“In the hope that it might prove to be an expert one—yes,” replied the detective.
“Expert? Oh, dear, no; not at all expert. Just an opinion.”
“Well, what is it?”
“I shall shock all the ladies present—and some who are not immediately present in this group—when I mention it.”
“Nevertheless——”
“Oh, nevertheless, I shall not hesitate—even at the risk of giving offense. I should venture it as my opinion that the thief in this instance is a woman, whether she happens to be a servant—or one of the guests. There! Have I shocked all of you?”
He laughed easily when he asked the question, as if to take away the sting of it, and he turned his speaking eyes from one to another of the group until he had gone the rounds—and, somehow, he managed to create the impression that he was merely indulging in a joke at their expense.
But there was an uneasy laugh around him, nevertheless.
Lenore Remsen started to her feet, and exclaimed:
“I think that was horrid of you, Ledger! Horrid! The idea of saying such a thing! We shall all be looking askance at each other, from now on. What do you think about it, Miss Nightingale?”