A Suspicious Circumstance. It

 "Oh, it's mine it's mine but indeed and
indeed I am innocent!"
 Grace stole gently round, and putting her
arm through her sister's, whispered to her not
to mind, it would all come right presently.
 Well, Edith," Miss Campbell continued,
"this is the most extraordinary thing I ever
heard of! I am deeply grieved, but for the
present I will say no more. Your own
reflections will be sufficient punishment. I shall
make further inquiries, and I am not without
hope that something may yet turn up to clear
you. I can scarcely believe you are guilty!"
 "Oh, Miss Campbell, she isn't; I know she
isn't!" impetuously exclaimed Grace.
 "My dear Grace, I wish I could feel as sure
as you do; but circumstances are strongly
against your sister; still I am glad you think
her free from blame. I only hope your sur-
mise will prove correct." With these words
Miss Campbell left the room, taking the parcel
with her. Grace and Edith went into the
dressing-room to Clara. They briefly related
the facts; but their trouble was so great that
the story for some time was scarcely compre-
hensible. When at last Clara was made to
understand it, she began in her usual eager
manner: