I would not talk about it now--" He was checked at this point; but the glimpse we thus obtained of the natural man, in this indignant and sullen outburst, following so quickly upon the solemn declarations of the moment before, did more for him in the minds of those present than the suavest and most discreet answer given under the instigation of his counsel.

Every face showed pleasure, and for a short space, if for no longer, all who listened were disposed to accept his assertions and accord the benefit of doubt to this wayward son of an esteemed father.
To me, who had hoped nothing from Moffat's efforts, the substantial nature of the defence thus openly made manifest, brought reanimation and an unexpected confidence in the future.
The question as to who had dropped the ring into the casket if Arthur had not--the innocent children, the grieving servants--was latent, of course, in every breast, but it had not yet reached the point demanding expression.
Meanwhile, the examination proceeded.
"Mr.Cumberland, you have stated that you did not personally drop this ring into the place where it was ultimately found.

Can you tell us of your own knowledge who did ?" "I cannot.

I know nothing about the ring.

I was much surprised, probably more surprised than any one else, to hear of its discovery in that place." The slip--and it was a slip for him to introduce that _more_--was immediately taken advantage of by his counsel.
"You say 'more,' Why should it be more of a surprise to you than to any one else to learn where this missing engagement ring of your sister's had been found ?" Again that look of displeasure directed towards his questioner, and a certain additional hardness in his reply, when he finally made it.
"I was her brother.