"When Miss Hargone came down here after the death of my uncle."

"And you wore it previously?"

"I did."

"On the third finger of the right hand?"

"Yes; but why do you----"

"I ask these questions, miss, because that ring was seen on your finger on the Saturday you visited your uncle's chambers."

Donna Maria turned pale. "I--I did----" she faltered.

"You told me a falsehood before," said Torry coldly. "Do you intend to tell me another?"

"No!" cried Maria, raising her head proudly. "I did visit those rooms."

CHAPTER XVII