My Lady has her dinner alone this evening in the Dedlocks' London house; she has much on her mind. Her thoughts are interrupted by a servant who tells her that Mr Tulkinghorn is in the house and wishes to speak to her.

'Lady Dedlock, have you sent your maid - Rosa, I believe her name is - back to the village to her family? Have you finished with her services?'

'Yes, it is better for everyone.'

'But this breaks our agreement. You promised not to make any changes, but to continue living as you had before, to protect Sir Leicester.

'My Lady, it is well known that you like this girl. This action will cause people to talk, and any doubts about you or how Chesney Wold is run cannot be good for Sir Leicester. Your secret is now my secret, and I will decide how to use it to protect Sir Leicester and the family.'

They are silent for a few minutes. Finally Lady Dedlock says, 'Is it your plan to tell Sir Leicester my history tonight?'

'No, not tonight,' the lawyer says with a confident smile. 'It may be tomorrow, but I won't say anything more. Good night. I am going home.'

Lady Dedlock cannot rest. She looks out at the moon and decides to walk alone in a garden which is for the use of the owners of surrounding houses. A servant opens the gate for her and gives her the key. She will return when she has cleared her aching head.

What is that? Who fired a gun? Where was it?

People stop and look around. A few windows and doors are opened, and some people come outside. The dogs and cats make a lot of noise, but the excitement soon ends. Before ten o'clock the streets are quiet again.

Early the next morning a servant enters Mr Tulkinghorn's office, screams and runs out again. Soon there is an anxious crowd in the street wanting to find out what has happened. The police arrive and examine every corner of Mr Tulkinghorn's rooms. Why? Because the lawyer's time on this earth has ended; he has been shot through the heart.

***

George Rouncewell's plans for this fine day include visiting his friends, the Bagnets, to celebrate Mrs Bagnet's birthday. He is enjoying the company of the family when a knock is heard at the door.

'George,' says the man, 'how have you been?'

'It is Bucket!' cries George.

'Yes,' says the man, coming in and closing the door. 'I am sorry to interrupt this lovely party, but I have some urgent business with Mr Rouncewell. I wonder if you could come with me, George?'