Almost as soon as the Italian went out, Mrs. Berch entered. Since Gerald had seen her last she had greatly aged, and looked more worn and thin than ever in her dark gown. Glancing from the young man to her daughter, she went to the latter and took her hand.
"What is the matter, Madge?" she asked, in her stern, cold voice, "why has Signor Venosta left, and why are you shivering? Gerald," she turned to Haskins, "what have you been saying to my daughter?"
"Nothing," he answered calmly, "but Signor Venosta has been saying a great deal to both of us."
"It is about that coral hand, mother," cried Mrs. Crosbie feverishly, and clinging to Mrs. Berch. "Signor Venosta says that it is the symbol of a society which murders, and for that reason the moneylender was afraid. I wish I had refused Venosta's assistance," she ended.
"Why did you talk of these horrors?" asked Mrs. Berch reproachfully, "you know, Gerald, that Madge cannot bear such things."
"I am trying to learn who killed Bellaria, Mrs. Berch, and it struck me--since she was afraid of the coral hand--that you told Madge what I told you, and that this being repeated to Venosta, he might have stabbed the woman by order of the Tána Society."
"I don't know anything about the Tána Society."
"Neither do I; neither do I," muttered Mrs. Crosbie.
"And there is no reason why Signor Venosta, who is our friend, should kill Major Rebb's servant," went on Mrs. Berch steadily. "Everyone knows that she was stabbed by that crazy girl."
"I don't agree with you," replied Gerald coldly, and prepared to leave. "However, it is useless arguing, I can only apologize to Mrs. Crosbie for having brought up so disagreeable a subject. Good-day."