"I may add that I am a cousin of Mrs.Hamilton's." Mr.Lynx bowed, and waited for further information.

He knew who was addressing him, for he had questioned Mrs.Hamilton as to the different inmates of the house.
"I stopped you," said Mrs.Hill, "because I have my suspicions, and I thought I might help you in this investigation." "I shall feel indebted to you for any help you can afford.

Do you mind telling me upon what your suspicions rest ?" "I don't like to accuse or throw suspicions on anyone," said the housekeeper, but I think it is my duty to help my cousin in this matter." "Undoubtedly," said Mr.Lynx, noticing that she paused.

"Proceed." "You may or may not be aware that my cousin employs a boy of about sixteen, whom, as I think, she engaged rather rashly, without knowing anything of his antecedents.

He assists her in her writing and accounts--in fact, is a sort of secretary.
"His name is Benjamin Barclay, is it not ?" "Yes." "Do you know anything of his habits ?" "He is very plausible.