"But," added the young man, with emphasis, "you may have an idea as to who killed Bellaria Dondi."
A piece of bread and butter fell from Mrs. Crosbie's hand, and she turned round with an amazed look. "I? In heaven's name, how should I know?"
"Didn't your mother tell you what I said about Bellaria and that coral hand which I found in your cigarette-case?"
"Yes. The woman was afraid when she saw it."
"Do you know why she was afraid?"
"No; I certainly do not."
"Could Signor Venosta tell you?"
Mrs. Crosbie rose, and came forward with a glittering light in her eyes not pleasant to look at. "What do you mean? Signor Venosta----"
"Gave you the amulet? Mrs. Berch told me as much."
"If he did, what then? Signor Venosta is an old friend of mine. So long as Major Rebb does not object, I fail to see why you----"