Miss Sophia thought it might be the china tea-pot.

She smiled reassuringly to signify that, whatever it was, she would help Mrs.McLean through, and so did Mr.James.He was a perfect lady.
How dramatic it all was, as Ailie said frequently afterwards.

She was back in a moment, with her hand on her heart.

"Mr.Sandys," were her astounding words, "a lady wants to see you." Tommy rose in surprise, as did several of the others.
"Was it really you ?" Ailie cried.

"She says it was you!" "I don't understand, Mrs.McLean," he answered; "I have done nothing." "But she says--and she is at the door!" All eyes turned on the door so longingly that it opened under their pressure, and a boy who had been at the keyhole stumbled forward.
"That's him!" he announced, pointing a stern finger at Mr.Sandys.
"But he says he did not do it," Ailie said.
"He's a liar," said the boy.