But scarce were the words spoken when she uttered a cry of pain and dismay.
Isabel had glided stealthily around behind her, and with one powerful blow had dashed the casket from her hands.
The next instant, and before Brownie could turn to prevent her, she had captured it, and with a low, mocking laugh, glided from the place.
With all her spirit roused to battle, Brownie sprang to follow the artful girl, but Mrs. Coolidge barred the way.
“No, no, miss, you cannot leave this place to-night; you are in too dangerous a mood,” she said.
“What do you mean by detaining me here?” Brownie demanded, almost passionately.
“I mean just what I said, that you are too dangerous to be let loose to-night, unless you will solemnly promise not to make any trouble for us.”
“You are very much mistaken if you think you can make any such terms with me, Mrs. Coolidge. I do not fear you in the least, and unless you restore my jewels, and let me go at once, I shall make such trouble that you will rue it until your dying day.”
“You do not fear me, and I have power to keep you here indefinitely?” she retorted, flushing angrily.
“That may be, but there will come a day of reckoning sooner or later,” Brownie replied, dauntlessly. “You do not suppose,” she added, scornfully, “that in this nineteenth century you can keep me concealed for any length of time. I shall be missed, if I am not already, and the whole house searched for me.”