I quite agree with
you, my lady, that the servants' feelings ought to be consulted. But I
am equally clear that the servants' wardrobes ought to be searched."
This looked very like a dead-lock. My lady said so, in choicer language
than mine.
"I have got a plan to meet the difficulty," said Sergeant Cuff, "if
your ladyship will consent to it. I propose explaining the case to the
servants."
"The women will think themselves suspected directly, I said,
interrupting him.
"The women won't, Mr. Betteredge," answered the Sergeant, "if I can tell
them I am going to examine the wardrobes of EVERYBODY--from her ladyship
downwards--who slept in the house on Wednesday night. It's a mere
formality," he added, with a side look at my mistress; "but the servants
will accept it as even dealing between them and their betters; and,
instead of hindering the investigation, they will make a point of honour
of assisting it."
I saw the truth of that. My lady, after her first surprise was over, saw
the truth of it also.
"You are certain the investigation is necessary?" she said.
"It's the shortest way that I can see, my lady, to the end we have in
view.
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