Shadows of Ecstasy by Charles Williams — Read

That evening after dinner they were all in the library. Sir Bernard was sitting on the right of the fireplace, with Caithness next to him; opposite him was Isabel, with Rosamond between her and Philip. Roger lay in a chair next to the priest, and pushed a little back from the circle. In the centre, between Roger and Philip, opposite the fire, was the African. Roger looked at him, looked at the rest, and muttered to Caithness: "On him each courtier's eye was bent, to him each lady's look was lent, and Hampstead's refugee was Colindale Square's king'." He looked at Rosamond: "She doesn't look happy, does she?" he said. "Why doesn't she go and plan food for her first dinner-party or practise giving the housemaid notice?" He became aware that Sir Bernard was speaking and stopped.

".evidence," Sir Bernard was saying. "It's a silly word in the circumstances, but it's the only one we've got. Is there enough evidence to persuade the authorities--or us either for that matter--that Nigel Considine has anything to do with the High Executive? I've drawn up a statement of what happened last night, and I think I'll read it to you; and if I've forgotten anything or the king can tell us any more-"