Ladyship."

"Isabel Miller is as incapable of an act of theft as I am. There is my
answer, Mr. Troy."

The lawyer bowed resignedly, and advanced to the door.

"Am I to take your Ladyship's generous assertion as finally disposing of
the question of the lost bank-note?" he inquired.

Lady Lydiard met the challenge without shrinking from it.

"No!" she said. "The loss of the bank-note is known out of my house.
Other persons may suspect this innocent girl as you suspect her. It is
due to Isabel's reputation--her unstained reputation, Mr. Troy!--that
she should know what has happened, and should have an opportunity of
defending herself. She is in the next room, Moody. Bring her here."

Robert's courage failed him: he trembled at the bare idea of exposing
Isabel to the terrible ordeal that awaited her. "Oh, my Lady!" he
pleaded, "think again before you tell the poor girl that she is
suspected of theft. Keep it a secret from her--the shame of it will
break her heart!"

"Keep it a secret," said Lady Lydiard, "when the Rector and the Rector's
wife both know of it! Do you think they will let the matter rest where
it is, even if I could consent to hush it up? I must write to them;
and I can't write anonymously after what has happened. Put yourself in
Isabel's place, and tell me if you would thank the person who knew you
to be innocently exposed to a disgraceful suspicion, and who concealed