aphs, and
pictures. Morley was fond of reading, and during his ten years'
residence at The Elms had accumulated a large number of volumes. Between
the bookcases were trophies of arms, mediaeval weapons and armor, and
barbaric spears from Africa and the South Seas, intermixed with bows and
clubs. The floor was of polished oak, with here and there a brilliantly
colored Persian praying-mat. The furniture was also of oak, and
cushioned in red Morocco leather. Altogether the library gave evidence
of a refined taste, and was a cross between a monkish cell and a
sybarite's bower.

"Well, Miss Denham," said Morley, his merry face more than a trifle
serious, "what have you to say?"

"There is nothing I can say," replied Anne, with composure, "the letter
has nothing to do with me."

"My dear," put in Mrs. Morley, much distressed, "you cannot take up this
attitude. You know I am your friend, that I have always done my best for
you, and for my sake, if not for Daisy's, you must explain."

"She won't--she won't," said Daisy, with an hysterical laugh.

"I would if I could," replied Anne, talking firmly, "but the accusation
is ridiculous. Why should I threaten Daisy?"

"Because you love Giles," burst out the girl furiously.

"I do not love Mr. Ware. I said so the other night."

"And you said more than that. You said that you would kill me."

"Miss Denham," cried Morley, greatly shocked, "what is this?"

"A foolish word spoken in a foolish moment," said Anne, realizing that
her position was becoming dangerous.

"I think so too," said Mrs. Morley, defending her. "It so happened, Miss
Denham, that I overheard you make the speech to Daisy, and I told my
husband about it the next morning. We decided to say nothing,
thinking--as you say now--that it was simply a foolish speech. But this
letter"--she hesitated, then continued quickly, "you must explain this
letter."

Anne thought for a moment. "I can't explain it. Some enemy has written
it. You know all about me, Mrs. Morley. You read my credentials--you
inquired as to my former situations at the Governess Institute where you
engaged me. I have nothing to conceal in my life, and certainly I have
no idea of harming Daisy. She came to my room and talked nonsense, which
made me lose my temper. I said a foolish thing, I admit, but surely
knowing me as you do you will acquit me of meaning anything by a few
wild words uttered in a hurry and without thought."

"Why did you make use