It's none of those things."
"No, it isn't." She shook her head.
I waited.
She said in a low voice:
"It's my grandfather's death."
"Your grandfather's death?
But why?
What earthly difference can that make?
You don't mean - surely you can't imagine - is it money?
Hasn't he left any?
But surely, dearest -"
"It isn't money." She gave a fleeting smile. "I think you'd be quite willing to 'take me in my shift' as the old saying goes.
And grandfather never lost any money in his life."
"Then what is it?"
"It's just his death - you see, I think, Charles, that he didn't just - die.
I think he may have been - killed..."
I stared at her.
"But - what a fantastic idea.
What made you think of it?"
"I didn't think of it.
The doctor was queer to begin with.
He wouldn't sign a certificate.
They're going to have a post mortem.
It's quite clear that they suspect something is wrong."
I didn't dispute that with her.
Sophia had plenty of brains; any conclusions she had drawn could be relied upon.
Instead I said earnestly:
"Their suspicions may be quite unjustified. But putting that aside, supposing that they are justified, how does that affect you and me?"
"It might under certain circumstances.
You're in the Diplomatic Service.
They're rather particular about wives.
No - please don't say all the things that you're just bursting to say.
You're bound to say them - and I believe you really think them - and theoretically I quite agree with them.
But I'm proud - I'm devilishly proud.
I want our marriage to be a good thing for everyone - I don't want to represent one half of a sacrifice for love!
And, as I say, it may be all right..."
"You mean the doctor - may have made a mistake?"
"Even if he hasn't made a mistake, it won't matter - so long as the right person killed him."
"What do you mean, Sophia?"
"It was a beastly thing to say. But, after all, one might as well be honest." She forestalled my next words. "No, Charles, I'm not going to say any more.
I've probably said too much already.
But I was determined to come and meet you tonight - to see you myself and make you understand.
We can't settle anything until this is cleared up."
"At least tell me about it."
She shook her head.
"I don't want to."
"But - Sophia -"
"No, Charles. I don't want you to see us from my angle.
I want you to see us unbiased from the outside point of view."
"And how am I to do that?"