noon
pursued Holmes . `` Really , Mr. Holmes , what funny questions you do ask ! '' said the Countess , smiling . `` The Earl 's room was swept out about half-past eleven that noon , as soon as I came down and ordered Natalie to do it , after I saw the mess of cigar-ashes the Earl had left on the carpet . '' `` It 's my business to ask funny questions , also to catch thieves , no matter how highly placed in society they are , '' said Holmes , rising from his chair . `` Your Ladyship , you have now unwittingly given yourself away entirely . You stole at least one of the cuff-buttons , I am positive .