The woman turned slowly and her eyes—placid blue before—now shone with an angry light. Her gaze sought the counter—then the excited clerk—lastly, Nan!
"I haven't your lavalliére," she said, and although her voice was stern, it was low. "I haven't your lavalliére. How about this girl, here?" and she indicated Nan, with an air of superb indifference.
"Oh, madam!" gasped the clerk.
"Don't! don't!" begged Nan. "Oh! you know I haven't it!"
At that moment Nan felt a severe grasp upon her arm. She could not have run had she so desired. Her heart grew cold; her face flushed to fiery red. All neighboring eyes were turned on her.
In department stores like this the management finds it very unwise to make any disturbance over a case of loss or robbery. The store detective held on to Nan's arm; but he waited for developments.
"What is this all about, Miss Merwin?" he demanded of the clerk.
"I am charged with stealing a twenty-dollar lavalliére!" exclaimed the customer.
"Oh, impossible, madam!" said the detective, evidently recognizing her.
"Then this girl, who was nearest, may have it," said madam, sharply.