The child was cold with anguish.
"Very well; I will not say it is you."
"You'll not say it—you'll not say it?" repeated Elsie, clinging to Meg's skirt.
"No; I'll manage it," said Meg.
"How will you manage it? Who will give the diamond up?"
"I," said Meg.
The child put her arms round Meg's neck, kissing her over and over again, and reiterating her cry not to say she had taken it.
Meg put her gently away, marched out and went straight into the room where all were assembled.
Miss Reeves with Signora Vallaria and two other teachers were preparing for the search of the boxes. Meg walked up to the head-mistress.
"There is the diamond!" she said, holding it out with outstretched hand.