"You have not done so intentionally. I was in the wood one day when you were given a bracelet—"
"Oh, that was the day you fell down! I thought you hadn't seen the bracelet, because you never spoke of it," Winifred said, in such real distress that I was only anxious to comfort her.
"You need not be afraid. Since you trust me so far as to show me these beautiful things, you may also believe that I shall keep the rest of the secret."
"That is different," observed Winifred. "He told me never to tell where I got these things; and now Granny Meehan found out, and you found out too."
"My dear," said I, "there is one thought which occurs to me, and which I must put in words. Bring your stool over and sit near me."
She did so, her dark curls almost resting on my lap.
"My thought is this. How does the person who gives you all these treasures procure them?"
She shook her head.
"You promised not to ask questions!" she exclaimed.
"Nor am I asking any which I expect you to answer," I said quietly. "But are you sure that these ornaments are honestly come by?"