conduct!" I exclaimed, almost repenting having allowed the previous
remarks to pass my lips. "Miss Rowley is undoubtedly a woman of
principle--or good moral standing."

"Moral standing!--principle!" exclaimed Lady Holberton, bitterly. "Yes,
where an autograph is concerned, Theodosia Rowley has all the
principle of a Magpie "

{Magpie = European bird known for stealing and hiding small bright
objects.}

Whatever might have been the fact, it was clear at least that Lady
Holberton's opinion was now unalterably made up.

"Remember, she is a Butlerite!" added the lady, thus putting the last
touch to the circumstantial evidence against Miss Rowley.

Weeks passed by. The advertisements remained unanswered. The
police could give no information. Lady Holberton was in despair; the
physicians declared that her health must eventually give way under
the anxiety and disappointment consequent upon this melancholy
affair. Much sympathy was felt for the afflicted lady; even Miss
Rowley called often to condole, but she was never admitted.

"I could not see the crocodile!" exclaimed Lady Holberton, quite
thrown off her guard one day, by the sight of Miss Rowley's card
which she threw into the fire.

Some consolation, however, appeared to be derived from the
assiduous attentions of Mr. T-----, who personally admired Lady