"Of course, it was possible," exclaimed Miss Stevens. "She could have run up the back stairs at any time."
She proceeded to explain this theory, until it seemed quite plausible.
And yet all the time she was filling the detective's mind with the blackest suspicions against herself.
Here was the case: The plotters were trying to work on Colonel Richmond's superstitions.
A celebrated detective had been called in. If he succeeded, the plotters failed, and the Stevenses lost the jewels.
What more natural than that the criminals should wish to throw the detective on a wrong scent? Was it not to be expected that they should pitch upon this new servant as the best person with whom to deceive Nick.
Altogether, Miss Stevens was making out a very strong case against herself.