'Then, madam, I have your denial that you were the lady

accompanying the gentleman who struck the blow, or gave the push,

which caused the death of this poor man?' A quick, sharp pain went through Margaret's brain. 'Oh God! that

I knew Frederick were safe!' A deep observer of human

countenances might have seen the momentary agony shoot out of her

great gloomy eyes, like the torture of some creature brought to

bay. But the inspector though a very keen, was not a very deep

observer. He was a little struck, notwithstanding, by the form of

the answer, which sounded like a mechanical repetition of her

first reply--not changed and modified in shape so as to meet his

last question.

'I was not there,' said she, slowly and heavily. And all this

time she never closed her eyes, or ceased from that glassy,

dream-like stare. His quick suspicions were aroused by this dull

echo of her former denial. It was as if she had forced herself to

one untruth, and had been stunned out of all power of varying it.

He put up his book of notes in a very deliberate manner. Then he

looked up; she had not moved any more than if she had been some

great Egyptian statue.

'I hope you will not think me impertinent when I say, that I may

have to call on you again. I may have to summon you to appear on

the inquest, and prove an alibi, if my witnesses' (it was but one

who had recognised her) 'persist in deposing to your presence at

the unfortunate event.' He looked at her sharply. She was still

perfectly quiet--no change of colour, or darker shadow of guilt,

on her proud face. He thought to have seen her wince: he did not

know Margaret Hale. He was a little abashed by her regal

composure. It must have been a mistake of identity. He went on: 'It is very unlikely, ma'am, that I shall have to do anything of

the kind. I hope you will excuse me for doing what is only my

duty, although it may appear impertinent.' Margaret bowed her head as he went towards the door. Her lips

were stiff and dry. She could not speak even the common words of

farewell. But suddenly she walked forwards, and opened the study

door, and preceded him to the door of the house, which she threw

wide open for his exit. She kept her eyes upon him in the same

dull, fixed manner, until he was fairly out of the house. She

shut the door, and went half-way into the study; then turned

back, as if moved by some passionate impulse, and locked the door

inside.




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