These preliminaries disposed of, he first
examined the nightgown, and then devoted himself to the reading of
Rosanna Spearman's letter.
The reading completed, Mr. Bruff addressed me for the first time since
we had been shut up together in the seclusion of his own room.
"Franklin Blake," said the old gentleman, "this is a very serious
matter, in more respects than one. In my opinion, it concerns Rachel
quite as nearly as it concerns you. Her extraordinary conduct is no
mystery NOW. She believes you have stolen the Diamond."
I had shrunk from reasoning my own way fairly to that revolting
conclusion. But it had forced itself on me, nevertheless. My resolution
to obtain a personal interview with Rachel, rested really and truly on
the ground just stated by Mr. Bruff.
"The first step to take in this investigation," the lawyer proceeded,
"is to appeal to Rachel. She has been silent all this time, from
motives which I (who know her character) can readily understand. It
is impossible, after what has happened, to submit to that silence any
longer. She must be persuaded to tell us, or she must be forced to tell
us, on what grounds she bases her belief that you took the Moonstone.
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