"No, I am sure of that. It was an arrangement, perhaps? I understand. I
will not play Mademoiselle De Trop."

Sudden fire shone in the girl's eyes, sudden contempt curled her lip,
and a glance full of meaning went from her cousin to the door, where
Mrs. Snowdon appeared, waiting for her maid to bring her some additional
wrappings.

"You allude to the note you stole. How came you to play that prank,
Tavie?" asked Treherne tranquilly.

"I saw her put it under the urn. I thought it was for Jasper, and I took
it," she said boldly.

"Why for Jasper?"

"I remembered his speaking of meeting her long ago, and describing her
beauty enthusiastically--and so did you."

"You have a good memory."

"I have for everything concerning those I love. I observed her manner
of meeting my brother, his devotion to her, and, when they stood
laughing together before the fire, I felt sure that she wished to charm
him again."

"Again? Then she did charm him once?" asked Treherne, anxious to know
how much Jasper had told his sister.

"He always denied it, and declared that you were the favorite."