"I saw the whole through the window, and reflected in the large mirror opposite," answered Elizabeth. "I came in by the back way, as I often do." (The two families being relations as well as neighbors.) "I stood two or three minutes watching some kittens at play, and then looked into the room. I could not see Antoinette—only her reflection in the glass, and this case on the table, with the scissors, by her side. Antoinette was using the thimble. I was rather struck, and it did occur to me to wonder whether this was the needle-case that had made all the trouble. Then Richard Whitecar came along and spoke to me, and I saw Antoinette hastily gather up the things and put them in her pocket. Then I felt quite sure. I meant to speak to Antoinette about the matter, but had no private opportunity. It seemed to me this morning that the attempt to throw blame on Mary Burns was a clear call to tell what I knew." There was a moment's silence, and then Miss McPherson said, in a sterner tone than had ever been heard from her before— "Antoinette, where is the needle-case?" Antoinette was obstinately silent. "Miss Meeks, you will please search Miss Diaments's room thoroughly, and especially her travelling-basket and work-bag. Antoinette, stay here—" (For Antoinette was moving toward the door). "Sit down on that chair, and do not stir from it till I give you permission. I will have this matter sifted to the bottom." There was a short but very awkward pause till Miss Meeks returned without the needle-case, and looking a good deal excited. "I cannot find it," said she. "Of course you can't, when it is not there!" said Antoinette, in a tone of triumph. "Look in her desk," was the next order. "Look as much as you please!" said Antoinette insolently. But her manner changed as Miss Meeks said pointedly, "There are some things in Miss Diaments's room which need investigation." "I will attend to that matter," said the principal. "Look in her pockets." Antoinette turned pale. "I won't have my pockets searched!" she stammered. "It is a pity if the daughter of one of the richest men in the state is to be insulted for the sake of beggarly tailor's girl!" Antoinette had kept fast hold of her work-bag, but in her agitation she dropped it. It fell on the floor with a heavy, ringing sound. Miss Meeks picked it up and opened it. There was the case. "Antoinette, I beg for your own sake you will confess the whole matter," said Miss McPherson, earnestly. "Tell the whole truth, my poor child." "I shall not tell anything!" answered Antoinette. "If you choose to make a fuss about it you can. I guess you will lose more than I shall. I don't think you will make much by quarrelling with the richest man in the state for the sake of tippling old tailor Burns's daughter." Those who knew Miss McPherson actually trembled for the effect of these words. That lady, however, answered with a calmness more alarming than any storm—