“‘What on earth do you mean? Do you know who is the guilty party?’
“‘I would stake my life on it.’
“‘If you know who committed that cruel murder why do you allow this poor girl to remain in jail?’
“‘Ah! there’s the rub; we must be able to make the proof before we flush the covey.’
“‘Have you mentioned to Harry anything on this subject?’
“‘Not a word; he was so much excited I was afraid he would commit some foolish blunder and spoil everything.’
“‘Lottie, do you know I think you are the most sensible, prudent girl that ever lived? I wish Harry had half the prudence you have; he has plenty of good sense, but he is so impetuous, so proud and unyielding!’
“‘He never was that way until Viola came from New York to spend the winter with me. He loved her devotedly, and thought it would be dishonorable to marry her while she was so rich and he so poor. If we can get them reconciled, and induce him to propose to her, then we shall soon be able to extricate her from this unpleasant situation. Did you know I have been afraid that Viola contemplated suicide?’
“‘No; I had no idea of such a thing.’
“‘Well, I have been afraid of it ever since Harry was so ill; and if he had died, it is my opinion that she would not have survived him an hour.’