I found Eric almost dumb with fury.

Giles had refused to believe his assertion of innocence, and he had no proof.

Leah's statement had been overwhelming, and bore the outward stamp of veracity.
'She told her master that, thinking she heard a noise, and being fearful of thieves, she had crept down in her dressing-gown to the study, and, to her horror, had seen Mr.Eric with his hand in his brother's desk, and she could take her oath that he put some paper or other in his pocket.
She had not liked to disturb her master, not knowing that there was money in the case.
'Ursula, I cannot tell you any more that passed.

That woman had effectually blackened my poor boy's honour.

No one believed his word, though he swore that he was innocent.