and there will be a storm.' As she spoke, the clouds had gathered
all about us. I could see them come crowding up white about
the windows. `I am sorry to find,' said the lady, `that you are
not to be trusted. You must go home again--you won't do for us.'
Then came a great clap of thunder, and the moon rocked and swayed.
All grew dark about me, and I fell on the floor and lay half-stunned.
I could hear everything but could see nothing. `Shall I throw her
out of the door, my lady?' said the little man. `No,' she answered;
`she's not quite bad enough for that. I don't think there's much
harm in her; only she'll never do for us. She would make dreadful
mischief up here. She's only fit for the mud. It's a great pity.
I am sorry for her. Just take that ring off her finger. I am sadly
afraid she has stolen it.' The little man caught hold of my hand,
and I felt him tugging at the ring. I tried to speak what was
true about it, but, after a terrible effort, only gave a groan.
Other things began to come into my head. Somebody else had a hold
of me. The little man wasn't there. I opened my eyes at last,
and saw the nurse. I had cried out in my sleep, and she had come
and waked me. But, Diamond, for all it was only a dream, I cannot
help being ashamed of myself yet for opening the lady's box of
bees."

"You woudn't do it again--would you--if she were to take you back?"
said Diamond.

"No. I don't think anything would ever make me do it again.
But where's the good? I shall never have the chance."

"I don't know that," said Diamond.