Her ladyship was not like her daughters, and scarcely quite relished being reminded of what happened twenty-three years ago. She took the watch coldly, and, after looking at it a moment, said—
"Really, sir, I think there must be some mistake. I remember nothing about this watch. I am sure it was never mine, nor have any of us lost a watch. I am sorry you should have had so much trouble."
"Excuse me, your ladyship, but it seems almost certain that the watch was bought on your account. I have seen the entry in Messrs. Turnwell's books, from which this is a copy."
"This is very strange," said Lady Waterham, as she read the memorandum. "L7 10s. it cost, I see."
"When was it, mamma?" asked Lady Eleanor, looking up for the first time.
"The 18th of April, 185—."
"O mamma, I know! It must be the watch we gave to dear Elsie before she was married. You remember the marriage was in May, and that was the year I am sure. I was just fourteen."
"Fourteen and twenty-three are thirty-seven," said the Rev. Cooper Smith to himself, as he looked at the still fresh and eager face.
"Poor dear Elsie! what has become of her? Do you know her, sir?" she continued, turning to the clergyman.
"The girl on whose behalf I am inquiring is called Elsie, and it seems probable she was your friend's daughter."