“They little know father who talk like that!”

(“She takes it,” thought Miss Abbey, “very quietly. She takes it with extraordinary quietness!”)

“And perhaps,” said Lizzie, as a recollection flashed upon her, “it is someone who has a grudge against father; someone who has threatened father! Is it Riderhood, Miss?”

“Well; yes it is.”

“Yes! He was father’s partner, and father broke with him, and now he revenges himself. Father broke with him when I was by, and he was very angry at it. And besides, Miss Abbey!⁠—Will you never, without strong reason, let pass your lips what I am going to say?”

She bent forward to say it in a whisper.

“I promise,” said Miss Abbey.