Bet h
as got at Toby
and stole our
pence which was
for a secret. Nu
rse says she is a
favourite and Miss
Fosbrook will not
find them.
Your affectionate son
DAVID DOUGLAS MERRIFIELD.
"Oh! this was the letter David insisted on sealing before I put it
into mine!" exclaimed Miss Fosbrook, as soon as she had made out the
words. "We have been in great trouble at the loss; but we agreed not
to write to you, because you had so much on your mind."
"Is Bessie in fault?"
"No, no; none of us believe it; but I am very anxious that you should
make an investigation, for the maids suspect her, and have made the
younger children do so."
"And who is Toby?"
"Toby is only a jug--called Toby Fillpot, I believe--shaped like a
man."
"I know!" put in Mr. John Merrifield, laughing. "Don't you remember
him, Harry? We had the like in our time."
"Well?" interrogated the Captain.
"Just after you left home," said Christabel, as shortly and clearly
as she could, "the children agreed to save their allowance to buy a
pig for Hannah Higgins. They showed great perseverance in their
object; and by the third week they had about seven shillings in this
jug, which, to my grief and shame, I let them keep in the glass
cupboard, not locked, but one door bolted, the other buttoned.
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