“That I have them all here. Not one is gone,” was the amazing reply, and Hester, drawing a handkerchief from her bosom, unfolded it and displayed to Peggy’s amazed eyes a glittering collection of gems. In the midst of the flashing gems gleamed the big ruby which Peggy had once seen Hester so carefully conceal.
“Hester, you have a duty before you,” said Peggy slowly; “get in my car and come with me to my home and then tell me all about this mystery which has puzzled us so long.”
But the girl shrank back.
“I can’t. Oh, Peggy, with you it’s different, but before, the others. Your brother––”
“Poor fellow, he has been under unjust suspicion on account of these very jewels,” Peggy reminded the agitated girl.
“Oh, give me time. Not now. I––”
“No, it must be now,” said Peggy, with gentle insistence. “Come!”
Something in her manner seemed to strike the girl.
“You’ll promise no harm will come to me or my father through this?” she said.
“Is your father very deeply implicated in the matter?” asked Peggy seriously, looking straight into the other’s eyes.