"
"But why should you imagine he has had anything to do with the
matter? The ring will be found, and then the hat will not
signify."
"Well," replied Sepia, putting on an air of openness, and for
that sake an air of familiarity, "I see I must tell you the whole
truth. I never did for a moment believe Mr. Helmer had anything
to do with the business, though, when you put me out of temper, I
pretended to believe it, and that you were in it as well: that
was mere irritation. But there is sure to be trouble; for my
cousin is miserable about her sapphire, which she values more
than anything she has; and, if it is not found, the affair will
be put into the hands of the police, and then what will become of
poor Mr. Helmer, be he as innocent as you and I believe him! Even
if the judge should declare that he leaves the court without a
blot on his character, Newgate mud is sure to stick, and he will
be half looked upon as a thief for the rest of his days: the
world is so unjust. Nor is that all; for they will put you in the
witness-box, and make you confess the man an old friend of yours
from the same part of the country; whereupon the counsel for the
prosecution will not fail to hint that you ought to be standing
beside the accused. Believe me, Mary, that, if Mr. Helmer is
taken up for this, you will not come out of it clean."
"Still you explain nothing," said Mary.
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