He asked the inspector to take the jury to view the body, filling up an official-looking form pending their return. And he then asked Ethel to explain to the jury exactly how she had found Miss Palfreeman on the Wednesday morning. There was no witness box and she was sworn and made her statement standing in front of her chair at the side of the room. She spoke clearly and well.
The doctor made a similarly brief statement, and was continuing to describe how he had prepared a draft for Stella the evening before, when the coroner pulled him up.
“Just at the moment I am only asking you to tell the jury how you found Miss Palfreeman when you went up-stairs at Miss Hanson’s request.”
“I have nothing more to add then,” the doctor replied.
“You were of the opinion that her death was not from any natural cause and decided that the police should be informed?”
“Yes.”
Inspector Brown next described how he had been called and went to Dalehouse along with Detective Inspector Allport and the police surgeon, and he concluded his few short sentences by asking that the inquest might be immediately adjourned while the police secured further evidence.
“How long do you want, Inspector?”
“I suggest Tuesday of next week, sir.”
“At the same time?”