}
"And have you no clue, no suspicions?--your servants--your maid?"
The aspersion on her household was indignantly repelled.
"You will readily believe, Mr. Howard, that a collector, the owner of
such an album as I have the honor of possessing, is particularly
careful as to whom she admits into her family. I will vouch for all
about me; still I have suspicions--but--"
I begged her to speak, if she thought I could be of the least
assistance.
"Yes, I will trust my son's friend. Mr. Howard, I here solemnly accuse
Theodosia Rowley of having stolen the Lumley Autograph!"
The dignity of manner, the concentrated passion of expression, the
strength of emphasis with which Lady Holberton spoke, would have
done honor to a Siddons. The natural start of horror and amazement
on my part, was also, no doubt, very expressive--for I was
speechless with surprise.
"I see you do not credit this," continued the lady.
But thought, like a flash of lightning, had already recalled some
circumstances of the last evening at Holberton-House. I did credit
the accusation, and immediately informed Lady Holberton of what I
had observed, but forgotten, until reminded of the facts by her own
remarks. I had seen Miss Rowley, bending low over the album at a
moment when some one was telling an exceedingly humorous story
which engrossed the attention of the rest of the company.
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