[MaC] An Almighty Row

[Mel Mason]

> > "Aunt Evangline," Philip protested, "I've never seen any such bag.
> > Where did you leave it?"
>
> She smiled tightly and did not reply.

Philip sighed in obvious frustration.

> "Perhaps," said Oswald, "both of you would like to tell us
> where you were when the lights went out earlier."

"Certainly," Vangie said at once. "I had gone to see to Mrs. Fitzroy,
and we spoke briefly, but she did not require my assistance. I met a
number of people on the landing when the warden arrived..." She frowned.
"Yes. I spoke to him. After that a group of us followed the warden
upstairs. He had the torch, you see." She blinked. "I know Mrs.
Skeffington-Nottle was there, on the stairs, in that group. I can't
swear how many other people actually went upstairs."

"She did knock on my door," said Esme suddenly.  "But I don't know ... how 
soon after the lights went out that was."

Philip sighed again. "I was standing near the bar, trying to get a drink for
myself. When the lights went out I started for the door, but when Mr. Davis
had his fall, I decided it would be wisest to stay in one place and out of
the way, so I backed against the wall and stayed there until the lights came
back on."

"Was anyone next to you?" asked Oswald.  "Who could alibi you?

"And what about when Fitzroy was poisoned?"

He looked at them both again.