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 her. I could stake my life on her sincerity. Do, my dear madam, take a little time for enquiry before you condemn."

This reasonable advice seemed like throwing oil on the fire of my lady's pride, and she became more angry than ever. She, however, desired Jenny to be immediately called. As soon as she entered, she was desired to tell without fear, in what manner the accident had happened. "I am sure, my lady," said the artful girl, "it was, as your ladyship says, an accident; for I am sure Mrs Mason had no intention whatever to drive down the screen, nor do I believe she saw when she did it, for it was in turning round that she pushed it over, and the lace just fell into the fire, and was burned in a moment."

"And where was Lord Lintop at the time?" asked Miss Osburne.

"I believe he was standing at the table," returned Jenny, hesitatingly. "O, now I recollect, he was playing with his little coach, the coach which her ladyship