I saw them at lunch. They were finishing as we came in.
Mrs. Boynton seemed in an unusually good temper."
"She was not usually amiable, I understand."
"Very far from it," said Sarah with a slight grimace.
She then described how Mrs. Boynton had released her family from attendance on her.
"That, too, was unusual?"
"Yes.
She usually kept them around her."
"Do you think, perhaps, that she suddenly felt remorseful, that she had what is called un bon moment?"
"No, I don't," said Sarah bluntly.
"What did you think, then?"
"I was puzzled.
I suspected it was something of the cat and mouse order."
"If you would elaborate, Mademoiselle?"
"A cat enjoys letting a mouse away and then catching it again.
Mrs. Boynton had that kind of mentality.
I thought she was up to some new deviltry or other."
"What happened next, Mademoiselle?"
"The Boyntons started off - "
"All of them?"
"No; the youngest, Ginevra, was left behind.
She was told to go and rest."
"Did she wish to do so?"
"No. But that didn't matter.
She did what she was told.
The others started off. Dr. Gerard and I joined them - "
"When was this?"
"About half-past three."
"Where was Mrs. Boynton then?"
"Nadine - young Mrs. Boynton - had settled her in her chair outside her cave."
"Proceed."
When we got around the bend Dr. Gerard and I caught up with the others. We all walked together. Then, after a while Dr. Gerard turned back.
He had been looking rather queer for some time. I could see he had fever.
I wanted to go back with him, but he wouldn't hear of it."
"What time was this?"
"Oh, about four, I suppose."
"And the rest?"
"We went on."
"Were you all together?"
"At first.
Then we split up." Sarah hurried on as though foreseeing the next question. "Nadine Boynton and Mr. Cope went one way and Carol, Lennox, Raymond and I went another."
"And you continued like that?"
"Well - no.
Raymond Boynton and I separated from the others.
We sat down on a slab of rock and admired the wildness of the scenery.
Then he went off and I stayed where I was for some time longer.
It was about half-past five when I looked at my watch and realized I had better get back.
I reached the camp at six o'clock.
It was just about sunset."
"You passed Mrs. Boynton on the way?"