"Force me!" Miss Ellis raised her eyebrows for the third time, but her face grew angry, for she did not like this very straight speaking. "What have I to do with the matter? I believe that George is innocent myself, and told my uncle so. Indeed, had I not stood up for George, he would now be in gaol."
Lesbia smiled contemptuously. "It's all part of the game," she retorted. "I am a woman, not a man, Miss Hale, and I can see very plainly how George walked into the trap you set for him."
"I set no trap. And if George says----"
"George says nothing. I have not seen him for a long time. But my father told me how George was in the gallery and you also."
"Did he tell you that George came to meet me?" asked Maud maliciously.
"No, nor do I believe you."
"Then he did."
"It is a lie," said Lesbia, impolitely but very firmly. "I don't believe it."
"Ask George himself," cried Maud. "He will tell you that we had a meeting at three in the morning and----"
Lesbia, who was looking at her, gave an ironical laugh. "Oh, I believe you now," she said slowly, "I can see the truth in your eyes. Yes, George did meet you by appointment. Why, I don't know----"