"Who was accused of the murder?" screeched Mrs. Armour in surprise.
"Yes, and if my cousin was here on that night,----"
"She is innocent,--innocent I swear," interrupted the woman, in great agitation, "she only came to the inn----"
"Oh. She _was_ here, was she? In the house?"
"No! Yes,--that is. I tell you, sir, she is innocent," cried Mrs. Armour at her wits' end. "She only came to see me. I'm her old nurse, sir. Don't you believe what Armour says. He's drunk; he doesn't know what mischief he is making."
"Miss Tedder was in this house on the night of the murder, about midnight."
"She wanted to see her father, and ask him not to take her lover from her," sobbed Mrs. Armour putting her apron to her eyes. "Indeed she's as innocent as the sun, sir. But I'm ready to confess----"
"Confess nothing," interrupted the young man, "if my cousin has been indiscreet--we'll put it that way,--I'll see that nothing comes of the matter. But I'll come round and see you later, to hear what you have to say. Meanwhile I'll question Miss Tedder."
"Where is she; my lamb?"
"In the parlour with a lady. She has fainted."