But it would have been an accident.

If you had gone downstairs before Jane Cupp saw the bit of broken balustrade you might have been killed--by accident again.
If you had leaned upon the rail of the bridge you would have been drowned, and no human being could have been accused or blamed." Emily gasped for breath, and lifted her head as if to raise it above the wall which was being slowly built round her.
"Nothing will be done which can be proved," said Hester Osborn.

"I have lived among native people, and know.

If Ameerah hated me and I could not get rid of her I should die, and it would all seem quite natural." She bent down and picked up the empty glass from the carpet.
"It is a good thing it did not break," she said, as she put it on the tray.

"Ameerah will think you drank the milk and that nothing will hurt you.