"You never mentioned that fact before."
"No. I was determined to give no clue. I was always afraid of the affair being traced home to Gerard, and it would have reflected so much disgrace on my husband's name."
"Did you speak to the lady?—did you ask where she got the bracelet?" interrupted Frances.
"How could I ask her?" retorted Lady Sarah. "I do not know her."
"I will," cried Frances, in a resolute tone.
"My dear Fanny!" remonstrated Sir Francis.
"I vow I will," she persisted. But they did not believe her.
Frances kept her word. She found the strange lady in the refreshment-room. Locating herself by her side, she entered upon a few trifling remarks, which were civilly received. Suddenly she dashed at once to her subject.
"What a beautiful bracelet!"
"I think it is," was the stranger's reply, holding out her arm for its inspection, without any reservation.