[CHAPTER XVII]
AN EXPLANATION
It took Gebb some time to grasp the meaning of Miss Wedderburn's remarks, for the information it conveyed seemed impossible of belief. He looked so doubtful, that she repeated her speech with some impatience.
"I tell you Miss Gilmar gave me that necklace on the night she was murdered."
"At what hour?" gasped Gebb, not quite master of himself.
"Shortly after nine o'clock."
"Did you see her on that night?"
"Of course I did!" said Edith, sharply. "How else could I have got the necklace?"
"But you told me at Kirkstone Hall that you did not know Miss Gilmar was in Grangebury."
"That is perfectly true," rejoined Edith, colouring; "but I told you many things that were false. I was forced to do so, to protect Arthur and myself."