Mr. Chambers beamed.
"Quite so, your ladyship. I noticed it at once. If I do say it myself, there isn't a man in the department who has anything on me when it comes to that sort of thing. The inspector has frequently mentioned—"
"By the way, Mr. Snooper, will you be kind enough to—"
"Chambers, your lordship," interrupted the detective.
"Kind enough to explain how you discovered that we were up here?"
"Well, you see we were having our coffee,—after a most excellent dinner, your lordship, prepared, I am bound to say, for your discussion by the estimable Mr. Bramble,—"
"Dinner? By George, you remind me that I am ravenously hungry. It must be quite late."
"Half-past eight, sir,—approximately. As I was saying, we were enjoying our coffee,—the three of us only,—"
Trotter made a wry face. "In that case, Mrs. Millidew will sack me in the morning, Jane. I had orders for eight sharp."
"It really shouldn't matter, your lordship," said Mr. Chambers cheerfully. "Not in the least, if I may be so bold as to say so. However, to continue, sir. Or rather, to go back a little if I may. You see, I was rather certain you were hiding somewhere about the place. At least, I was certain her ladyship was. She came in and she didn't go out, if you see what I mean. I insisted on my right to search the premises. Do you follow me, sir?"