Basil laughed harshly.
"You're mistaken, Aunt Elizabeth; I neither stole the miniature nor broke it."
"I am sure Basil is speaking the truth," said Miss Nelson.
"And I am sure of the reverse," retorted Miss Wilton. "There is guilt in his face, in his manner. Naughty, defiant boy, you shall tell me what you know!"
"I am not naughty or defiant, Aunt Elizabeth, and I don't wish to be rude to you or anyone. I have told all I can about the miniature. May I go now please, Miss Nelson?"
"Highty-tighty!" exclaimed Miss Wilton; "this is insubordination with a vengeance. I shall call my brother here. Basil, I insist upon your remaining where you are until your father arrives."
Miss Wilton immediately left the room. Basil went and stood by the window. The blinds were up, and there was moonlight outside. He could see the path across which Ermengarde had hurried the night before.
Miss Nelson came suddenly up, and touched the boy's arm.
"Basil," she said, "I wish to tell you that I fully believe in you."
"Oh, thank you very much," he answered, glancing at her for an instant, and then gazing once more out of the window.