"I--I have nothing I can say, father," she said at last in a muffled tone.
"But you must clear yourself, Kitty," he said gravely.
"Lettice Kitson can clear me," she replied.

"She knows, and of course she will tell Miss Richards when she hears that they are accusing me.
You believe me; don't you, father ?" she asked again, looking up at him pleadingly.
"Certainly, Kitty," he said heartily, unable to withstand the appeal in her gray eyes.

"I would not believe you capable of such dishonourable conduct unless you yourself told me you were guilty." In the joy and relief of her heart Kitty forgot all about any suspicions others might entertain, until Dr.Trenire mentioned Mrs.Pike.

At the mention of that name her heart sank down and down.

"O father," she cried, "Aunt Pike need not know anything about it, need she ?" "Of course she need, dear.