“Are the studs found, Lettice?”
“No, sir.”
The answer was short, the manner scared. Helen had wondered why the loss should affect her; and so did I.
“Where’s the use of your being put out over it, Lettice? You did not take them.”
“No, Master Johnny, I did not; but—but——” looking round and dropping her voice, “I am afraid I know who did; and it was through me. I’m a’most mad.”
This was rather mysterious. She gave no opportunity for more, but ran down as though the stairs were on fire.
I went on to Bill’s chamber, and found Tod and Harry with him: they were laughing over a letter from some fellow at Oxford. Standing at the window close by the inner door, which was ajar, I heard Lettice Lane go into the dressing-room and speak to Mrs. Lease in a half whisper.
“I can’t bear this any longer,” she said. “If you have taken those studs, for Heaven’s sake put them back. I’ll make some excuse—say I found them under the carpet, or slipped under the drawers—anything—only put them back!”
“I don’t know what you mean,” replied Mrs. Lease, who always spoke as though she had only half a voice.