“Does he? I am sure I am much obliged to his lordship for his good opinion of me,” cried the detective, with a short laugh.
“Oh, I am not joking, Wrench. Don’t imagine that,” observed the lawyer.
“I don’t for a moment suppose you are, sir.”
“And so he’s taken up with a woman of doubtful repute—has he? Dear me, it seems almost incredible.”
“Well, it’s only as we suppose at present, sir. As I said before, proofs are necessary. It would never do to jump hastily at a conclusion. I have never been accustomed to do that.”
“No, no, of course not. That we know perfectly well; and so, upon second consideration, it would be perhaps just as well to hold the matter over for the present, and not mention the subject to the earl till we have clearer evidence.”
“I should not do so, not till such time as we are more certain of our bird. He will fall into the web, I dare say, in good time.”
“And what do you propose doing then?” inquired the lawyer.
“Well, sir, that is the reason for my waiting upon you. He has been seen in places of public resort with this woman; he has been seen entering the house with her, and there is every reason to suppose that he has remained there all night; but this, as you know, is not positive evidence. We must have more than this.”
“Certainly; that is quite clear—much more. Do you know any of the inmates—any servant in the house?”