Ellen Huntley dropped a word inadvertently, which
convinces me that he is in some way doubted there. She caught it up
again in evident alarm, ere it was well spoken; and I dared not pursue
the subject. It is Hamish who has sent this money."
"You speak confidently, Constance."
"Listen. I know that he has drawn money--papa's salary and his own: he
mentioned it incidentally. A few days ago I asked him for money for
housekeeping purposes, and he handed me a twenty-pound note, in mistake
for a five-pound. He discovered the mistake before I did, and snatched
it back again in some confusion."
'I can't give you that,' he said in a laughing manner, when he
recovered himself. 'That has a different destination.' Arthur! that
note, rely upon it, was going to Mr. Galloway."
"When was this?" asked Arthur.
"Last week. Three or four days ago."
Trifling as the incident was, it seemed to bear out their suspicions,
and Arthur could only come to the same conclusion as his sister: the
thought had already crossed him, you remember.
"Do not let it pain you thus, Constance," he said, for her tears were
falling fast. "He may not call in Butterby. Your grieving will do no
good."
"I cannot help it," she exclaimed, with a burst of anguish. "How God is
trying us!"
Ay! even as silver, which must be seven times purified, ere it be
sufficiently refined.
CHAPTER XLVII.
DARK CLOUDS.
Constance Channing sat, her forehead buried in her hands.
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