I can't go to him and ask if he told the truth." "No, no, you can't do that," Pettifer answered, "nor do I mean you to.

I want to put my questions myself in my own way and I thought that you might get him down to Little Beeding." "But I have no excuse," cried Hazlewood, and Mrs.Pettifer at last understood the plan which was in her husband's mind, which had been growing to completion since the night when he had dined at Little Beeding.
"Yes, you have an excuse," she cried, and Pettifer explained what it was.
"You collect miniatures.

Some time ago you bought one of Marie Antoinette at Lord Mirliton's sale.

You asked a question as to its authenticity in _Notes and Queries_.

It was answered--" Mr.Hazlewood broke in excitedly: "By a man called Thresk.