English countrywomen have pretty strong nerves.
You ought to know that.

But why did you leave the room if you expected the owner of the trinket to return in search of it ?" "I was called downstairs to see Mr.Musard.An unused outside door which is generally kept locked was discovered unlocked by the butler before the murder was committed.

As the door opens on a staircase leading to the left wing, Mr.Musard thought the butler's discovery had some bearing on the crime." "He thought the murderer may have entered the house that way?
Such a theory would suggest that one of the servants is implicated." "Yes; but I do not agree with Mr.Musard." "What is your own opinion ?" "I think the key must have been left in the door by one of the servants--perhaps some days ago.

The fact that the butler locked the door when he found it unfastened did not prevent the murder being committed, or the murderer escaping afterwards." "The murderer may have entered by the door before the butler discovered that it had been unlocked, and then concealed himself inside the house awaiting an opportunity to commit the crime." "In that case, he would have tried to escape the same way, but it is quite certain that he did not do so.

Mr.Musard says that the staircase was the first place to be searched when the guests rushed upstairs.