 with all that has been traced. And I hope that he
may find it;« Mr. Bucket again looks grave; »to his satisfaction.«
    The debilitated cousin only hopes some fler'll be executed - zample. Thinks
more interest's wanted - get man hanged presentime - than get man place ten
thousand a year. Hasn't a doubt - zample - far better hang wrong fler than no
fler.
    »You know life, you know, sir,« says Mr. Bucket, with a complimentary
twinkle of his eye and crook of his finger, »and you can confirm what I've
mentioned to this lady. You don't want to be told, that, from information I have
received, I have gone to work. You're up to what a lady can't be expected to be
up to. Lord! especially in your elevated station of society, miss,« says Mr.
Bucket, quite reddening at another narrow escape from my dear.
    »The officer, Volumnia,« observes Sir Leicester, »is faithful to his duty,
and perfectly right.«
    Mr. Bucket murmurs, »Glad to have the honour of your approbation, Sir
Leicester Dedlock, Baronet.«
    »In fact, Volumnia,« proceeds Sir Leicester, »it is not holding up a good
model for imitation, to ask the officer any such questions as you have put to
him. He is the best judge of his own responsibility; he acts upon his
responsibility. And it does not become us, who assist in making the laws, to
impede or interfere with those who carry them into execution. Or,« says Sir
Leicester, somewhat sternly, for Volumnia was going to cut in before he had
rounded his sentence; »or who vindicate their outraged majesty.«
    Volumnia with all humility explains that she has not merely the plea of
curiosity to urge (in common with the giddy youth of her sex in general), but
that she is perfectly dying with regret and interest for the darling man whose
loss they all deplore.
    »Very well, Volumnia,« returns Sir Leicester. »Then you cannot be too
discreet.«
    Mr. Bucket takes the opportunity of a pause to be heard again.
    »Sir Leicester Dedlock, Baronet, I have no objections to telling this lady,
with your leave and among ourselves, that I look upon the case as pretty well
complete. It is a beautiful case - a beautiful case - and what little is wanting
to complete it, I expect to be able to supply in a few hours.
