"That cannot be true," said Beatrice aghast; "a Major Ruck----"
"I don't know him," interpolated Orchard.
"Well, he says that Colonel Hall gave the necklace to my mother."
"And who was your mother, miss?"
"Mrs. Hedge----"
"Who married Mr. Alpenny?" cried Orchard, rising suddenly to his feet and really startled out of his mildness.
"Yes. Mr. Alpenny is now dead, and----"
"I know--I know," said Orchard, waving his hand; "he met with the due reward of his wickedness. I can talk of him later, and I'll tell you why I suspect him. Mrs. Hedge's daughter--the Colonel's child----"
"What?" cried Beatrice, springing to her feet.
"Mr. Alpenny never told you, I suppose," said Orchard coolly; "but he married Mrs. Hall, who took the name of Mrs. Hedge because she was suspected of being concerned in the crime. You are Miss Hall--Miss Beatrice Hall!"