"Why, here's some one been shying the chayney outer window," said the policeman. "Here's most half a wash-hand basin and a whole stodge of bits squandered all over the gravel walk. That's what you heerd, mum. The window is right enough." "It did sound like that," squeaked Miss Furness. "And that's what it was, mum, if there was none of this here out afore." "Oh, no, my good man," cries Mrs Blunt, getting less fearful and more dignified every moment--"the paths were quite clear this evening." "Then it's some of your young ladies been a havin' a lark," said the low fellow. I turned round to whisper to Clara, but she was gone. Directly after, though, she slipped back to my side, and I whispered to her, laying my hand upon her arm-- "Had you not better tell? Say that it was an accident." "Hold your tongue," she whispered, pinching me. Then we shrank into the background, for I was afraid some one would notice how bulky our dressing-gowns looked; for, of course, we had not had time to undress again. We heard the policeman promise to keep an eye on the place, and to call in the morning. Then we heard his footsteps on the gravel, and the pieces of china cracking, windows shut down, and orders for us to go back to our rooms, as there was nothing to fear; when, as we were ascending the stairs, Mrs Blunt's nightcapped head was thrust out of the door, and we heard her exclaim-- "I'll investigate this disgraceful trick in the morning, young ladies." I trembled for poor Clara--almost as much as I did for Achille; for it seemed as though the poor girl was always to act as scapegoat; though, certainly, she really deserved to be in disgrace this time, for I begged her most earnestly not to throw out the water. I would have given Clara half my basin with pleasure, if I could; but then, that would have been of no service. Judge, then, of my surprise when, after looking at Patty, fast asleep as if nothing had been the matter, I turned to Clara's washstand, there was her basin, safe and sound, and the jug was standing in it! As we upon the second floor all had small washstands and jugs and basins of the same pattern, I thought that, after all, she had taken mine; but she had not, nor yet Patty's; and as she saw what I was looking at, she burst out laughing, and said-- "I slipped up and into the Fraulein's room, and took hers; and now they may find out if they can. Of course, you won't tell, darling? Promise me that." I felt so cross that I was ready to say I would; for I was disappointed, and though the thoughts of the meeting had taken away my appetite, now that it was not to be, I felt as hungry as possible. But it would have been cruel to have said anything, so, of course, I promised. "Another disappointment for the poor French Verb," whispered Clara, laughing. "For shame," I said, "to speak in so disrespectful a way."