"Faithful," echoed Miss Blake--"well yes, she does. But to what a mistress! Fidelity to such a person does her no credit."
Mr. Smith turned as grave as a judge. "Hush!" said he, impressively. "Unless one has sure and good ground to go upon, it is better not to assume evil."
"No ground was ever surer than this."
"My dear young lady, you may be utterly mistaken."
She liked the style of address from him--my dear young lady: it flattered her vanity. But she would not give way.
"I have seen what I have seen, Mr. Smith. Sir Karl Andinnian would not be stealing in there at night, if it were proper for him to be going in the open day."
"Never speak of it," cried Mr. Smith, his tone one of sharp, strong command. "What could you prove? I ask, Miss Blake, what you could prove--if put to it?"
She did not answer.
"Why, nothing, madam. Absolutely nothing. How could you?"
Miss Blake considered. "I think there's a good deal of negative proof," she said, at length.