"I shall be glad to avail myself of your professional assistance, Mr.
Troy, within certain limits. Outside of my house, I beg that you will
spare no trouble in tracing the lost money to the person who has really
stolen it. Inside of my house, I must positively request that the
disappearance of the note may never be alluded to, in any way whatever,
until your inquiries have been successful in discovering the thief. In
the meanwhile, Mrs. Tollmidge and her family must not be sufferers by
my loss: I shall pay the money again." She paused, and pressed Isabel's
hand with affectionate fervor. "My child," she said, "one last word to
you, and I have done. You remain here, with my trust in you, and my love
for you, absolutely unshaken. When you think of what has been said here
to-day, never forget that."
Isabel bent her head, and kissed the kind hand that still held hers. The
high spirit that was in her, inspired by Lady Lydiard's example, rose
equal to the dreadful situation in which she was placed.
"No, my Lady," she said calmly and sadly; "it cannot be. What this
gentleman has said of me is not to be denied--the appearances are
against me. The letter was open, and I was alone in the room with it,
and Mr. Moody told me that a valuable inclosure was inside it. Dear and
kind mistress! I am not fit to be a member of your household, I am not
worthy to live with the honest people who serve you, while my innocence
is in doubt. It is enough for me now that _you_ don't doubt it.
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