"When you went for the tray and found the door locked, did you think he had anyone with him?" I asked.
"I didn't hear anyone, but I can't say I listened. It was not the first time I had found the door locked and been told to go back presently for the tray."
"A friend was to dine with him on the following night. Did the friend come?"
"No."
"What was his name?"
"Mr. Portman did not mention it."
"Did you prepare the dinner?"
"No."
"Why not?" I asked. "You did not communicate with the police until five days later, so you must have been expecting your master to return."
"It's difficult to say exactly what I expected," Mrs. Eccles answered, "but I never thought about preparing the dinner. When he didn't return I began to think something was wrong, because I've never known him to be away even for a night without letting me know."