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 tion of innocence injured—yet unsullied; but the blush of confusion and shame; latent, yet irrepressible!"

Rage, now, is a word inadequate to express the violent feelings of Mrs. Howel, which, nevertheless, she still strove to curb under an appearance of disdain. "You would spare me, then," she cried, "this humiliation? And you suppose I can listen to such arrogance? Undeceive yourself, young woman; and produce the contents of your work-bag at once, or expect its immediate seizure for examination, by an officer of justice."

"What, Madam, do you mean?" cried Juliet, endeavouring, but not very successfully, to speak with unconcern.

"To allow you the choice of more, or fewer witnesses to your boasted innocence!"

"If your curiosity, Madam," said Juliet, more calmly, yet not daring any longer to resist, "is excited to take an inventory of my small property, I must endeavour to indulge it."