But Mrs. Stanley would not yield to this. “No, my love,” she said, “it is quite necessary that I should endeavour to discover the truth. The overturning of the flower-pot might have been an accident, but the attempt to deceive, the replanting the flowers in the earth, could not have been accidental. Now, Amy, recollect yourself, and tell me if you have seen any one leaving this room lately?”
Amy was silent.
“I insist upon knowing,” Mrs. Stanley said.
“I saw Miss Matilda come out of the room, ma’am,” Amy answered in a trembling voice.
“Was it before Miss Mildmay went home, or after?” Mrs. Stanley inquired.
“It was after, ma’am.”
“And did you observe any thing particular in Miss Matilda’s appearance? Did she look distressed?”
Amy was again silent.
“Speak out, Amy, I desire you,” Mrs. Stanley said.
“Miss Matilda was crying, ma’am.”