"I am going to mind it now," said Towton with a frown; "but first tell me, since you are so frank, what about Lady Corsoon's jewels?"
"They are in this house. I gave them into Miss Jewin's possession."
"And Lady Corsoon can have them for one hundred pounds," said Miss Jewin.
"A very modest demand, Sarah," said Miss Hest approvingly, "but as the game is up I don't think you will get more. I shall leave you to arrange about getting the money and handing back the jewels. Lady Corsoon will be safe, and at a small loss. But I am glad to think that she will not get your money, Ida, dear."
"Don't speak to me," cried Ida starting to her feet. "The more you say the more I see how shamefully you have treated me."
"I have spared you," said Miss Hest coolly. "I could have stripped you entirely bare had I so chosen."
"No. By your own showing I was too clever for you."
"Why, that is true, and simply because you were honest. I always wished to keep on the right side of the law, or I could have got you to make a will in my favour, and then you would have been poisoned."
"How dare you?" shouted Towton, while Ida gave a faint cry.
"You have learned how much I dare," said Frances with an unpleasant look. "So, now the story is told, perhaps you will leave my house."