Baronet,« returns Mr. Bucket, with his head
persuasively on one side, and his forefinger pendant at one ear like; an
ear-ring, »we can't be too private, just at present. You will presently see that
we can't be too private. A lady, under the circumstances, and especially in Miss
Dedlock's elevated station of society, can't but be agreeable to me; but
speaking without a view to myself, I will take the liberty of assuring you that
I know we can't be too private.«
    »That is enough.«
    »So much so, Sir Leicester Dedlock, Baronet,« Mr. Bucket resumes, »that I
was on the point of asking your permission to turn the key in the door.«
    »By all means.« Mr. Bucket skilfully and softly takes that precaution;
stooping on his knee for a moment, from mere force of habit, so to adjust the
key in the lock as that no one shall peep in from the outer side.
    »Sir Leicester Dedlock, Baronet, I mentioned yesterday evening, that I
wanted but a very little to complete this case. I have now completed it, and
collected proof against the person who did this crime.«
    »Against the soldier?«
    »No, Sir Leicester Dedlock; not the soldier.«
    Sir Leicester looks astounded, and inquires, »Is the man in custody?«
    Mr. Bucket tells him, after a pause, »It was a woman.«
    Sir Leicester leans back in his chair, and breathlessly ejaculates, »Good
Heaven!«
    »Now, Sir Leicester Dedlock, Baronet,« Mr. Bucket begins, standing over him
with one hand spread out on the library-table, and the forefinger of the other
in impressive use, »it's my duty to prepare you for a train of circumstances
that may, and I go so far as to say that will, give you a shock. But, Sir
Leicester Dedlock, Baronet, you are a gentleman; and I know what a gentleman is,
and what a gentleman is capable of. A gentleman can bear a shock, when it must
come, boldly and steadily. A gentleman can make up his mind to stand up against
almost any blow. Why, take yourself, Sir Leicester Dedlock, Baronet. If there's
a blow to be inflicted on you, you naturally think of your family. You ask
yourself, how would all them ancestors of yours, away to Julius Caesar - not to
go beyond him at