But, if this inquiry is to go on, time is of too much importance to be wasted in writing.

I am ready to go into the matter at once.

It is a very painful matter for me to speak of, and for you to hear." There my mistress stopped him once more.
"I may possibly make it less painful to you, and to my good servant and friend here," she said, "if I set the example of speaking boldly, on my side.

You suspect Miss Verinder of deceiving us all, by secreting the Diamond for some purpose of her own?
Is that true ?" "Quite true, my lady." "Very well.

Now, before you begin, I have to tell you, as Miss Verinder's mother, that she is ABSOLUTELY INCAPABLE of doing what you suppose her to have done.