“Mrs. Thompson when she left promised to write to you, stating where she could be found. You have had a letter, I am told. There is now no doubt that Mrs. Thompson is merely wanted as a witness. There can be no harm in saying if you have had that letter.”
Mr. B—— was about to speak, but his good wife was before him, and with her ‘don’t say any more—you have said too much already’—a point which I politely disputed with her—‘Mr. B——’ shook his head, and I left the interesting couple.
“Someone has said that a woman can’t keep a secret, and an old cynic offered a reward for the first female who could be found capable of holding her tongue.
“I want the address of the gentleman, for I can conscientiously claim the reward.
“I have found in the person of my friend, Mrs. B——, a lady who can not only hold her own tongue, but that of her husband also.
“I left that house with mingled respect for the excellent good wife, and disappointment that she did not happen, at the time I called, to be out taking a five o’clock tea with some estimable neighbours in the region of Evalina-road, or anywhere else except in her own house and by her husband’s side.
“I am convinced that this gentleman and his wife could have told me a great deal as to Peace’s life at home, and perhaps something about his life abroad, which he may have guessed at or picked up in his frequent interviews with his friends the Thompsons, of No. 5, East-terrace.”
CHAPTER CXLVIII.
THE TRIAL OF CHARLES PEACE FOR BURGLARY.
The days and nights passed slowly and sadly enough with Charles Peace during the brief interval between his committal and trial.