Ordinarily I should have thought nothing of it, but to-day it was different; for there are times in one's life when the most foolish things become pregnant of infinite possibilities; when the veriest trifles assume overwhelming proportions, filling and blotting out the universe.
So it was now, and as I stared down at the handkerchief, the Doubt within me grow suddenly into Certainty. I was pacing restlessly up and down when I saw Lisbeth approaching; her cheeks seemed more flushed than usual, and her hand trembled as she gave it to me.
"Why, whatever is the matter with you?" she said; "you look so—so strange, Dick."
"I received a letter from the Duchess this morning."
"Did you?"
"Yes; in which she tells me your aunt has threatened to—"
"Cut me off with a shilling," nodded Lisbeth, crossing over to the table.
"Yes," I said again.
"Well?"
"Well?"