"That can not be. You gave me the box, and I put it away myself, and, the next time I looked in it, it was not there."
"I wish I had asked you to open it when I gave it you," said Mary.
"I wish you had," said Hesper. "But the ring must be found, or I shall send for the police."
"I will not make matters worse, Mrs. Redmain," said Mary, with as much calmness as she could assume, and much was needed, "by pointing out what your words imply. If you really mean what you say, it is I who must insist on the police being sent for."
"I am sure, Mary," said Sepia, speaking for the first time since Hesper's entrance, "that your mistress has no intention of accusing you."
"Of course not," said Hesper; "only, what am I to do? I must have my ring. Why did you come, if you had nothing to tell me about it?"
"How could I stay away when you were in trouble? Have you searched everywhere?"
"Everywhere I can think of."
"Would you like me to help you look? I feel certain it will be found."
"No, thank you. I am sick of looking."