“I see that I was not mistaken in supposing that there was a marked coldness in your manner at our last meeting.”

Mrs. Markle inclined her head slightly.

“Of course there is a cause for this.  May I, in justice to myself as well as others, inquire what it is?”

“I did not suppose you would press an inquiry on the subject,” replied Mrs. Markle.  “But as you have done so, you are, of course, entitled to an answer.”

There came another pause, after which, with a disturbed voice, Mrs. Markle said—­

“For some time, I have heard a rumor in regard to you, that I could not credit.  Of late it has been so often repeated that I felt it to be my duty to ascertain its truth or falsehood.  On tracing, with some labor, the report to its origin, I am grieved to find that it is too true.”

“Please say what it is,” said Mrs. Comegys, in a firm voice.

“It is said that you bought a dress at a dry goods store in this city, and that on its being sent home, there proved to be some yards more in the piece of goods than you paid for and that instead of returning what was not your own, you kept it and had it made up for one of your children.”

The face of Mrs. Comegys instantly became like crimson; and she turned her head away to hide the confusion into which this unexpected allegation had thrown her.  As soon as she could command her voice, she said—­

“You will, of course, give me the author of this charge.”

“You are entitled to know, I suppose,” replied Mrs. Markle.  “The person who originated this report is Mrs. Grimes.  And she says that she was present when the dress was sent home.  That you measured it in her presence, and that, finding there were several yards over, you declared your intention to keep it and make of it a frock for your little girl.  And, moreover, that she saw Julia wearing a frock afterwards, exactly like the pattern of the one you had, which she well remembers.  This seems to me pretty conclusive evidence.  At least it was so to my mind, and I acted accordingly.”

Mrs. Comegys sat for the full space of a minute with her eyes upon the floor, without speaking.  When she looked up, the flush that had covered her face had gone.  It was very pale, instead.  Rising from her chair, she bowed formally, and without saying a word, withdrew.

“Ah me!  Isn’t it sad?” murmured Mrs. Markle, as she heard the street door close upon her visitor.  “So much that is agreeable and excellent, all dimmed by the want of principle.  It seems hardly credible that a woman, with every thing she needs, could act dishonestly for so small a matter.  A few yards of lawn against integrity and character!  What a price to set upon virtue!”

Not more than half an hour after the departure of Mrs. Comegys, Mrs. Grimes called in to see Mrs. Markle.