"What reason?" asked Miss Reeves.
"One which I cannot tell. It was a good reason. Believe it or not, I don't care. But I did not touch it to-day. I did not see it."
"You were in my room," said Miss Pinkett, "and the diamond case was on the table, and the diamond was in it, I know."
"I was in your room," Meg began.
"What for?" asked Miss Pinkett.
"I was looking"—again Meg encountered that appealing look from Elsie, cowering a white trembling little scrap against the wall.
"Your explanations are lame," said Miss Reeves gravely.
"I don't care if they are lame or not," Meg interrupted fiercely. "I have not taken that diamond. That is all I have to say. I have not taken it. I had it one day in my hand. Appearances may be so far against me; but if you condemn me on that, you do it out of your hatred to me."
"Hush, Miss Beecham!" said Miss Reeves severely.