“I wish to Heaven it were so, sir. For my part, if you have taken the box to plague me, it is a sorry joke; but return the papers quickly, I beg of you, and I will forgive you. Have you them? This is no time for play; say quickly.”
“I have not,” he answered slowly. He was very pale, and was trembling from head to foot.
“You may not have them, but did you take them?” Mr. Baldwin asked.
Robert whirled around upon him. “You dare ask me that! And who are you, who take the right to question me? I am not answerable to you, sir, but you shall be answerable to me.” And, taking a step forward, he gave the other a slap in the face.
From Lettice came a cry of dismay, and Mr. Baldwin, with eyes flashing, said in a low, even voice: “I will meet you, sir, when and where you please, as soon as this charge made by Miss Hopkins is disproved. At present I do not forget that we are in the presence of a lady.”
“Lettice, Lettice, forgive me!” cried Robert. But she gave him not so much as a look or a word. She extended her hand to Mr. Baldwin. “Take me to my brother,” she said. “I must tell him at once of his loss.”
Mr. Baldwin hesitated, and Lettice understood that he would fain secure the man she had accused. “No, no,” she whispered, “do not arrest him. I may have been too hasty. We have no proof as yet. I beg of you, Mr. Baldwin, take no further steps till we consult my brother. He—he may be innocent, and—and—we have been friends.” Therefore, leaving Robert standing wretched and alone, they moved toward the house.
CHAPTER XI.
An Interrupted Duel.
Pale and agitated, Lettice stood before the company now gathered indoors. “It is gone!” she whispered. “Gone!”