"Could she have had an accomplice?" cried the lady, with dashing
eyes.
I knew nothing on that point. But, I added, that soon after Miss
Rowley had left the room very quietly; and as I followed her to fulfill
another engagement, she had started, turned pale, and betrayed
much nervousness, scarcely allowing me to assist her to her carriage,
although we left the house at the same instant.
Lady Holberton's suspicions were now confirmed beyond a doubt.
"And yet it seems incredible that any lady should be guilty of such
conduct!" I exclaimed, almost repenting having allowed the previous
remarks to pass my lips. "Miss Rowley is undoubtedly a woman of
principle--or good moral standing."
"Moral standing!--principle!" exclaimed Lady Holberton, bitterly. "Yes,
where an autograph is concerned, Theodosia Rowley has all the
principle of a Magpie "
{Magpie = European bird known for stealing and hiding small bright
objects.}
Whatever might have been the fact, it was clear at least that Lady
Holberton's opinion was now unalterably made up.
"Remember, she is a Butlerite!" added the lady, thus putting the last
touch to the circumstantial evidence against Miss Rowley.
Weeks passed by. The advertisements remained unanswered. The
police could give no information. Lady Holberton was in despair; the
physicians declared that her health must eventually give way under
the anxiety and disappointment consequent upon this melancholy
affair.
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