She knows no more about the matter than her father does." "Well," said Diana, unwilling to grant her stepmother too much grace, "we must give her the benefit of the doubt.

What about Ferruci ?" "So far as I can see, Ferruci is guilty," replied Lucian.

"To clear himself he will have to give the same proof as Mrs.Vrain.Firstly, he will have to show that he was not in Jersey Street on Christmas Eve; secondly, he will have to prove that he did not buy the cloak.

But in the face of the servant's evidence, and the statement of the shopwoman, he will find it difficult to clear himself.

Yet," added Lucian, remembering his failure with Lydia, "it is always possible that he may do so." "It seems to me, Mr.Denzil, that your only chance of getting at the truth is to see the Italian." "I think so myself.