"My lords," interjected Sir Impey, "if the learned Attorney-General considers the word murder to be a triviality, it would be interesting to know to what words he does attach importance."
"The learned Attorney-General has agreed to substitute another word," said the Lord High Steward soothingly, and nodding to Sir Wigmore to proceed.
Sir Impey, having achieved his purpose of robbing the Attorney-General's onslaught on the witness of some of its original impetus, sat down, and Sir Wigmore repeated his question.
"I mentioned it first to Mr. Murbles about three weeks ago."
"Mr. Murbles is the solicitor for the accused, I believe."
"Yes, sir."
"And how was it," inquired Sir Wigmore ferociously, settling his pince-nez on his rather prominent nose, and glowering at the witness, "that you did not mention this letter at the inquest or at the earlier proceedings in the case?"
"I wasn't asked about it, sir."
"What made you suddenly decide to go and tell Mr. Murbles about it?"
"He asked me, sir."