Page:Glenarvon (Volume 2).djvu/279

 one smile of his were worth them all—one approving look, far dearer. This gift of Lord Avondale's, however, she had considered as sacred, and neither Lord Glenarvon's love, nor her own perversion, had led her to touch it. She had received it when innocent and true; it was pain to her even to look upon it now; and when she heard the accusation made against her, she denied it with considerable warmth; for guilt but irritates the mind, and renders the perpetrator impatient of accusation. "This indignation is rather ill-timed however," said Lady Margaret, sarcastically: "there are things more sacred than pearls thrown away; and if the necklace has not been given, it is, I believe, the only thing, that has been retained."

Such unpleasant conversation was now interrupted by Sophia, who entered the room.—"The necklace is found," she said; "and who do you think had taken it?" "I care not," said Calantha