"What do you mean?" she said, stopping short, her glance instinctively seeking the balcony.
"I mean you've stuck a detective up there to see what I do the moment I come into the studio. Good heavens! what do you think I came for?"
"My dear Teddy," she said, frowning at the stupidity of her spy, "is there any one who can't be suspected? Do you blame me?"
"No, I suppose not," he blurted out. "Only, it gives a fellow a deuced creepy feeling to have a couple of eyes looking through him from behind the curtain. I say, why don't you search the place? The ring must be here!"
"That is possible, of course," she said thoughtfully, her lip between her little teeth, an impulsive movement when she was plunged in thought.
"Or are you waiting for the thief to come back here and try to recover it? Of course, that's the plan."
"There's one thing," she said, with a quick, imperative gesture, looking at him closely, "I want you to remember. There is nothing public to be known. Whatever is done must be done quietly."
"Oh, of course," he said hastily. "I say, Rita, let me try to work this out with you—give me your confidence! I wish you would."
She considered a moment, as though puzzled by his offer.
"I don't think it will ever be found," she said, shaking her head and looking at him.