Mrs Norton was at her side, where she insisted upon staying for days,
in spite of a request from Sir Murray that she would leave; and now it
was that for the first time she heard of the loss of the jewels from
Jane Barker, who told her, with many sobs, that Gurdon had been
suspected by Sir Murray, who had sent for a constable; but after having
him searched that morning, his wages had been paid him, and he had been
discharged, "threatening horrible things."

"And oh! ma'am," whispered Jane, "you were always like my dear lady's
sister; if you should hear anything said about her, it isn't true. You
won't believe it, I'm sure."

"You know I should never believe words uttered by an angry servant,
Jane," was the reply; "and if you take my advice you will be silent."

"I would, ma'am; and I should not have said a word now, only Gurdon went
away full of such threatenings, and talked so loudly, that I was afraid
it might come to your ears without preparation, for he spoke of Captain
Norton, and--"

"Silence, woman!" exclaimed Ada, fiercely, as she caught the startled
maid by the arm. "How dare you bandy about such talk! I will not hear
another word."

Jane stopped, gazing aghast at her mistress's cousin, as, with her hands
pressed upon her bosom, she seemed to be striving to keep back the
painful emotion which oppressed her.

"Don't be angry with me, ma'am, please." Jane whispered humbly. "I
would not have spoken had I known."

Mrs Norton made her a motion to be silent; and for awhile the girl
stood watching her agitated countenance, as she strove to conquer her
emotion. She was herself unsuspicious to a degree. She had full faith
in her husband, but now thick and fast came blow after blow. She found
how calumny was at work--how Sir Murray Gernon's name was talked of in
connection with her husband's, and at last she felt that for his sake,
much as she loved her cousin, her place was at his side; for once more
in her life there came the shuddering dread of a great evil, and
obtaining from Jane a promise that if her mistress grew worse she should
be informed, she returned to the Hall.

It was evening when she reached home, to find the servant looking
excited, while, as soon as she entered the house, the sound of a loud
and angry voice reached her ear.

"Who is in the drawing-room?" she hastily inquired of the servant.

"Oh'm, I'm so glad you've come," ejaculated the girl. "It's Sir Murray
Gernon."

For a mom