ber, what was her mingled indignation
and dismay at seeing Mrs. Mudge on her knees before _her_ chest, with
the precious letter, whose arrival had gladdened her so much, in her
hands.

"What are you doing there, Mrs. Mudge?" she said, sternly.

Mrs. Mudge rose from her knees in confusion. Even she had the grace to
be ashamed of her conduct.

"Put down that letter," said the old lady in an authoritative voice
quite new to her.

Mrs. Mudge, who had not yet collected her scattered senses, did as she
was requested.

Aunt Lucy walked hastily to the chest, and closed it, first securing the
letter, which she put in her pocket.

"I hope it will be safe, now," she said, rather contemptuously. "Ain't
you ashamed of yourself, Mrs. Mudge?"

"Ashamed of myself!" shrieked that amiable lady, indignant with herself
for having quailed for a moment before the old lady.

"What do you mean--you--you pauper?"

"I may be a pauper," said Aunt Lucy, calmly, "But I am thankful to
say that I mind my own business, and don't meddle with other people's
chests."

A red spot glowed on either cheek of Mrs. Mudge. She was trying hard to
find some vantage-ground over the old lady.

"Do you mean to say that I don't mind my business?" she blustered,
folding her arms defiantly.

"What were you at my trunk for?" said the old lady, significantly.

"Because it was my duty," was the brazen reply.

Mrs. Mudge had rapidly determined upon her line of defense, and thought
it best to carry the war into the enemy's country.

"Yes, I felt sure that your letter was from Paul Prescott, and as he ran
away from my husband and me, who were his lawful guardians, it was my
duty to take that means of finding out where he is. I knew that you were
in league with him, and would do all you could to screen him. This is
why I went to your chest, and I would do it again, if necessary."

"Perhaps you have been before," said Aunt Lucy, scornfully. "I think
I understand, now, why you were unwilling to give me another key.
Fortunately there has been nothing there until now to reward your
search."

"You impudent trollop!" shrieked Mrs. Mudge, furiously.

Her anger was the greater, because Aunt Lucy was entirely correct in her
supposition that this was not the first visit her landlady had made to
the little green chest.

"I'll give Paul the worst whipping he ever had, when I get him back,"
said Mrs. Mudge, angrily.

"He is beyond your reach, thank Providence,"