Besides," he added, with the ghost of a smile, "a man does not walk about a wood with a stolen jewel-case under his arm--if he himself is the thief." "Of course!" cried Celia, stopping short, her face lighting up.

"No one would be such a fool--least of all Sydney," she added, more to herself than to him, "who is so clever." "Exactly," said Mr.Clendon.

"So you see, my child, you have nothing to be alarmed about.

Here is the Hall!" He looked up at the noble facade with a curious expression in his face.

"It is years since I have been here," he added, musingly.
"You have been here before, you know the Marquess ?" said Celia.