“David,” said Violet, gravely, “was it Philip that you were thinking about?”
“Don’t, Violet! It came into my mind—I couldn’t help that, but it is wrong to speak of it. It could not have been he.”
“I don’t know. It does not seem possible. He is foolish and frivolous—and not to be relied on; but I do not think he would do such a thing as—take money—unless—”
“Violet! Don’t speak of it. A false accusation is a terrible thing.”
“I am not accusing him. There does not seem to be a sufficient motive for such an act. The sum was so small—and then—”
“Dear Violet!” said David, in great distress, “don’t speak of it any more.”
“Well, I will not—but Mr Oswald accused you. You are a great deal better than I am, Davie,” said his sister, softly.
David laughed an uncertain laugh.
“That is all you know about it,” said he.
When Violet went up next day to speak to Miss Oswald about the little girls, the first word that Frank said to her was: