‘What does she say herself?’ said William, ‘nothing but that she shut the door, and what does that amount to?—Nothing.’ ‘She says she touched the powder,’ interposed Jane. ‘That is another matter,’ said William; ‘no one told me of her touching the powder. But why do you not ask her? She is publicly condemned without a hearing.’ ‘Who accuses her?’ said Mr. Mohun. ‘I can hardly tell,’ said Emily; ‘she met us, saying she was very sorry. Yes, she accuses herself. Every one has believed it to be her.’ ‘And why?’ There was a pause, but at last Emily said, ‘How would you account for it otherwise?’ ‘I have not yet heard the circumstances. Maurice, I wish to hear your account. I will not now ask how you procured the powder. Whoever was the immediate cause of the accident, you are chiefly to blame. Where was the powder?’ Maurice gave his theory and his facts, ending with the powder-horn being driven out of the window upon the green. ‘I hear,’ said Mr. Mohun. ‘But, Maurice, did you not say that Phyllis touched the powder? How do you reconcile that with this incomprehensible statement?’ ‘She might have done that before,’ said Maurice. ‘Now call Phyllis,’ said his father. ‘Is it not very formidable for her to be examined before such an assembly?’ said Emily. ‘The accusation has been public, and the investigation shall be the same,’ said Mr. Mohun. ‘Then you do not think she did it, papa?’ cried Lily. ‘Not by shutting the door,’ said William. Phyllis entered, and Mr. Mohun, holding out both hands to her, drew her towards him, and placing her with her back to the others, still retained her hands, while he said, ‘Phyllis, do not be frightened, but tell me where you were when the powder exploded?’ ‘Coming into the room,’ said Phyllis, in a trembling voice. ‘Where had you been?’ ‘Fetching a wafer out of the drawing-room.’ ‘What was the wafer for?’ ‘To put on Emily’s letter, which she told us to send.’ ‘And where was Ada?’ ‘In the schoolroom, reading the direction of the letter.’ ‘Tell me exactly what happened when you came back.’ ‘I opened the door, and there was a flash, and a bang, and a smoke, and Ada tumbled down.’ ‘I have one more question to ask. When did you touch the powder?’ ‘Then,’ said Phyllis. ‘When it had exploded? Take care what you say.’ ‘Was it naughty? I am very sorry,’ said Phyllis, beginning to cry. ‘What powder did you touch? I do not understand you, tell me quietly.’ ‘I touched the powder-horn. What went off was only a little in a paper on the table, and there was a great deal more. When the rocket blew up there was a great noise, and Ada and I both screamed, and Hannah ran in and took up Ada in her arms. Then I saw a great fire, and looked, and saw Emily’s music-book, and all the papers blazing. So I thought if it got to the powder it would blow up again, and I laid hold of the horn and threw it out of the window. That is all I know, papa, only I hope you are not very angry with me.’