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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 outerside.
‘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 per-
son 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

1078 Bleak House