A dead pause greeted this speech. Then Miss Pinkett's laugh rippled up.
"I thought so," she said.
Miss Reeves took the jewel, lifting her hand to enjoin silence.
"What does this mean?" she asked.
"I return Miss Pinkett's diamond," Meg replied.
"Do you mean to say that you took it notwithstanding your repudiation of the accusation which shamed some of us into believing you innocent?"
"I restore it now," said Meg huskily.
"Had you heard that the boxes were to be searched?" demanded Miss Reeves.
"Yes," said Meg.
Again there was a pause.