Whoever was the immediate cause of the accident, you are chiefly to
blame. Where was the powder?'
Maurice gave his theory and his facts, ending with the powder-horn
being driven out of the window upon the green.
'I hear,' said Mr. Mohun. 'But, Maurice, did you not say that
Phyllis touched the powder? How do you reconcile that with this
incomprehensible statement?'
'She might have done that before,' said Maurice.
'Now call Phyllis,' said his father.
'Is it not very formidable for her to be examined before such an
assembly?' said Emily.
'The accusation has been public, and the investigation shall be the
same,' said Mr. Mohun.
'Then you do not think she did it, papa?' cried Lily.
'Not by shutting the door,' said William.
Phyllis entered, and Mr. Mohun, holding out both hands to her, drew
her towards him, and placing her with her back to the others, still
retained her hands, while he said, 'Phyllis, do not be frightened,
but tell me where you were when the powder exploded?'
'Coming into the room,' said Phyllis, in a trembling voice.
'Where had you been?'
'Fetching a wafer out of the drawing-room.'
'What was the wafer for?'
'To put on Emily's letter, which she told us to send.
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