"I know nothing of the morals of doves," retorted Lady Charvington coolly, "but you seem to forget that I stated how this girl's father was one of the thieves. Who the other one was I can't say, but Lesbia certainly recognised her father. Bertha, my maid, heard her exclamation, while she was lying half stunned on the floor."
"I am not astonished," said Mrs. Walker bitterly. "Walter Hale is capable of all things, although I did not know that he would descend quite so low. I never liked him as you did, Helen."
"Leave the past alone," said Lady Charvington with an angry gesture; "but you can see that this Lesbia creature was her father's accomplice."
"Speak more respectfully of Lesbia if you please," said George in a cold white fury. "She is perfectly innocent, and knew no more of her father's wickedness than----"
"Than you did, I suppose."
"You are wrong. I knew some weeks ago, that Walter Hale had to do with a gang of thieves."
"George," cried his mother aghast; "you never told me."
"There was no need to," he said quickly, "I know that Hale, acting by Tait's orders, stole the jewels from----"
"Was this why you broke your engagement with Lesbia, or rather why you would not renew it?"
"That was the reason," said George awkwardly.