’The accusation has been public, and the investigation shall be the same,’ said Mr. Mohun.

‘Then you do not think she did it, papa?’ cried Lily.

‘Not by shutting the door,’ said William.

Phyllis entered, and Mr. Mohun, holding out both hands to her, drew her towards him, and placing her with her back to the others, still retained her hands, while he said, ’Phyllis, do not be frightened, but tell me where you were when the powder exploded?’

‘Coming into the room,’ said Phyllis, in a trembling voice.

‘Where had you been?’

‘Fetching a wafer out of the drawing-room.’

‘What was the wafer for?’

‘To put on Emily’s letter, which she told us to send.’

‘And where was Ada?’

‘In the schoolroom, reading the direction of the letter.’

‘Tell me exactly what happened when you came back.’

’I opened the door, and there was a flash, and a bang, and a smoke, and Ada tumbled down.’

‘I have one more question to ask.  When did you touch the powder?’

‘Then,’ said Phyllis.

‘When it had exploded?  Take care what you say.’

‘Was it naughty?  I am very sorry,’ said Phyllis, beginning to cry.

’What powder did you touch?  I do not understand you, tell me quietly.’

’I touched the powder-horn.  What went off was only a little in a paper on the table, and there was a great deal more.  When the rocket blew up there was a great noise, and Ada and I both screamed, and Hannah ran in and took up Ada in her arms.  Then I saw a great fire, and looked, and saw Emily’s music-book, and all the papers blazing.  So I thought if it got to the powder it would blow up again, and I laid hold of the horn and threw it out of the window.  That is all I know, papa, only I hope you are not very angry with me.’

She looked into his face, not knowing how to interpret the unusual expression she saw there.

‘Angry with you!’ said he.  ’No, my dear child, you have acted with great presence of mind.  You have saved your sister and Hannah from great danger, and I am very sorry that you have been unjustly treated.’

He then gave his little daughter a kiss, and putting his hand on her head, added, ’Whoever caused the explosion, Phyllis is quite free from blame, and I wish every one to understand this, because she has been unjustly accused, without examination, and because she has borne it patiently, and without attempting to justify herself.’

‘Very right,’ observed Eleanor.

‘Shake hands, Phyllis,’ said William.

The others said more with their eyes than with their lips.  Phyllis stood like one in a dream, and fixing her bewildered looks upon Claude, said, ‘Did not I do it?’

‘No, Phyllis, you had nothing to do with it,’ was the general exclamation.

‘Maurice said it was the door,’ said Phyllis.