A few deft and pointed questions, very clear, such as might naturally occur to Hillyard or Luttrell, or Sir Chichester himself might come in usefully to put the polish, as it were, on Millie's spade work.

Harry Luttrell smiled grimly.
"We didn't exactly cover ourselves with glory this morning," he said.

"I think that we had better leave it to Lady Splay." Sir Chichester reluctantly consented, and they all waited anxiously for Jenny's appearance.

That she would fight to the last no one doubted.
Would she fight even to her own danger?
Jenny came into the room, quietly respectful, and without a trace of apprehension.
"You sent for me, my lady." "Yes, Jenny." Jenny closed the door and came forward to the table.
"Do you still persist in your story of this morning ?" Lady Splay asked.
"Yes, my lady." "You did not see your mistress at all after Miss Whitworth had talked with her in the library ?" "No, my lady." "Jenny, I advise you to be quite sure before you speak." "I am not to be frightened, my lady," said Jenny Prask, with a spot of bright colour showing suddenly in her cheeks.
"I am not trying to frighten you," Millie Splay returned.

"But some unexpected news has reached us which, if you persist, will place you in an awkward position." Jenny Prask smiled.