May I venture to ask your Ladyship a question ?" Lady Lydiard felt the composing influence of Mr.Troy.

"I am at your disposal, sir," she said, quietly.
"Are you absolutely certain that you inclosed the bank-note in the letter ?" the lawyer asked.
"I certainly believe I inclosed it," Lady Lydiard answered.

"But I was so alarmed at the time by the sudden illness of my dog, that I do not feel justified in speaking positively." "Was anybody in the room with your Ladyship when you put the inclosure in the letter--as you believe ?" "_I_ was in the room," said Moody.

"I can swear that I saw her Ladyship put the bank-note in the letter, and the letter in the envelope." "And seal the envelope ?" asked Mr.Troy.
"No, sir.

Her Ladyship was called away into the next room to the dog, before she could seal the envelope." Mr.Troy addressed himself once more to Lady Lydiard.