There was a quiver in the sweet voice, a trembling of the scarlet lips, but the lovely eyes were bright and tearless.
“How long have they been in your possession?” continued Mrs. Coolidge.
“A little over three months, madam.”
“Mamma, mamma, does not that prove enough?” burst out Isabel, triumphantly. “Why, she has been with us over two months, and she worked in the factory three weeks. Who would give a poor girl such jewels as those?”
Brownie’s only reply to this outburst was a look of ineffable scorn, and the elder lady went on in a severe tone:
“I fear, Miss Douglas, that your story is against you. When you sought employment from my husband you were in such circumstances that you were obliged to toil for your daily bread.”
A proud inclination of her head was all the reply to this query. She dare not trust her voice just then.
“And you say these jewels were given to you about that time?”
Another bow.
“The rich clothing, and other trifles which you have, were they given to you also?”