56
tell me that I must immediately go up and answer for myself; but that as my friend Miss Osburne was there, I need not be afraid, for she would certainly take my part.
I went up, as you may believe, with a beating heart. As soon as I opened the door, my lady, in a sharp voice, asked me what I had done with her fine lace? adding, that I had better tell the truth at once, than make any evasion. "I will indeed tell the truth, my Lady," said I; "and though I am very sorry for the loss, your ladyship will be convinced that I could not help it, and am not to blame." I then told the story simply as it had happened; but, while telling it, plainly saw that what I said made no impression. When I had finished, my lady looked me full in the face, her eyes quite wild with rage and indignation, and, bursting into a sort of scornful laugh, "A pretty story truly you have made out indeed!" cried she. "This is all the good of your read-
