She was rather flashily dressed and walked with a sort of swagger that in a vague way reminded Peggy of "Carmen.

"What if anyone pounces on us?" asked Peggy in rather a scared tone.

" "They are ill-bred girls, and they may do or say something rude," replied auntie, regarding Peggy with a slightly anxious expression.

"Score two for us!" thought Peggy to herself.

You've been pilfering from Peggy for yearspilfering right and left with both hands!

And, with that, she swept out of the room, and came down stairs no more until bonneted, and accompanied by Miss Annie, she hurried to the front door, and entered the carriage which was there waiting for her, with Peggy by the driver.

As for the clue of the brilliant-studded comb, Peggy on examining it, declared it to be one of a pair of side-combs, which only complicated the mystery.

" "Everything ready?" cried Peggy at last, as Miss Prescott got into the car.