"Certainly not," said Christian. "Alice gave me your purse when I was sitting in the library by the fire. She threw it into my lap. I had a headache and fell asleep. It lay in my lap when I slept. I did not touch it until you came in. Then I gave it to you."
"Oh!" cried Susan, with a laugh, "I don't think that story will hold water."
She laughed loudly. Then she clutched Maud by the shoulder.
"You see, Maud, we have nothing to fear. Chris, I congratulate you; you acted with great promptitude and decision. You are one of us now. Oh, Chris, Chris! to think you were really so knowing as all that."
Christian did not at first understand; but suddenly the knowledge of Susan's cruel words burst upon her—the knowledge and what that knowledge meant. A crimson tide mounted to her face.
She turned to say a word to Star, but Star had gone.
CHAPTER XXIII THE RESOLVE OF THE BODYGUARD
"Why have you sent for us, Star?" said Lucy Norris.