I followed him across the road to a small plain-looking house, with a neatly-curtained bow window and a brass plate on the front door. From the latter I discovered that the proprietress of the place was a dressmaker, but I was completely at a loss to understand why we were visiting her. As soon as the door was opened the Inspector asked if Miss Tiffins were at home, and, on being told that she was, inquired if we might see her. The maid went away to find out, and presently returned and begged us to follow her. We did so down a small passage towards the door of the room which contained the bow window.
Miss Tiffins bade us be seated, and then asked in what way she could be of service to us.
"In the first place, madam," said the Inspector, "a serious crime has been perpetrated, and I have reason to believe that it may be in your power to give us a clue to the persons who committed it."
"You frighten me, sir," replied the lady. "I cannot at all see in what way I can help you. I lead a life of the greatest quietness."
"I do not wish to imply that you do know anything of them. I only want you to carry your memory back as far as yesterday, and to answer me the few simple questions I may ask you."
"I will answer them to the best of my ability."
"Well, in the first place, may I ask if you remember seeing a brougham drive up to that house opposite about mid-day yesterday?"
"No, I cannot say that I do," the old lady replied after a moment's consideration.
"Do you remember seeing a number of men leave the house during the afternoon?"
"No. If they came out I did not notice them."