"Have you ever had anything taken out of your house by outside parties?" he asked.
"On one occasion, when my brother was visiting me, his overcoat was taken from the hatstand in the hall."
"A sneak thief, of course. The glass, however, was not so exposed?"
"No; it was not on the lower floor at all."
"It looks, then, as if it was taken by someone in the house."
"It looks so," said Mrs. Hamilton gravely.
"Have you confidence in your servants? Or, rather, have you reason to suspect any of them?"
"I believe they are honest. I don't believe they would be tempted by such an article."
"Not, perhaps, for their own use, but a glass like this may be pawned for a considerable sum. Being of peculiar appearance, the thief would be hardly likely to use it himself or herself. Detection would be too sure."
"No doubt you are right."