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“When you put two and two together, they usually make four,” said Ross “But it still doesn’t make a lot of sense to me, because Bishara is happilya reputation for scrupulous honesty and straight dealing, not unlike Cedric So ould he be willing to deal with Sloane, who’s built a reputation for being unscrupulous and dishonest, and deals from the bottom of the pile?”

“There’s only one way I’ to find out,” said Seb, “and that’s to meet him Any ideas?”

“Not unless you’re a world-class backgammon player, because that’s his hobby”

“I knohat to do with a six and a one on the opening throw, but not much more”

“Well, whenever he’s in London he plays regularly at the Clermont Club He’s part of the ‘Clermont set’—Goldsmith, Aspinall, Lucan Loners, like him, who don’t fit easily into London society But don’t take him on, Seb, unless you want to lose the shirt off your back Frankly, where Bishara’s concerned you don’t have a lot going for you”

“I’ve got one thing going forin common”

“If I were a betting man, Mrs Clifton, the answer to your question would be even money, but the one imponderable in any trial is how people perform once they’re in the witness box”

“Perform? But shouldn’t one just be oneself, and tell the truth?”

“Yes, of course,” said Mr Trelford “However, I don’t want the jury to feel they arechaired by you”

“But that’s what I do,” said Emma

“Not while you’re in the witness box you don’t I want all the men on the jury to fall in love with you, and, if possible, the judge as well”

“And the women?”

“Theysuccess”

“Well, at least that’s true Do you think Sir Edill be giving Virginia the same advice?”

“Undoubtedly He’ll want to portray her as a damsel in distress, lost in the cruel world of commerce and finance, and trodden on by a bully who’s used to having her oay”