And then all the other ladies turned and gazed at Stuart, who was blissfully unconscious of the severe scrutiny.
“But though there is a striking likeness, there is also a very great difference,” resumed Mrs. Duncan. “But you can see for yourselves. By the merest chance I have that miniature in my pocket.”
“Oh, do let us see it, dear Mrs. Duncan, do!” pleaded Palma, eager to behold the likeness that had led to her husband’s false arrest.
“Yes, my dear; but first let me tell you how I happen to have it in my possession, and also to have it with me here. Mrs. Montgomery spent the last ten days of her stay in the city in my house. The miniature which had been found in her possession when the police searched her room, and had been used in the vain effort to trace her assailant, was at length restored to her. And to show how entirely she had ceased to care for the man who tried to murder her, she actually forgot his picture, and left it behind in her bureau drawer. I never chanced to find it until this morning; and as I was coming out, I thought I would do it up and send it out to her by mail. So I put it in a small box, directed and sealed it and put it in my pocket with the intention of posting it, and then—forgot all about it until now. Now you shall see it.”
She drew a small pasteboard box from her pocket, broke the seals, opened it and took out a small morocco case, which she also opened and handed to Palma.
“There is a slight resemblance. Only a very slight one. I do not see how any one could mistake this sinister-looking face for a miniature of Mr. Stuart. Now, do you, Mrs. Walling?” said Palma with an aggrieved air as she passed the picture to her friend and hostess.
“There is a very wonderful likeness to my eyes, my dear, in features, hair, complexion and all—except expression.”
“And expression is everything. I see scarcely any likeness myself,” persisted Palma.
“Will you allow me to look at it?” Ran inquired.
Mrs. Walling placed it in his hand.