What book do you want ?" As she put that awkward question she noticed for the first time Lady Clarinda's nosegay lying on the side-table where the Major had left it.
Instantly forgetting me and my book, this curious girl pounced like a fury on the flowers, and actually trampled them under her feet! "There!" she cried.

"If I had Lady Clarinda here I'd serve her in the same way." "What will the Major say ?" I asked.
"What do I care?
Do you suppose I'm afraid of _him ?_ Only last week I broke one of his fine gimcracks up there, and all through Lady Clarinda and her flowers!" She pointed to the top of the book-case--to the empty space on it close by the window.

My heart gave a sudden bound as my eyes took the direction indicated by her finger.

_She_ had broken the vase! Was the way to discovery about to reveal itself to me through this girl?
Not a word would pass my lips; I could only look at her.
"Yes!" she said.

"The thing stood there.