"That's a good story, Louis; only one can't quite swallow it, you know.

Who would leave it, eh ?" "How?
where, Louis ?" said Reginald.
"It was just here it was found.

I am sure I cannot think who put it there." "Well of all the"-- began Frank; "my astonishment positively chokes me.
Louis, are you not ashamed of yourself ?" "Oh, Frank! I am speaking the truth; I am, indeed, I am--Reginald, I am, you know I am." "It is very strange," remarked Reginald, who was standing with a clouded, unsatisfied brow, and did not exhibit that enthusiasm respecting his innocence which Louis expected from him.

Reginald knew too much, and dared not yet be certain when appearances were so sadly against him.
"Reginald, dear Reginald, tell me," cried Louis, almost frantically; "surely you believe me ?" "Believe you!" echoed Frank, scornfully; "he knows you too well, and so do I.Remember last year, Louis: you'd better have thought of it sooner." Reginald cast a threatening glance on his cousin, who undauntedly replied to it.
"You can't gainsay that, at any rate, Reginald." "Reginald, dear Reginald," cried Louis, with streaming eyes, "you know I always spoke the truth to you; I declare solemnly that I am speaking only the truth now." Reginald looked gloomily at his brother.
"Indeed it is.

If you will not believe me, who will ?" "Who, indeed ?" said Frank.
"I do believe you, Louis," said Reginald, quickly, "I do believe you; but this matter must be sifted.