stating

Phelps is correct in stating that there is no hiding-place either in the room or the corridors, then the person must have come from outside.

She was then but fifteen, which must be her excuse; and after stating her imprudence, I am happy to add, that I owed the knowledge of it to herself.

In confirmation of this, she related the particulars of all the pecuniary transactions in which they had been connected, without actually naming her authority, but stating it to be such as might be relied on.

Lady Catherine was generally speaking--stating the mistakes of the three others, or relating some anecdote of herself.