Patty was not overcome in the least. An idea, bold, unconventional,
and not over-scrupulous, shot into her head. With her eyes holding
Mrs. Franklyn-Haldene's, she stepped toward the desk; then, in a
flash, she seized one of the sheets of note-paper that lay scattered
about. Mrs. Franklyn Haldene made a desperate effort to intercept
Patty; but Patty was young, slender and agile. She ran quickly to the
nearest window and compared the written sheet with the blank. The
paper and grain were the same, only one showed that the top had been
cut off. There was no shadow of doubt.
"You are a horrible woman," said Patty.
"Leave this house instantly!" Mrs. Franklyn-Haldene was now
thoroughly alarmed.
"Not till you have proved the truth of this letter," Patty declared.
"I refuse to submit to such gross insults in my own house!" Mrs.
Franklyn-Haldene's voice rose a key. She swept majestically toward the
door.
Patty stepped bravely in front of her.
"Have you no breeding?" the storm in Mrs. Franklyn-Haldene's voice
gathering.
"Who told you that my brother's wife was formerly--"
"Stand aside!"
"I shall not leave this house or your presence till you have
answered," replied the little paladin.
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