The Ponson Case · Chapter 4 (3/3)

“Yes,” the lawyer returned with a grimace, “I do. The last day Sir William was in here he was telling me about her. It appeared Austin had been smitten by the young lady, and some rumours of it had reached Sir William. He was extremely annoyed at the idea, because, though he admitted that so far as he knew Miss Drew was personally all that could be desired, her social standing was not good. Of course, you and I may think that rather Victorian, but the old man had achieved so many of his ambitions, he could not bear to see his last⁠—that of social position⁠—thwarted. Indeed, he spoke of altering his will if the matter came to a head.”

“You didn’t know then that they are engaged?”

The lawyer seemed considerably surprised.

“You don’t say so? No, I did not know. It was a rumour only Sir William spoke of.”

“Austin told me they fixed it up on Saturday week, but it is to be kept private still.”

There seemed no question, then, about the cause of the quarrel. Indeed, the more Tanner heard, the more essential the most searching test of Austin’s alibi became.

“There is just one other point, Mr. Arbuthnot,” the Inspector went on, and he told the lawyer about the cheques, marked X. Upon these, however, the latter could throw no light.

“And you know of no one who had a quarrel with Sir William, or who for any reason might desire his death?”

“No one. Quite the opposite. Sir William was universally liked and respected.”

Tanner was silent for a moment, considering if he had obtained all the information he was likely to get from the solicitor. Deciding he had, he rose.

“Well, Mr. Arbuthnot, let me express my gratitude for the way you have met me. I am sorry for having been such a nuisance.”

“All in the day’s work, Mr. Tanner,” the solicitor returned as he shook hands and bowed his visitor out.

Tanner left Lincoln’s Inn, and after making a call at the Yard, took the next train back to Halford.