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.