“Not a great deal,” Aline answered, “but we can see through a chink and we may some day see the thief himself.”
“I am afraid that we shall never catch him,” said Audry, “and what is the use of troubling about it? The thing is gone now and what is done is done.”
“No, it might come back,” protested Aline, “and I shall not give up hope yet awhile. Come along, you have got to finish that piece of tapestry and it’s no use saying what is done is done, because what is done is no use, unless you do some more.”
Both laughed and ran out.
They worked at the tapestry in the solar. Mistress Mowbray was there engaged in the same occupation. By and by her husband came in. “I suppose you have found out nothing about that cup,” she remarked.
“No,” said Master Richard, “and meseemeth I am not likely to do so. Edward is confident that it cannot have been taken from the treasury.”
“Humph! He may say so. Look you now, Richard, if I were you I should get rid of Edward. Turn him out of doors.”
“Do you think that Edward has taken it?” said her husband, looking surprised.
“Why, who else could have taken it? It’s as clear as daylight. I cannot see wherefore you hesitate.”
Richard Mowbray gazed steadily in front of him for a long time, stroking his pointed beard. “Yes, I think it must be so; I shall do as you suggest. Edward shall leave.”