"Nothing of the kind, mamma. Perhaps you will believe me when I say that as I was passing the upper corridor--on my way, in fact, to see Miss Holte--I saw Gustave go up to her; she was standing at the window. He put a note into her hand and went away, after making her a low bow." "You really witnessed that, Veronica, yourself?" "I did, indeed, mamma; and I tell you that, with all her seeming meekness, that girl is carrying on an underhand correspondence with Lord Chandon. In justice to myself and my sister, I demand that she be sent from the house--I demand it as a right!" she added passionately. "I will inquire into it at once," said Lady Dartelle; "if she be guilty, she shall go. I will send for her." While a servant was sent to summon Miss Holte to her ladyship's presence, Lady Dartelle looked very anxious. "This is a serious charge, Veronica. Aubrey has taught us to look upon Lord Chandon as a man of such unblemished honor that I can hardly believe he would lower himself to carry on an intrigue in any house where he was visiting, least of all with a governess." "It is quite possible," said Veronica, "that Miss Holte may have known him before he came here; there is evidently something of the adventuress about her." But when, a few minutes afterward, Miss Holte entered the room, there was something in the pure lovely face that belied such words. "Miss Holte," said Lady Dartelle, "I have sent for you on a very painful matter. I need hardly say that during your residence with me I have learned to trust you; but I have heard that which makes me fear my trust may have been misplaced. Is it true that yesterday you met and talked for some time with the servant of Lord Chandon?" Veronica noted with malicious triumph how the sweet face grew white and a great fear darkened the violet eyes. Hyacinth opened her lips to speak, but the sound died away upon them. "Is it true?" asked Lady Dartelle. "It was quite accidental," she murmured, and she trembled so violently that she was obliged to hold the table for support. "Governesses do not meet men-servants and talk to them by the hour accidentally," said Veronica. "You do not deny it, then, Miss Holte?" "I do not," she replied, faintly. She was thinking to herself, "I shall have time to run away before the blow falls;" and that thought alone sustained her. "I am sorry for it," continued Lady Dartelle. "May I ask also if that servant brought a note for you this evening, and gave it in your hand?" "I refuse to answer," she replied, with quiet dignity. "No answer is needed," said Veronica; "I saw you receive the note." A deeper pallor came over the fair face--a hunted look came into the sad eyes. The girl clasped her hands nervously.