"But that will be far too late, _mon enfant_; for remember, I have found the missing bangle, and for this so great discovery there is a reward offered, and that reward, although _tres petite_, is nevertheless of consequence to one so poor as myself. I will claim that reward; but I want to claim more. If I keep this thing dark--quite dark, I claim a big reward." "What?" asked Penelope. Her whole tone changed. The coachman, by her directions, had drawn up at the avenue gates. Penelope and Mademoiselle had both alighted. "Drive on," said Penelope to the man. "Say that I am following." He obeyed. When the sound of the horses' hoofs had died away, Penelope turned again to Mademoiselle. "You have told me the story," she said; "and now I want to know exactly what you do expect. You have, of course, told me the story not out of any kindness to me or to my sister. Please don't waste your breath denying this fact, Mademoiselle d'Etienne. You have told it, hoping to profit by it." "_C'est vrai_," replied the Frenchwoman. "I am of the poor; I am of the needy; I have not the wherewithal to support the most precious life. I am dismissed from being your teacher through no fault of mine. The wide world--it lies around me; if I have not the money, I will starve!" She held up her right hand dramatically. "Does it seem to you of the reasonable that I should starve, Mademoiselle Penelope? Why should I not feather my own nest? I wish for the reward; but it matters not from whom it comes, if it come from you, your sister is saved; if it come from Mrs Hungerford, your sister and you--think of the position, _ma chere_--" "I do think of it," said Penelope. "You will consider it yet more deeply. I give you a little time. I tell you plainly that I want from you what you have already done for your sister. I know that you did collect from your school friends-- those maidens so rich, so distinguished--the money--a great sum. I demand that you make a collection again, and that you give it to me. Twenty pound is my price; give me twenty sovereigns of the gold, and no person know notting of the lost bangle. If you will not--I tell what I know." "Mademoiselle, do you think, do you really think that I am made like that?"