Well, there we were, some dozen of us, collected about the table; Lady Holberton looking triumphant, Mr. T---- very proud; and there stood the page of the Album, dressed in his Paduasoy gown, with eyes fastened on the book, according to orders, while he supported its gorgeous case in his arms. Some remark was made as to the extraordinary manner in which the precious Autograph had been lost, and then found again. My blood actually boiled, as one of the company turned to me and asked in a suspicious tone, if I did not know more of its history than I chose to confess? My indignation was boundless; fortunately I could produce the friend walking with me in Piccadilly, and the artisan's family at Clapham, as witnesses in my favor. Miss Rowley was standing near me at the moment. {Paduasoy = a strong corded or gros-grain silk fabric, traditionally associated with Padua, Italy} "Still, Mr. Howard," observed that lady; "I really cannot see why you should resent the insinuation so warmly. Now, do you know, I am not at all sorry to have it in my power to declare that I have some knowledge of the fate of that paper during its eclipse." All eyes were instantly fixed on the speaker. The lady smiled and continued: "Lady Holberton thinks the Lumley Autograph was stolen--I understand she even thought it was stolen by myself--" She here turned deliberately toward our hostess, who looked uneasy. "If such were your suspicions, Lady Holberton," continued Miss Rowley, speaking with great deliberation--"I am happy to say they were quite correct--you only did me justice--I am proud to declare the deed was mine--" We were all speechless at hearing this sudden and bold avowal. "It was I, Theodosia Rowley, who carried off--the word is of little consequence--who stole, I repeat, that precious paper. So long as the treasure was mine, the consciousness of possessing it was sufficient in itself--but having afterward lost it from my pocket by unpardonable carelessness, I shall at least now glory in the daring deed which made it once my own." Conceive the amazement which these remarks--delivered with calm enthusiasm--produced among the listening circle. We all know that high crimes and misdemeanors enough are committed by men, and women too; but somehow or other the delinquents are not often given to talking of them; they would just as lief in general that the act should not be known. The effect of Miss Rowley's words was different on different individuals. As for myself, I involuntarily felt for the handkerchief in my pocket. The page of the album drew nearer. Lady Holberton looked aghast, as though she had seen a cannibal. Some bit their lips; others opened their eyes. Mr. T----, however, who held the album at the moment, and was bending over it when Miss Rowley began her extraordinary disclosure, raised his eyes, fixed his glasses on the fair speaker, and sent through them such a glance as no words can fully describe. It was a glance of intense admiration.