Soften the blow as I may, it all comes down to that.

The bitter truth! Not a week ago--last Thursday night at seven--I climbed our dark stairs and plunged a knife into the heart of that defenseless gentleman.

If only I could point out to you that he had offended me in some way; if I could prove to you that his death was necessary to me, as it really was to Inspector Bray--then there might be some hope of your ultimate pardon.

But, alas! he had been most kind to me--kinder than I have allowed you to guess from my letters.

There was no actual need to do away with him.