“We can’t talk here.”
Miss Kippenberg glanced quickly about and observing that many eyes were focused upon them, led the girl into the deserted powder room. They sat down on a sofa in a secluded corner.
“I didn’t mean to be so rude before,” Miss Kippenberg apologized. “It was only because I must protect myself from reporters and photographers. You have no idea how I have been annoyed.”
“I do understand,” said Penny, “and I wish to help you. That was why I was so insistent upon talking with you. I think this ring may be a clue to Mr. Atherwald’s disappearance.”
“Then you believe as I do that he did not go away purposely?”
“My theory is that Mr. Atherwald was a victim of a plot. Did he have any known enemies?”
“Oh, no, everyone liked Grant. Tell me about the ring. Who gave it to you?”
“No one. I found it while I was exploring a path on the estate, the trail which is blocked off.”
“You shouldn’t have gone there, but no matter. Just where did you pick up the ring?”
“I found it near the lily pool.”