"All she said was that Rosy Pearl was the customer who slept at the Pink Shop on the night of the crime."
"What!" Ralph stopped suddenly, and stared. "The lady who refused to allow her name to be given--who slept in the upstairs bedroom?"
"Yes. And I think that my aunt means to hint--"
"Oh, I see what she means," interrupted Ralph, quickly. "Her jealousy gives the hint very plainly. Rosy Pearl was in the house; Rosy Pearl wants to become the second Lady Branwin, so Rosy Pearl gets rid of--"
"No, no!" interrupted Audrey in her turn, and looking pale. "I can't think that she strangled my mother."
"She had every reason to," said Ralph, grimly. "And as Madame Coralie admits that she has the diamonds, robbery cannot now be given as the motive for the committal of the crime."
"Do you believe that Rosy Pearl really did murder my mother so that the way might be opened to her to be my father's second wife?"
"I can't say for certain, until I examine into the matter more closely," said Shawe, anxiously, "but it certainly looks like it. Sir Joseph is a millionaire, and from the sudden way in which he announced his intention of making her his wife it is evident that the two discussed the matter while your mother was still alive." He paused, and thought for a few minutes. "I tell you what, Audrey, I shall go at once to Perry Toat and tell her this."
"Can I come also?" asked Audrey, again feeling the detective fever.
"No. It is just as wise not to arouse your father's suspicions."