"What?"
His movement must have shaken the touch on his arm, for Esther's hand fell.
"You don't suppose I'm a fool, do you?" inquired Madame Beattie. "I knew it was going to happen. I saw the whole thing."
"Then," said Esther, slipping away from him a pace, "you didn't do it after all."
If he had not been so shaken by Madame Beattie's words he could have laughed with the grim humour of it. Esther was sorry he had not done it.
"So," said Madame Beattie, "you'd better think twice about it. I'll give you time. But I shall assuredly publish the name of the person who took the necklace out of Esther's bag, as well as the fact that it had to be in Esther's bag or it couldn't have been taken out. Two thieves, Jeff. You'd better think twice."
"Yes," said Jeff. "I will think. Is it understood?" He walked over to her and stood there looking down at her.
She glanced pleasantly up at him.
"Of course, my dear boy," she said. "I shouldn't dream of saying a word—till you've thought twice. But you must think quick, Jeff. I can't wait forever."
"I swear," said Jeff, "you are—" Neither words nor breath failed him, but he was afraid of his own passion.