The old man left the room, the bell was rung, and Liza summoned, when a scene of tears and protestations arose, resulting in a passionate declaration that Liza would tell her mother, that she would not stop in a house where she was going to be suspected, and that she had never taken anybody’s money but her own.
“This is the third time that I have missed money, Liza, or I would not have spoken. If you took it, confess like a good girl, and we’ll forgive you if you promise never to take anything of the kind again.”
“I can’t confess, miss, and won’t confess,” sobbed the girl. “Mother shall come and speak to you. I wouldn’t do such a thing.”
“Where did you get the money with which you bought the red ribbon and orange kerchief this morning, Liza?” said a voice at the door.
All started to see that Aunt Marguerite was there looking on, and apparently the recipient of all that had been said.
Liza stood with eyes dilated, and jaw dropped.
“Then you’ve been at my box,” she suddenly exclaimed. “All, what a shame!”
“At your box, you wretched creature!” said Aunt Marguerite contemptuously. “Do you suppose I should go into your room?”
“You’ve been opening my box,” said the girl again, more angrily; “and it’s a shame.”
“I saw her take them up to her room, Louise. My dear, she was buying them under my window, of some pedlar. You had better send her away.”