hat is right, and leave
the result.'

'But,' said Clare dreamily, 'supposing there is a hidden crime in that
cupboard--papers that tell of the whereabouts of Major Lester's
son--should we be right in keeping it hidden? Supposing I were to find
a way to open that cupboard, Agatha, should I be wrong in doing it?'

Agatha looked startled.

'What do you mean? Are you trying to open it, Clare? I should hope
you would not be so dishonourable. It is given as a charge to us. In
fact, it is the condition of our keeping this house. And do you think
anything would make it right for us to betray such a trust? I know an
honest, upright man when I see him, and Mr. Lester was that, whatever
Major Lester may be!'

Clare laughed a little confusedly.

'You are getting quite excited. I never said I intended opening it. I
wish this wandering son would come back. Couldn't we advertise for
him?'

Their conversation was here interrupted by another visitor, and this
was Miss Miller.

She came hurriedly and breathlessly in, pulling out the bows of her
bonnet-strings, which was a way of hers when excited.

'Miss Dane, what is the meaning of this? No; I cannot stay to sit
down. I'm off to a committee meeting in Brambleton, for the "Friendly
Girls." The pony cart is waiting at the top of the lane. I have just
met Major Lester. He is terribly put out by his visit here. Would not
tell me particulars, but said you were siding with his nephew, who was
hiding from the hands of justice, and refused him admittance into his
brother's study. You are new-comers, my dear, and this will not do.
How did you get acquainted with Mr. Lester? The major says he has been
paying you secret visits. Very improper--single young women cannot be
too careful. Why have you been keeping it a mystery? And what is it
all about? And what is the secret of this mysterious cupboard?'

'That I cannot tell you, Miss Miller,' said Agatha, answering only the
last of her questions; 'for I do not know it myself.'

'But you know something! We are not accustomed to mysteries here, and
the major is an upright man, and a regular churchgoer, and his brother
was a ne'er-do-well, But we won't say anything against him now, poor
man! Only I assure you, you will make yourselves the talk of the
neighbourhood if you three unmarried women scrape acquaintance with his
son, and espouse his cause with such hot vehemence!'

'Miss Miller,' said Clare, with burning ch