But only too soon the conviction was borne in on her that Anna did not mean to tell, and Anna was an adept at saying nothing, yet conveying a stronger impression than if she had said much.
Those looking on read in Kitty's horrified eyes only a fear of what Anna might admit, and opinion was strengthened against her.
"Speak out frankly, Anna," said Miss Richards encouragingly.

"Did you notice her absence ?" "She--a--Kitty wasn't there once when I went back to the room," murmured Anna, apparently with great reluctance.
Kitty's head reeled.

She could not believe that she had heard aright.
Anna was not only concealing her own guilt, but was actually fastening it on to her.

"I think I must be going mad, or going to faint," she thought to herself.

"I can't take in what they are saying." "But, Anna," she cried, in her extremity forgetting judge and jury, "you know father had come to me with Miss Richards's letter.