"So you did. I saw you, I did; I saw you creep up when you thought
nobody was looking, and search her pocket. You opened that paper and
took out the bright yellow piece, and put in another. You didn't think I
was looking at you, ha! ha! How I laughed as I stood behind the door and
saw you tremble for fear some one would catch you thieving. You didn't
think of me, dear, did you?"

And the wild creature burst into an unmeaning laugh.

Mrs. Mudge stood for a moment mute, overwhelmed by this sudden
revelation. But for the darkness, Aunt Lucy could have seen the sudden
flush which overspread her face with the crimson hue of detected guilt.
But this was only for a moment. It was quickly succeeded by a feeling
of intense anger towards the unhappy creature who had been the means of
exposing her.

"I'll teach you to slander your betters, you crazy fool," she exclaimed,
in a voice almost inarticulate with passion, as she seized her rudely by
the arm, and dragged her violently from the room.

She returned immediately.

"I suppose," said she, abruptly, confronting Aunt Lucy, "that you are
fool enough to believe her ravings?"

"I bring no accusation," said the old lady, calmly, "If your conscience
acquits you, it is not for me to accuse you."

"But what do you think?" persisted Mrs. Mudge, whose consciousness of