"I heard of the bracelet's disappearance," said Gerard. "I met Alice when she was out this morning, and she told me it was gone."
"Better make no admissions," whispered the officer in his ear. "They may be used against you."
"Whatever admissions I may make, you are at liberty to use them," haughtily returned Gerard. "Is it possible that you do suspect me of taking the bracelet, uncle?—or is this a joke?"
"Allow me to say a word," panted Alice, stepping forward. "I—I—did not accuse you, Mr. Hope; I would not have mentioned your name in connection with it, because I am sure you are innocent; but when it was discovered that you had called, I could not deny that you were upstairs while the bracelets lay on the table."
"Of course I was. But the idea of my taking one is absurdly preposterous," went on Gerard. "Who accuses me?"
"I do," said Colonel Hope.
"Then I am very sorry it is not somebody else, sir, instead of you."
"Explain. Why?"
"Because they should get a kindly taste of my cane across their shoulders."
"Gerard," interrupted Lady Sarah, "do not treat it in that light way. If you did take the bracelet, say so, and you shall be forgiven. I am sure you must have been put to it terribly hard; only confess it, and the matter shall be hushed up."