“D—do you think the florist stole the bracelet?” she demanded breathlessly.
“No, he couldn’t have. I bought the violets at Small’s, took them with me in my motor, and on a side street opened the box and slipped the bracelet over the stems, where you couldn’t fail to see it. I left the box at your house myself.”
Janet looked at him queerly. “Ah, indeed; and with which member of the household did you leave it?”
“I gave it to Perkins, and he promised to deliver it to you immediately on your return.”
“He never gave it to me.”
Tom rose. “I’ll go straight up to your house and ask him for it.”
“No, no.” She laid a restraining hand on his sword-hilt. “He is probably in bed by now; mother’s so thoughtful for her servants, she lets them retire early when I’m out with Duncan; he always has his latchkey. I’ll ask Perkins first thing in the morning.”
“And will you let me know the results?” Tom resumed his seat. “I shall be on tenter-hooks until I know the bracelet is safely in your hands. I feel responsible, you know; if it’s lost....”
“Nonsense,” noting his worried air. “Bracelets have disappeared before; don’t take it to heart.”
“Can you tell me which jewelry shop it came from——?”