VII
　　Audrey was wearing a pale grey flannel¹ coat and skirt. In it she looked so pale and ghostlike that Battle was reminded of Kay's words, "A grey ghost creeping about the house."She answered his questions simply and without any signs of emotion.
　　Yes, she had gone to bed at ten o'clock, the same time as Miss Aldin. She had heard nothing during the night.
　　"You'll excuse me butting² into your private affairs," said Battle, "but will you explain just how it comes about that you are here in the house?""I always come to stay at this time. This year, my - my late husband wanted to come at the same time and asked me if I would mind.""It was his suggestion?"
　　"Oh, yes."
　　"Not yours?"
　　"Oh, no."
　　"But you agreed?"
　　"Yes, I agreed ... I didn't feel - that I could very well refuse.""Why not, Mrs. Strange?"
　　But she was vague.
　　"One doesn't like to be disobliging."
　　"You were the injured party?"
　　"I beg your pardon?"
　　"It was you who divorced your husband?"
　　"Yes."
　　"Do you - excuse me - feel any rancour against him?""No- not at all." 178
　　"You have a very forgiving nature, Mrs. Strange."She did not answer. He tried silence - but Audrey was not Kay, to be thus goaded³ into speech. She could remain silent without any hint of uneasiness. Battle acknowledged himself beaten.
　　"You are sure it was not your idea - this meeting?""Quite sure."
　　"You are on friendly terms with I-he present Mrs. Strange?""I don't think she likes me very much."
　　"Do you like her?"
　　"Yes. I think she is very beautiful."
　　"Well - thank you -I think that is all."
　　She got up and walked towards the door. Then she hesitated and came back.
　　"I would just like to say -" She spoke⁴ nervously⁵ and quickly. "You think Nevile did this - that he killed her because of the money. I'm quite sure that isn't so. Nevile has never cared much about money. I do know that. I was married to him for eight years, you know. I just can't see him

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