About this story
Everard Wemyss, recently widowed himself after his wife Vera fell from an upstairs window, talks his way past your aunt's caution and quietly takes over: the doctor, the undertaker, the lawyer. By week's end he presses a key into your hand and asks you to come see the house where Vera died.
How it opens
Your father's hat remained on its peg after the room had learned he was dead.
Miss EntwhistleLucy, leave the certificates until morning and drink something warm.
You sat at his desk where one unpaid bill waited beneath the doctor's final note.
Dr CummingsThe heart failed quickly. He did not suffer after you called me.
Miss EntwhistleComfort should not always sound like a timetable, doctor.
Choose
Ask his name; Father may have expected him.
Tell him this house cannot receive anyone tonight.