She was examined upon her arrangement that the prisoner should provide

for the asylum at St. Herbert's, and on her monthly payment to him of

the sums entered in the account-book. In some cases she knew he had

shown her the bills unreceipted; in others, he had simply made the

charge in the book, and she had given to him the amount that he

estimated as requisite for the materials for wood-engraving. So far she

felt satisfied that she was making herself distinctly understood, but

the prisoner, acting as his own counsel, now turned to her and asked the

question she had expected and was prepared for, whether she could refer

to any written agreement.

"No; it was a viva voce agreement."

Could she mention what passed at the time of making the arrangement that

she had stated as existing between himself and her?

"I described my plans, and you consented."

An answer at which some of the audience could have smiled, so well did

it accord with her habits. The prisoner again insisted on her defining

the mode of his becoming bound to the agreement. Rachel took time for

consideration, and Alison Williams, sitting between Lady Temple and

Colonel Keith, felt dizzy with anxiety for the answer. It came at last.

"I do not remember the exact words; but you acquiesced in the appearance

of your name as secretary and treasurer."

The prospectus was here brought forward, and Mauleverer asked her to

define the duties he had been supposed to undertake in the character in

which he had there figured. It of course came out that she had been her

own treasurer, only entrusting the nominal one with the amount required

for current expenses, and again, in reply to his deferential questions,

she was obliged to acknowledge that he had never in so many words

declared the sums entered in the book to have been actually paid, and

not merely estimates for monthly expenditure to be paid to the tradesmen

at the usual seasons.

"I understood that they were paid," said Rachel, with some resentment.

"Will you oblige me by mentioning on what that understanding was

founded?" said the prisoner, blandly.

There was a pause. Rachel knew she must say something; but memory

utterly failed to recall any definite assurance that these debts had

been discharged. Time passed, all eyes were upon her, there was a dire

necessity of reply, and though perfectly conscious of the weakness and

folly of her utterance, she could only falter forth, "I thought so."

The being the Clever Woman of the family, only rendered her the more

sensible both of the utter futility of her answer, and of the effect it

must be producing.

Alison hung her head, and frowned in absolute shame and despair, already

perceiving how matters must go, and feeling as if the hope of her

brother's vindication were slipping away--reft from her by Rachel's

folly. Colin gave an indignant sigh, and whispering to her, "Come out

when Lady Temple does, I will meet you," he made his way out of court.




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