I'm afraid we have rather upset you by coming here, but Bates was unable to say what time you would return home, so I thought you would not mind if we accompanied him in order to find out the hour at which it would be convenient for you to meet us at your flat--this evening, of course." "You have certainly given me the shock of my life," Theydon gasped.
"That poor woman dead, murdered! It's too awful! How was she killed ?" "She was strangled." "O, this is dreadful! Shall I wire an apology to the man I'm dining with ?" "No need for that, Mr.Theydon," said Winter, sympathetically.

"I'm sorry now we blurted out our unpleasant news.

But you had to be told, and it was essential that we should get your story some time tonight.
Can you be home by eleven ?" "Yes, yes.

I'll be there without fail." "Thank you.

We have a good many inquiries to make in the meantime.
Goodby, for the present." The two made off.