"But it will save time if we get the facts concisely together." Jenny stepped forward, and stood at the end of the table opposite to the baronet.
"I am quite willing, sir," she said respectfully, "to answer any question now or at any time"; and throughout the little interrogatory which followed she never once changed from her attitude of respect.
"Your name first." "Jenny Prask," and Sir Chichester wrote it down.
"You have been Mrs.Croyle's maid for some time." "For three and a half years, sir." "Good!" said Sir Chichester, with the air of one who by an artful question has elicited a most important piece of evidence.
"Now!" But now he fumbled.

He had come to the real examination, and was at a loss how to begin.

"Yes, now then, Jenny!" and again he came to a halt.
Whilst Jenny waited, her eyes once glittered strangely under their half-dropped lids; and Martin Hillyard followed the direction of their gaze to the door-key lying upon the table beside Sir Chichester's hand.
"Jenny," said Sir Chichester, who had at last formulated a question.
"You informed us that Mrs.Croyle instructed you last night not to call her until she rang.

That, no doubt, was an unusual order for her to give." "No, sir." Sir Chichester leaned back in his chair.
"Oh, it wasn't ?" "No, sir." Sir Chichester looked a little blank.

He cast about for another line of examination.
"You are aware, of course, Jenny, that your mistress was in the habit of taking drugs--chloroform especially." "Never, sir," answered Jenny.
"You weren't aware of it ?" exclaimed Sir Chichester.
"She never took them." Harry Luttrell made a little movement.