"Denies, yes, denies!" broke in Kitty angrily; "your story is wrong."
"Pardon me," said Naball, rising, "allegorical."
"I can understand what you mean," said Kitty, after a pause; "but it's all wrong. I never paid this money for Malton."
"Pardon me,--Weakness," said Naball politely.
"Bah! why keep up this transparent deception? Your story is excellent, and I understand all about Folly, Vice, and Strength, but you are wrong--that jewel is not mine. I never paid the money, and I don't know anything about Malton's business, so you can leave me at once, and never show your face again."
"But the jewel?" said the detective, holding it out.
Kitty snatched it out of his hand, and flung it across the lawn. It flashed brilliantly in the sunlight, and fell just on the verge of the flower-bed.
"You can follow it,--Bloodhound," she said disdainfully, and, entering the house, closed the window after her.
Naball stood for a moment smiling in a gratified manner to himself, then, sauntering slowly across the lawn, picked up the jewel and replaced it in his pocket.
"I knew I was right," he murmured quietly, as he strolled to the gate; "she stole the diamonds to pay Malton's debt, and Villiers got this for payment as an accomplice. I wish I could get on with the case, but she won't let me--what a pity; dear, dear, what a pity!"