“I think so.”
“Do you mind telling us exactly what passed between you?”
Flora paused a minute, as though to collect her recollections.
“I went in and said, ‘Good-night, uncle, I’m going to bed now. I’m tired to-night.’ He gave a sort of grunt, and—I went over and kissed him, and he said something about my looking nice in the frock I had on, and then he told me to run away as he was busy. So I went.”
“Did he ask specially not to be disturbed?”
“Oh! yes, I forgot. He said: ‘Tell Parker I don’t want anything more to-night, and that he’s not to disturb me.’ I met Parker just outside the door and gave him uncle’s message.”
“Just so,” said the inspector.
“Won’t you tell me what it is that has been stolen?”
“We’re not quite—certain,” said the inspector hesitatingly.
A wide look of alarm came into the girl’s eyes. She started up.