She was cut, wounded to her heart's core.
'You say that the will was given you to keep. For what reason? Because it interested you extraordinarily?'
'Yes,' said Salome, 'so Mr. Pennycomequick said when he gave it me.'
'But why did he think it necessary to give it you when he knew it was invalid? He must have done it to quiet your importunities. I can see no other reason.'
'You wrong me,' said the girl, with pain and dignity. 'I am sure that he did not know it was worthless when he handed it to me. His manner was so serious.'
'You do not suppose it was tampered with after it came into your possession?'
'Oh no, certainly not. It was locked up in my workbox under the tray where are my cottons and needles.'
Mrs. Sidebottom watched their faces and followed the dialogue with almost breathless attention. Now she smiled sarcastically.
'It is disappointing,' she said, 'after the toils have been laid to lose the game.'
Salome again crimsoned.