Her father had not indeed been tried and found guilty of theft, but the charge of theft had been made against him, and the magistrates before whom it had been made had thought that the charge was true.

Grace knew that all the local newspapers had told the story, and was of course aware that Mrs.Dale would have heard it.

Her own mind was full of it, and though she dreaded to speak of it, yet she could not be silent.

Miss Dale, who understood much of this, endeavoured to talk her friend into easiness; but she feared to begin upon the one subject, and before the drive was over they were, both of them, too cold for much conversation.

"There's mamma," said Miss Dale as they drove up, turning out of the street of the village to the door of Mrs.Dale's house.