An actual document, signed by a tangible witness, who could be put in the box and sworn, brought both lawyers to a state of attention; and when Thorndyke read out the cabman's evidence, their attention soon quickened into undisguised astonishment.
"But this is a most mysterious affair," exclaimed Marchmont.

"Who could this woman have been, and what could she have been doing in Jeffrey's chambers at this time?
Can you throw any light on it, Mr.Stephen ?" "No, indeed I can't," replied Stephen.

"It is a complete mystery to me.
My uncle Jeffrey was a confirmed old bachelor, and, although he did not dislike women, he was far from partial to their society, wrapped up as he was in his favourite studies.

To the best of my belief, he had not a single female friend.

He was not on intimate terms even with his sister, Mrs.Wilson." "Very remarkable," mused Marchmont; "most remarkable.