"How do you know that I am in a disguise?"
"Since yesterday morning I know," he answered, "when I see you raise your blind yonder, not an old woman, but a young and charming lady not yet fully dressed, for I was here in the garden, looking out for what I could see, and my poor heart was pierced by the vision at the window."
He pressed his palm dramatically on his breast.
"Yes, of course, it is on the left, as usual," said Hylda Prout saucily. "But let us confine ourselves to business for the moment. I don't quite understand your object. As to the bit of lace——"
"How you know it was lace?"
She looked cautiously all round before answering. "I know because I searched Mr. Osborne's room, and saw it."
"Good! Before long we understand the one the other. You be frank, I be frank. You spied into the bag, and I put it in the bag."
"I know you did."
"Now, how you know?"
"There was no one else to do it!"