CHAPTER IX.

CONCLUSION.—SATISFACTORY TO ALL, EXCEPT THE CULPRIT.

AS soon as Lady Greenford had learnt how Mowmouth
was recovered, she summoned young Nicholas to her
presence.

“T will go for him,” said the butler eagerly, for he
wanted to prepare his accomplice, and was ruminating
what pretext to use.

* No, stay here! you let him into the house, you shall
see him discharged, and that may teach you to be more
cautious, for the time to come, whom you set trust in.”

Sharpphiz remained, and, having recovered himself after
his first sense of stupefaction, he resolved boldly to deny
' the charge if Nicholas durst accuse him.

When he was ushered into the drawing-room, Nicholas
did not wait to be questioned. “My lady,” said he, ‘the
presence of your cat explains to me why you have sent for
me here; but I am not so guilty as I appear; allow me to
explain myself.”

“What would be the use?” replied Lady Greenford ;
* you cannot clear yourself.”

The butler now fancied he ought to brave it out, and
observed ironically: “Iam curious to see by what unlikely
story this blackguard will try to impose on you;” and as he
said this slowly and measuredly, he seemed to add with his
eyes: “If you dare to accuse me, beware!”

E