"YOUR reputation, dearest Rachel, is something too pure and too sacred to be trifled with." "MY reputation!" She burst out laughing.

"Why, I am accused, Godfrey, as well as you.

The best detective officer in England declares that I have stolen my own Diamond.

Ask him what he thinks--and he will tell you that I have pledged the Moonstone to pay my private debts!" She stopped, ran across the room--and fell on her knees at her mother's feet.

"Oh mamma! mamma! mamma! I must be mad--mustn't I ?--not to own the truth NOW ?" She was too vehement to notice her mother's condition--she was on her feet again, and back with Mr.Godfrey, in an instant.