‘What does she say herself?’ said William, ‘nothing but that she shut the door, and what does that amount to?—Nothing.’
‘She says she touched the powder,’ interposed Jane.
‘That is another matter,’ said William; ‘no one told me of her touching the powder. But why do you not ask her? She is publicly condemned without a hearing.’
‘Who accuses her?’ said Mr. Mohun.
‘I can hardly tell,’ said Emily; ‘she met us, saying she was very sorry. Yes, she accuses herself. Every one has believed it to be her.’
‘And why?’
There was a pause, but at last Emily said, ‘How would you account for it otherwise?’
‘I have not yet heard the circumstances. Maurice, I wish to hear your account. I will not now ask how you procured the powder. Whoever was the immediate cause of the accident, you are chiefly to blame. Where was the powder?’
Maurice gave his theory and his facts, ending with the powder-horn being driven out of the window upon the green.
‘I hear,’ said Mr. Mohun. ‘But, Maurice, did you not say that Phyllis touched the powder? How do you reconcile that with this incomprehensible statement?’