"I wished to find out how she proposed to force George to become her husband. I have learned that much. She intends to force him by telling a lie."
"How do you know that what she says is a lie?" demanded Hale angrily.
"Because I read it in her eyes. A man would not have done so, but I am a woman, and you can trust one woman to learn everything another woman leaves unsaid, especially when a man is the stake between them."
"You should have more modesty," snapped her father uncomfortably.
Lesbia coloured. "I have behaved properly in every way," she said, in a wounded voice; "and, as I love George, I had every right to learn how this woman proposed to take him from me."
"Well, you know now that she can."
"She thinks she can," said Lesbia, with emphasis; "that is different."
"Nonsense! She can prove that he took the key from her neck and stole the jewels," insisted Mr. Hale.
"It is her word against his," rejoined Lesbia drily; "and until Miss Ellis proves the truth of her statement I believe in George's innocence."
"Lesbia," cried her father, rising, "what has come to you? Formerly you used to be quiet and well-behaved and did as you were told; now----"