on's suspicions were now confirmed beyond a doubt.

"And yet it seems incredible that any lady should be guilty of such
conduct!" I exclaimed, almost repenting having allowed the previous
remarks to pass my lips. "Miss Rowley is undoubtedly a woman of
principle--or good moral standing."

"Moral standing!--principle!" exclaimed Lady Holberton, bitterly. "Yes,
where an autograph is concerned, Theodosia Rowley has all the principle
of a Magpie."

{Magpie = European bird known for stealing and hiding small bright
objects.}

Whatever might have been the fact, it was clear at least that Lady
Holberton's opinion was now unalterably made up.

"Remember, she is a Butlerite!" added the lady, thus putting the last
touch to the circumstantial evidence against Miss Rowley.

Weeks passed by. The advertisements remained unanswered. The police
could give no information. Lady Holberton was in despair; the
physicians declared that her health must eventually give way under the
anxiety and disappointment consequent upon this melancholy affair. Much
sympathy was felt for the afflicted lady; even Miss Rowley called often
to condole, but she was never admitted.

"I could not see the crocodile!" exclaimed Lady Holberton, quite thrown
off her guard one day, by the sight of Miss Rowley's card which she
threw into the fire.

Some consolation, however, appeared to be derived from the assiduous
attentions of Mr. T----, who personally admired Lady Holberton; at
least he professed to do so, though some persons accused him of
interested views, and aiming at her album rather than herself. But
although his attentions were received, yet nothing could afford full
consolation. At length, all other means failing, at the end of a month,
it was proposed that two persons, mutual friends of Lady Holberton and
Miss Rowley, should call on the latter lady, and appeal privately to
her sense of honor, to restore the autograph if it were actually in her
possession. This plan was finally agreed on; but the very day it was to
have been carried into execution, Miss Rowley left town for an
excursion in Finland.

As for myself, I was also on the wing, and left London about the same
time. The parting with Lady Holberton was melancholy; she was much
depressed, and the physicians had recommended the waters of Wiesbaden.
Mr. T---- was also preparing for an excursion to Germany; and he was
suspected of vacillating in his Butlerite views, brought over by Lady
Holber