"Oh, that is for afterwards," interrupted Penelope. "Brenda has got something to do first. Come, Brenda, shall I find your hat? The sooner we get this over, the better." "But I won't go--I won't!" suddenly shrieked Brenda. "I have not confessed; I have admitted nothing. Why should I not have a bangle of my own. Is Nellie Hungerford's the only one in the world?" "The queer coincidence of the engraving exactly alike on the bangle which contains the most precious ruby and on this bangle which holds the turquoise of great beauty makes it scarcely probable, _mon enfant_," said Mademoiselle. As she spoke, she held up the glittering toy for Penelope to see. "I will go and put on my neat bonnet and be ready to accompany you, young ladies," she said. Thus it came to pass that, half an hour later, a miserable, cowed-looking girl entered the phaeton and took her place by Mademoiselle's side. Penelope occupied the little seat in front. No one spoke during that miserable drive, but that aged look was still perceptible on Brenda's face, and the colour had absolutely left her cheeks. Once Penelope tried to take her sister's hand, but Brenda pulled it roughly away. At last, they all reached Castle Beverley. Mrs Hungerford was there with her two little girls, and Honora was watching for Penelope with more anxiety in her heart than she cared to own. When she saw that Penelope had brought her sister and the French governess back with her, she guessed at once that something important must have occurred. The three got out. "This is for me my hour of triumph," said Mademoiselle. But she uttered the words without any jauntiness, for the look on Brenda's face appalled even her gay and wicked spirit. Penelope went straight up to Nora. "I have brought my sister and Mademoiselle; and will Mrs Hungerford come--and will you come, Honora? The sooner we get this over, the better." "Oh--I can't," murmured Brenda, in a passionate voice under her breath. "You can--you must. It is the only, only way," whispered Penelope then. With these words, she determinedly took her sister's hand, and the three went into the small room opening out of the front hall, while Honora ran to fetch Mrs Hungerford. When that lady appeared, being much amazed at this hasty summons, she was startled at the aspect of the little group who awaited her. There was Penelope, with still that Helen-of-Troy expression on her face. There was Brenda, aged for the time being, and shrinking; and there was Mademoiselle, with her wicked eyes gleaming. The moment Mrs Hungerford entered, Mademoiselle marched up to her. "I claim the so great reward," she said. "You did advertise for this very leetle trinket, and behold! I it to you restore. Look at it--it is the one that you have lost. Ponder it--and consider it well. Compare it with the bracelet your little daughter Pauline wears, and see if it is not, in very truth, the lost bangle."