Though Harold had lost nearly half of his money through being compelled to divide with Felicie, he was, upon the whole, well satisfied with the way in which he had escaped from suspicion. He had his gold watch, and, as far as he knew, the story which he had told about it had not been doubted. But something happened that annoyed and alarmed him.

 

One day, when there was no one else in the house, except the servants, Felicie intercepted him as he was going out.

 

"I want a word with you, Master Harold," she said.

 

"I am in a hurry, Felicie," replied Harold, who had conceived a dislike for the French maid.

 

"Still, I think you can spare a few minutes," went on Felicie, smiling in an unpleasant manner.

 

"Well, be quick about it," said Harold, impatiently.

 

"I have a sister who is very sick. She is a widow with two children, and her means are very small."

 

"Goodness, Felicie! What is all this to me? Of course, I'm sorry for her, but I don't know her."

 

"She looks to me to help her," continued Felicie.

 

"Well, that's all right! I suppose you are going to help her."

 

"There is the trouble, Master Harold. I have no money on hand."

 

"Well, I'm sure that is unlucky, but why do you speak to me about it?"

 

"Because," and here Felicie's eyes glistened, "I know you obtained some money recently from your aunt."

 

"Hush!" said Harold, apprehensively.

 

"But it's true."

 

"And it's true that you made me give you half of it."

 

"It all went to my poor sister," said Felicie theatrically.

 

"I don't see what I have to do with that," said Harold, not without reason.

 

"So that I kept none for myself. Now I am sure you will open your heart, and give me five dollars more."

 

"I never heard such cheek!" exclaimed Harold, indignantly. "You've got half, and are not satisfied with that."

 

"But think of my poor sister!" said Felicie, putting her handkerchief to her eyes, in which there were no tears.

 

"Think of me!" exclaimed Harold, angrily.

 

"Then you won't give me the trifle I ask?"

 

"Trifle? I haven't got it."

 

"Where is it gone?"

 

"Gone to buy this watch. That took nearly the whole of it."

 

"It is indeed so? I thought you received it as a reward for picking up a pocketbook."

 

"I had to tell my aunt something. Otherwise they would ask me embarrassing questions."

 

"Ah, _quelle invention!_" exclaimed Felicie, playfully. "And you really have none of the money left?"

 

"No."

 

"Then there is only one way."

 

"What is that?"

 

"To open the drawer again."

 

"Are you mad, Felicie? I should surely be discovered. It won't do to try it............