human
Can you give me any information as to this affair?
gpt
I will tell you all that I know, Anna said.
human
My name is Anna Pellissier, sometimes called Annabel. I am engaged to sing every evening at the 'Unusual' music hall. This man's name is Montague Hill. I saw him first a few months ago at Mrs. White's boarding-house in Russell Square. He subjected me there to great annoyance by claiming me as his wife. As a matter of fact, I had never spoken to him before in my life. Since then he has persistently annoyed me. I have suspected him of possessing a skeleton key to my apartments. To-night I locked up my flat at six o'clock. It was then, I am sure, empty. I dined with a friend and went to the 'Unusual.' At a quarter past eleven I returned here with this gentleman, Mr. Brendon. As we turned the corner of the street, I noticed that the electric light was burning in this room. We stopped for a moment to watch it, and almost immediately it was turned out. We came on here at once. I found the door locked as usual, but when we entered this room everything was as you see. Nothing has been touched since.
gpt
A very clear statement, madam, he said.
human
From what you saw from the opposite pavement then, it is certain that some person who was able to move about was in this room only a minute or so before you entered it?
gpt
That is so,
human
You met no one upon the stairs, or saw no one leave the flats?
gpt
No one,
human
Then either this man shot himself or some one else shot him immediately before your arrival--or rather if it was not himself the person who did it was in the room, say two minutes, before you arrived.
gpt
That is so,
human
I will not trouble you with any questions about the other occupants of the flats, Mr. Dorling said.
gpt
I shall have to go through the building. You say that this gentleman was with you?
human
I was, Brendon answered,
gpt
You did not notice anything which may have escaped this lady? You saw no one leave the flats?
human
No one,
gpt
You heard no pistol-shot?
human
None.
gpt
You know of no one likely to have had a grudge against this man?
human
No.
gpt
There is no one else who has a key to your rooms?
human
No one except my maid, who is away in Wiltshire.
gpt
The inference is, then, the detective said smoothly,
human
I suppose, Anna said,
gpt
I brought a man with me who is posted outside, he remarked.
human
With your permission I should like to search the remainder of your rooms.
gpt
Have either of you been out of this room since you discovered what had happened?
human
Mr. Brendon went for the doctor, Anna answered.
gpt
I have not left this apartment myself.