"You cannot mean to insinuate that Aldyth is that dishonourable person! I am ashamed of you if you have entertained such a thought for a moment—you who have known Aldyth all your life."
"I do not say it was she," replied Guy awkwardly; "but I should like to know who did it."
Gladys threw herself on the sofa beside her sister.
"Aldyth, dear, tell me," she murmured, her lips close to Aldyth's face, "tell me all about it. Never mind him—he is horrid; whisper it to me."
"Oh, Gladys, can you not guess?"
"Guess what?"
"It was mamma who found the will—and hid it."
A change came over Gladys. Her colour faded; the lines of her face hardened.
"I might have known," she muttered, beneath her breath. Then she rose and stood before Guy. "You may despise me as much as you like," she said, "but not Aldyth. It is our mother who has tried to keep you out of your property—our mother, I say; but she is more mine than Aldyth's. We are of one kind—capable of any meanness. She has robbed you, and doubtless she would say she did it for my sake. Oh, we are a bad lot!"
"Gladys!"