"It is the same," said Mademoiselle. "There is no doubt that the thief--it is that wicked governess, Brenda Carlton. Now, Madame, you can, if you please, take this bangle to those persons who have put the announcement in the newspaper; or you can deliver it up to the police to-morrow morning, but if you are wise, you will do neither of these things." "And what shall I do?" asked Mrs Dawson. "It's really a horrid thing to have happening in this house, but a guinea and a half each isn't to be despised, is it, Mademoiselle?" "I do agree that the reward shall be divided," said Mademoiselle; "but, as a matter of fact, it was I who made the so great discovery." "I know that," said Mrs Dawson; "but you wouldn't have thought of it if I had not put you on the scent." "True, true," echoed Mademoiselle, "and I think not for a moment but of dividing the spoil. Nevertheless, Madame, there are greater things to be obtained than just a trumpery tree guineas, and my advice to you is: say notting--but leave the matter _absolument_ in my hands. I have my own plans, and they will include you. Think what discovery would mean-- just _now_, in the height of your so short season. It would mean that Mademoiselle Carlton and her three pupils left your establishment. It would not redound to your credit. Your other boarders might take the fright. They would say she harbour the thief, how can we by any possibility continue to reside under her roof?" "You are right," said Mrs Dawson. "The whole thing is most disagreeable; I don't really know what to do." "But I know how to assist you and myself to keep all _esclandres_ at bay. We court it not, Madame. It is not good for your beautiful home; but the breath of scandal, Madame, it is--oh, _assurement_, of the most fatal!" The consequence of this conversation was that Mademoiselle bound Mrs Dawson over to the most absolute secrecy, and thoroughly won over that good woman's confidence, who declared that she already felt she could not live without Mademoiselle, who went off to her own room with the bangle in her pocket. Before she lay down to sleep that night she looked at it again. She kissed it; she gloated over it. Finally, she locked it up, not in the drawer which might be easily opened by another key, but in that small leather bag where she kept her treasured hoardings and which she hardly ever allowed out of her sight. Mademoiselle slept soundly that night, and went downstairs the next morning in radiant spirits. Now the two little girl Amberleys had one frantic desire, and that was, to show Fanchon their brooches. If Fanchon had a shilling bangle, which she was so intensely proud of, why should not they be proud, more than proud of their half-crown brooches? Miss Carlton often left her pupils during the morning hours to their own devices. She had letters to write, and shopping to do, and she often liked to stroll on the promenade alone, hoping that Harry, the perverse, might meet her there.