"My other way," said the Sergeant, going on as easy as ever, "is to try

that bold experiment to which I have alluded. I think I have formed a

pretty correct estimate of Miss Verinder's temperament. She is quite

capable (according to my belief) of committing a daring fraud. But she

is too hot and impetuous in temper, and too little accustomed to deceit

as a habit, to act the hypocrite in small things, and to restrain

herself under all provocations. Her feelings, in this case, have

repeatedly got beyond her control, at the very time when it was plainly

her interest to conceal them. It is on this peculiarity in her character

that I now propose to act. I want to give her a great shock suddenly,

under circumstances that will touch her to the quick. In plain English,

I want to tell Miss Verinder, without a word of warning, of Rosanna's

death--on the chance that her own better feelings will hurry her

into making a clean breast of it. Does your ladyship accept that

alternative?"

My mistress astonished me beyond all power of expression. She answered

him on the instant: "Yes; I do."

"The pony-chaise is ready," said the Sergeant. "I wish your ladyship

good morning."

My lady held up her hand, and stopped him at the door.

"My daughter's better feelings shall be appealed to, as you propose,"

she said. "But I claim the right, as her mother, of putting her to

the test myself. You will remain here, if you please; and I will go to

Frizinghall."

For once in his life, the great Cuff stood speechless with amazement,

like an ordinary man.

My mistress rang the bell, and ordered her water-proof things. It was

still pouring with rain; and the close carriage had gone, as you know,

with Miss Rachel to Frizinghall. I tried to dissuade her ladyship from

facing the severity of the weather. Quite useless! I asked leave to

go with her, and hold the umbrella. She wouldn't hear of it. The

pony-chaise came round, with the groom in charge. "You may rely on

two things," she said to Sergeant Cuff, in the hall. "I will try the

experiment on Miss Verinder as boldly as you could try it yourself. And

I will inform you of the result, either personally or by letter, before

the last train leaves for London to-night."

With that, she stepped into the chaise, and, taking the reins herself,

drove off to Frizinghall.




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