"Oh, oh—oh!" cried Pussy, unable to hold her tongue any longer. "Oh, such lovelee things, that must have cost lakhs of rupees! A gold watch and chain, a diamond and turquoise necklet, pearl bangles, and a pendant with an emerald as big as this"—making a circle with two little brown fingers—"and rings, and all sorts of things."
"How long ago did this happen?"
"Six weeks."
"And this is the first I have heard of it; I am afraid everything is scattered far by this time."
"I did suggest sending for the police," said Verona.
"Yes, it was when you were so sick; mother would not have it; she," and here Pussy giggled, "says all the police are thieves."
"Even so, I wonder she did not endeavour to set a thief to catch a thief," rejoined Salwey, "and I maintain that the police are not thieves. Has nothing been done?" turning to Verona. "Why has the affair been allowed to drop?"
"I really don't know," she replied.
"And has there not been one single trace?" pursued Mrs. Lepell.
"I don't know what you would call a trace. You know that man, Abdul Buk?"