The gentlemanly man rose and bowed respectfully, and remained standing until Blair motioned him to resume his seat.
"Mr. Snowdon has come to report on his inquiries respecting Miss Margaret Hale," said Austin Ambrose, quickly but fluently, and giving the man no chance to speak. "He simply confirms Tyler & Driver's letter. No trace of Miss Hale can be found, unfortunately; that is so, I think, Mr. Snowdon?"
"Quite so," assented the detective, respectfully.
Blair stood with his hand pressed on the table, his face white and drawn.
"Thank you!" he said. "Yes, yes."
He stood silently for a moment, and then left the room without another word.
Austin Ambrose rose and slipped the bolt in the door.
"You were mad to come down here!" he exclaimed in a low and angry voice.
"I am very sorry," said the detective, humbly; "but you told me to let you know immediately if I got a clew, and I don't like writing; there's no knowing where a piece of paper will go to."