the display case when he locked up last night. That was at ten minutes past midnight. He unlocked this morning shortly after six but didn't look at the display case although he thinks that he might have noticed if the arm had gone. But he can't be sure. I myself saw that it was missing, and that the lock had been forced, when I went to the kitchen to make tea just before seven.' Cordelia said:

'It couldn't have been Clarissa. She was asleep when I got up this morning. And I doubt whether she'd have the strength to break a lock.'

'Not much strength was required. A strong paper-knife would have done the trick. And, conveniently enough, there was a strong paper-knife on the desk in the business room.'

Cordelia asked:

'What are you going to do?'

'Nothing, at least until after the play. I can't see how it affects Clarissa. It's my loss, not hers. But I take it you would prefer her not to know?'

'I think it's vital that she doesn't know. The least thing could upset her. We'll just have to hope no one else notices that the arm has gone.'

He said:

'If they do, I suppose I can say that I've removed it since Clarissa found it so displeasing. It's humiliating to have to lie when there's no need, but if you think it important that Clarissa isn't told…'

'I do. Very important. I'd be grateful if you'd say and do nothing until after the play.'

It was then they heard the footsteps, firm, quick, clanging on the tiled floor. Both turned simultaneously and gazed at the door. Sir George Ralston appeared, tweed-coated and holding a grip. He said:

'I got through the meeting late yesterday. Drove most of the night and slept in a lay-by. Thought Clarissa would like me to put in an appearance if I could make it.'

Ambrose said:

'But how did you get to the island? I didn't hear a launch.'

'Found a couple of early fishermen. They put me ashore in the small bay. Got my feet wet but nothing worse. I've been on the island a couple of hours. Didn't like to disturb you. Is that coffee?'

A jumble of thoughts ran through Cordelia's mind. Was she still wanted? She could hardly ask Sir George directly with Ambrose present. She was supposed to be on the island as Clarissa's secretary, a job that was unlikely to be affected by his sudden appearance. And what about her room? Presumably he would wish to move next door to his wife. She was uncomfortably aware that she must look less than pleased to see him and that Ambrose was glancing at her with a sardonic, wryly amused look which recognized her discomfiture. Murmuring an excuse she slipped away.

Clarissa was stirring although Tolly hadn't yet brought in the early tray. Cordelia drew back the curtains and unlocked the door. She stood by the bed until Clarissa opened her eyes, then said:

'Your husband has just arrived. Apparently the meeting ended sooner than he expected.'

Clarissa heaved herself up from her pillows.

'George? But that's ridiculous! He isn't expected until late tonight at the earliest.'

'Well, he's here.'

Cordelia thought that it was as well she had warned Clarissa. Sir George could hardly have been gratified at her reception of the news. She sat up and stared straight ahead, her face expressionless. Then she said:

'Tug on that bell-rope, will you? The one by the fireplace. It's time Tolly brought in my tea.'

Cordelia said:

'I wondered whether you'll still want me.'

Clarissa's voice was sharp, almost frightened.

'Of course I still want you! What possible difference does this make? You know what you're here to do. If someone's out to get me, they aren't going to stop because George has arrived.'

'I could move out of the next-door room if you like.'

Clarissa swung her legs out of bed and made for the bathroom.

'Oh, don't be so bloody naive, Cordelia! Stay where you are. And tell George I'm awake if he wants to see me.'

She disappeared. Cordelia decided to wait in the bedroom until Tolly arrived with the tea. If she could help it, there would

be no time between now and the rise of the curtain when Clarissa would be left unguarded.

Clarissa returned from the bathroom and climbed back into bed.

Cordelia said:

'Before Miss Tolgarth arrives, could you tell me what the programme is today?'

'Oh, don't you know? I thought I'd explained it all. The curtain is due to rise at three thirty. Ambrose is arranging an early lunch, about midday, and I shall rest up here alone from one until two forty-five. I don't like to spend too long in my dressing-room before a performance. You can call me at two forty-five and we'll decide what, if anything, I want you to do during the play. The launch will fetch the Cottringham party from Speymouth. They should arrive at two thirty or shortly afterwards. There is a larger hired launch for the guests and that is due at three. We have tea in the interval at four thirty, set out under the arcade if it's warm enough, and supper at seven thirty in the great hall. The launches are ordered for nine.'