A hand was laid upon the doorknob, and it turned. A moment’s silence, and it was tried again—this time with more force.
Then a voice called:
“Miss Douglas, please, may I come in a moment?”
It was Viola’s; and Isabel grew faint with a sense of relief, but she stood silent, scarcely daring to breathe, lest she should be heard, and her sister insist upon coming in.
Presently she heard Alma call out:
“Viola, Miss Douglas is not there; she has gone out for a walk.”
Then the steps moved away, and the guilty girl was obliged to sit down to gather strength, before she could continue her investigations. Cowardice and guilt are inseparable.
She dare not wait long, however, and soon turned her attention to the ebony casket again.
Fortunately for her, the little golden key, with its curious chain attached, was in the lock.
Brownie had forgotten to clasp it about her neck again after replacing the jewels.