17/60 "And, to be sure, Squire has his reasons, no doubt," said Jael, rather dryly. Oh dear, I wish I could see it." "Don't think of such a thing, miss. You can't, however, for it's padlocked down that way you could never loose it without being found out. No longer agone than last Yule-time 'twas only turned, and not fastened. But they say in the kitchen, that one day last month Squire had them all up, and said the picture had been tampered with while he was at Hillsboro'; and he scolded, and had it strapped and padlocked down as 'tis." The reader can imagine the effect of these fresh revelations. |