And she looked over the two solicitors as if they were candidates for examination, and she the examiner.
"I have been to the police, to find out what all this talk is about Sir Gilbert Carstairs," she began at once.

"They tell me you know more than they do, Mr.Lindsey.Well, what have you to say?
And what have you to say, Mr.Portlethorpe?
You ought to know more than anybody.

What does it all amount to!" Mr.Portlethorpe, whose face had become very dismal at the sight of Mrs.Ralston, turned, as if seeking help, to Mr.Lindsey.He was obviously taken aback by Mrs.Ralston's questions, and a little afraid of her; but Mr.Lindsey was never afraid of anybody, and he at once turned on his visitor.
"Before we answer your questions, Mrs.Ralston," he said, "there's one I'll take leave to ask you.

When Sir Gilbert came back at your father's death, did you recognize him ?" Mrs.Ralston tossed her head with obvious impatience.
"Now, what ridiculous nonsense, Mr.Lindsey!" she exclaimed.

"How on earth do you suppose that I could recognize a man whom I hadn't seen since I was a child of seven--and certainly not for at least thirty years?
Of course I didn't!--impossible!".