that I shall do
what is just and right by Don. He shall have every opportunity for
clearing himself."

"I am not guilty," cried Don, fiercely throwing back his head.

"I thought so this morning, my boy," said the old merchant, gravely.
"Your conduct now is making me think very differently. Laura, I will
walk home with you, if you please."

"Josiah! Don, my boy, pray, pray speak," cried Mrs Lavington,
piteously.

Don heard her appeal, and it thrilled him, but his uncle's words had
raised up an obstinacy that was stronger than ever, and while longing to
throw himself in his mother's arms--passionately longing so to do--his
indignant pride held him back, and he stood with his head bent, as in
obedience to her brother Mrs Lavington took his arm, and allowed him to
lead her out of the office, weeping bitterly the while.

Don did not look up to meet his mother's yearning gaze, but for months
and years after he seemed to see that look when far away in the midst of
peril, and too late he bitterly upbraided himself for his want of
frankness and power to subdue his obstinate pride.

"He thinks me guilty!" he said to himself, as he stood with his head
bent, listening, and unaware of the fact that some one was still in the
room, till a light step came towards him, his hand was caught, and his
cheek rapidly kissed.

"Kitty!"

"Coming, father."

Then there was a rapid step, the door closed, and Don stood in the same
attitude, listening to the steps on the gravel, and then to the bang of
the wicket-gate.

Alone with his thoughts, and they were many and strange.

What should he do? Go right away, and--and--

"Mas' Don."

He looked up, and Jem stood at the door.

CHAPTER SIX.

JEM WIMBLE TALKS SENSE.

"May I come in?"

Don nodded.

"The master's gone, and took the ladies 'long with him. Why, don't look
like that, my lad. Your uncle don't think you took the money?"

Don nodded.

"But your mother don't, sir?"

"Yes, Jem, she believes me guilty too."

"I never did!" cried Jem, excitedly. "But sure-_lie_ Miss Kitty don't?"

"Yes, Jem, they all think I'm a thief. Everybody does," cried Don,
passionately.

"No, everybody don't," said Jem, fiercely; "so don't talk like that,
Mas' Don. Why, even I couldn't ha' stole that money--me, as is only
yard-man, and nothing o' no consequence t'other day. So if I couldn't
ha' done it, I'm quite sure as you, as is a young gentleman born and
bred, couldn't."