"Later in the afternoon I took a carriage outside and drove to the station. On the way I took some negatives to the photographer, amongst them the picture of which I have just spoken, as there were some of them that I wanted to get developed by the time I got back. On my return from Osterdal I heard that the diamond had disappeared, and then I remembered the photograph. I naturally said nothing about it to Mr. Frick or his niece, but I called for the prints. Would you like to see the one from the museum?"
This was the second time that Sigrid's name had been mentioned in connection with the disappearance of the diamond. It awoke the most unpleasant feelings in me; but as I felt Mr. Howell's searching look resting upon me, I assumed perfect calmness, and took what he handed me.
It was quite a small photograph on thin prepared paper, and placed between two glass plates held together by an india-rubber band.
I took it with me to the window to examine it closely.
It was, as before said, a small picture, only two or three inches high and very narrow, but exceedingly clear.
A young girl stood before the well-known cupboard in old Frick's museum. Her position was exactly as Mr. Howell had described it.
The one hand held the lid open, the other held an article which was hidden by the shoulder; the head and neck were bent somewhat forward, examining the object.
It was a tall, fine figure in a light walking costume, trimmed with dark braid.
There was not much to be seen of the room. One saw part of the cupboard on both sides, a chair, the arm of another chair, but nothing else. Over the cupboard, at about the same height as the young girl, was a shelf. Part of this shelf, on which could be seen several small curios, was included in the picture.
One glance was enough for me to be certain who the young girl was.