"No, I don't," answered Warner.
Mrs. Merton's face brightened, and she looked kindly at Warner.
"Then you don't share Louisa's prejudice against Luke?" she said.
"No; I like the boy. I would sooner suspect myself of stealing the money, for, you know, Aunt Eliza, that my record is not a good one, and I am sure Luke is an honest boy."
Mrs. Merton's face fairly beamed with delight. She understood very well the low and unworthy motives which influenced her niece and Harold, and it was a gratifying surprise to find that her nephew was free from envy and jealousy.
"Warner," she said, "what you say does you credit. In this particular case I happen to know that Luke is innocent."
"You don't, know the real thief?" asked Warner.
"No; but my reason for knowing that Luke is innocent I will tell you. The money was safe in my drawer when I went out this morning. It was taken during my absence from the house. Luke was with me during this whole time. Of course, it is impossible that he should be the thief."
"I see. Did you tell Louisa this?"
"No; I am biding my time. Besides, I am more likely to find the real thief if it is supposed that Luke is under suspicion."