The stained article of dress may be an article of linen.

If the search leads to nothing, I want to be able to account next for all the linen in the house, and for all the linen sent to the wash.

If there is an article missing, there will be at least a presumption that it has got the paint-stain on it, and that it has been purposely made away with, yesterday or to-day, by the person owning it.

Superintendent Seegrave," added the Sergeant, turning to me, "pointed the attention of the women-servants to the smear, when they all crowded into the room on Thursday morning.

That may turn out, Mr.Betteredge, to have been one more of Superintendent Seegrave's many mistakes." My lady desired me to ring the bell, and order the washing-book.