Freeman Wills Crofts

“ The two men mounted the steps leading to the ornate porch. On their right were the windows of a large room which formed the angle between the two streets.
“You can see into that room rather too clearly for my taste,” said Burnley. “Why, if that’s the drawing-room, as it looks to be by the furniture, every caller can see just who’s visiting there as they come up to the door.”
“And conversely, I expect,” returned Lefarge, “the hostess can see her visitors coming and be prepared for them.” ”

“ Lefarge put it away carefully in his notebook.
“Now let us see Madame’s room.”
They examined the bedroom, looking particularly for old letters, but without success. Next they interviewed the other servants, also fruitlessly.
“All we want now,” said Lefarge to the old butler, “is a list of the guests at that dinner, or at least some of them.”
“I can tell you, I think, all of them, monsieur,” returned François, and Lefarge noted the names in his book.
“What time is M. Boirac likely to return?” asked Burnley, when they had finished. ”

“ I had the cask containing it brought into the study to unpack myself—I always enjoy unpacking a new purchase—but I was so upset by what had happened I hadn’t much heart in doing so. However, on the following Monday evening, to try and distract my thoughts, I did unpack it, and there you see the result.”
“Can you tell me, monsieur,” asked Burnley, “was M. Felix also interested in such things?”
“He was. He is an artist and painting is therefore his specialty, but he had a good knowledge of sculpture also.” ”

“ They bowed themselves out, and, walking to the top of the Avenue, took the Metro to Concorde, from which they passed up the rue Castiglione to the Grands Boulevards to dine and spend the time until they were due back at the Sûreté. ”