Then the pained, almost convulsed expression about her delicate mouth relaxed into a withering smile of scorn.
What were these two base spirits, that she, a Douglas, with royal blood in her veins, should fear them?
She turned her blazing eyes full upon her accusers, and she found they could not bear the glance; their eyes dropped guiltily beneath it.
Then, with that mighty calmness in her tones and manner, Brownie said to Mrs. Coolidge:
“Have you anything further to say to me regarding those jewels, madam?”
“Not unless I can persuade you to confess and make restitution,” she answered, uneasily.
“I have no confession to make; I have no restitution to make. These articles of jewelry are legally mine—how, I do not intend to explain to you, either now or at any other time. The manner in which you or your daughter became possessed of them does you infinite credit; it is an act of which doubtless you will be proud all your life. Now, if you please, I will relieve you of them; and from this moment consider my engagement with you at an end, as, after such repeated insults I could no longer remain in your family.”
She reached forth her hand to take the casket, but Mrs. Coolidge clutched it with the grip of a miser.
“Oh, no, Miss Douglas, you cannot have this again; you have not yet proved to me that it is yours, and I cannot allow such a valuable possession to go out of my hands until I am assured who the rightful owner is.”
She sneered, white with anger, that the girl should dare brave her so.