“No, it might come back,” protested Aline, “and I shall not give up hope yet awhile. Come along, you have got to finish that piece of tapestry and it’s no use saying what is done is done, because what is done is no use, unless you do some more.”
They worked at the tapestry in the solar. Mistress Mowbray was there engaged in the same occupation. By and by her husband came in. “I suppose you have found out nothing about that cup,” she remarked.
“No,” said Master Richard, “and meseemeth I am not likely to do so. Edward is confident that it cannot have been taken from the treasury.”
“Humph! He may say so. Look you now, Richard, if I were you I should get rid of Edward. Turn him out of doors.”
“Do you think that Edward has taken it?” said her husband, looking surprised.
“Why, who else could have taken it? It’s as clear as daylight. I cannot see wherefore you hesitate.”
Richard Mowbray gazed steadily in front of him for a long time, stroking his pointed beard. “Yes, I think it must be so; I shall do as you suggest. Edward shall leave.”
“I am sure Edward did not do it,” said Audry impulsively.
“Nonsense, wench,” said her father, “what do you know about it?”
“Oh, well, it has nothing to do with me, but it’s hard on the old man if he did not do it,” Audry replied. “Come along, Aline; I’m tired of this tapestry; we’ve done enough. I want you to read to me. May we go, mother?”
“Yes, yes, run away, both of you”; and, lest Audry’s remark should have had any effect, she added, to her husband;--“It will be an excellent plan in many ways. Edward is getting past his work in any case. I shall be very glad to have some one else.”
“Certainly, Eleanor, it shall be as you wish.”
Audry had run on. Aline had risen and stood irresolutely looking at the Master of Holwick. “But, Cousin Richard, you will wait a bit, won’t you?” she said coaxingly.
“Because it might not be Edward, and, probable as it seems, you cannot be certain.” She rose and put her arm round him and in her most bewitching way added,--“You will think it over, won’t you? I know I am only a little girl, but what would you think, Cousin Richard, if afterwards it turned out that you were wrong?”
“Aline,” shouted Mistress Mowbray, “I will not have you interfering. Edward shall leave at once. We cannot have a thief in the house.”