But it is very difficult to do that when one is in a state of torturing uncertainty.

She had not dared to ask Chandler what they supposed that man who had gone into the public-house was really like.

It was fortunate, indeed, that the lodger and that inquisitive young chap had never met face to face.
At last Mr.Sleuth's bell rang--a quiet little tinkle.

But when she went up with his breakfast the lodger was not in his sitting-room.
Supposing him to be still in his bedroom, Mrs.Bunting put the cloth on the table, and then she heard the sound of his footsteps coming down the stairs, and her quick ears detected the slight whirring sound which showed that the gas-stove was alight.

Mr.Sleuth had already lit the stove; that meant that he would carry out some elaborate experiment this afternoon.
"Still snowing ?" he said doubtfully.