do with the matter?
The ring will be found, and then the hat will not signify."

"Well," replied Sepia, putting on an air of openness, and for that sake
an air of familiarity, "I see I must tell you the whole truth. I never
did for a moment believe Mr. Helmer had anything to do with the
business, though, when you put me out of temper, I pretended to believe
it, and that you were in it as well: that was mere irritation. But
there is sure to be trouble; for my cousin is miserable about her
sapphire, which she values more than anything she has; and, if it is
not found, the affair will be put into the hands of the police, and
then what will become of poor Mr. Helmer, be he as innocent as you and
I believe him! Even if the judge should declare that he leaves the
court without a blot on his character, Newgate mud is sure to stick,
and he will be half looked upon as a thief for the rest of his days:
the world is so unjust. Nor is that all; for they will put you in the
witness-box, and make you confess the man an old friend of yours from
the same part of the country; whereupon the counsel for the prosecution
will not fail to hint that you ought to be standing beside the accused.
Believe me, Mary, that, if Mr. Helmer is taken up for this, you will
not come out of it clean."

"Still you explain nothing," said Mary. "You would not have me believe
it is for my sake you are giving yourself all this trouble?"

"No. But I thought you would see where I was leading you. For--and now
for the _whole_ truth--although nothing can touch the character of one
in my position, it would be worse than awkward for me to be spoken of
in connection with the poor fellow's visits to the house: _my_ honesty
would not be called in question as yours would, but what is dear to me
as my honesty might--nay, it certainly would. You see now why I came to
you!--You must go to his wife, or, better still, to Mr. Helmer himself,
and tell him what I have been saying to you. He will at once see the
necessity of disappearing for a while."

Mary had listened attentively. She could not help fearing that
something worse than unpleasant might be at hand; but she did not
believe in Sepia, and in no case could consent that Tom should
compromise himself. Danger of this kind must be met, not avoided.
Still, whatever could be done ought to be done to protect him,
especially in his present critical state. A breath of such a suspicion
as this reaching him might be the death