“I'm sorry, Inspector,” she said, having trouble looking me in the eye, “but you'll have to come back later. Madam Schumann is extremely busy at the moment.” “That makes two of us,” I said, and brushed past the hapless woman. “Kindly tell Madam Schumann I must see her at once.” My voice must have carried, for a moment later Clara Schumann emerged from the parlour. “What now, Inspector?” she demanded, adding quickly, “I have a very full schedule today, as always.” She shot a withering look at the housekeeper. “I thought this was made clear to you.” I said, “Madam Schumann, perhaps we might speak in private—” She gave an impatient sigh. “If we must,” she said, and motioned me to follow her. “We'll use Robert's study. He's dashed off somewhere, as he has a habit of doing these days, whenever he's faced with something he finds disagreeable. God knows it doesn't take much to set him off.” I said, “Forgive me, Madam Schumann, aren't you at all concerned about his erratic behaviour?”
