Carbuncle, as she crossed the pavement, saw that there were two policemen
in the hall. The footman had been with them to the theatre, but the cook
and housemaid, and Mrs. Carbuncle's own maid, were with the policemen in
the passage. She gave a little scream, and then Lizzie, who had followed
her, seized her by the arm. She turned round and saw by the gas-light that
Lizzie's face was white as a sheet, and that all the lines of her
countenance were rigid and almost distorted. "Then she does know all about
it," said Mrs. Carbuncle to herself. Lizzie didn't speak, but still hung
on to Mrs. Carbuncle's arm, and Lucinda, having seen how it was, was also
supporting her. A policeman stepped forward and touched his hat. He was
not Bunfit--neither was he Gager. Indeed, though the ladies had not
perceived the difference, he was not at all like Bunfit or Gager. This man
was dressed in a policeman's uniform, whereas Bunfit and Gager always wore
plain clothes.
"My lady," said the policeman, addressing Mrs. Carbuncle, "there's been a
robbery here."
"A robbery!" ejaculated Mrs. Carbuncle.
"Yes, my lady. The servants all out, all to one; and she's off.
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