"How did you know I had it?" she asked good humouredly.
"I saw that it was gone."
"And the deduction was obvious? Well, this time you are right. I did take it. I expect I have a right to borrow my own Aunt's things if she is too mean to lend them. It's a shame of her to want to keep the only decent jewel we have shut up. Amy gets more selfish every day."
"But you will put it back before she misses it?"
Mrs. Coombe could see her step-daughter's face quite plainly and its expression made her wince, but she was reckless to-night. After all, why pretend? If Esther intended to eternally interfere with her affairs the sooner an open break came, the better.
"Perhaps, perhaps not. Certainly not until I return from my visit."
Esther fought down her rising dismay.
"Mother, don't you understand what you are doing? The ring is Aunt Amy's
You have no right to take it!"
"I've a right if I choose to make one."
"If Auntie finds out it is not in its box, we cannot tell what the effect may be!"