‘It is a pretty little thing, and a toy. Of course you only gave it her as such, but it was unwise.’
‘I repeat, I gave her no ring, Miss Jordan.’
‘She says that she found it, but it is most improbable.’
Jasper laughed, not cheerfully; there was always a sadness in his laughter. ‘You have made a great mistake, Miss Jordan. It is true that your sister found the ring. That is, I conclude she did, as yesterday she found a chest in the garret full of old masquerading rubbish, and a tambourine, and I know not what besides.’
A load was taken off Barbara’s mind. So Eve had not deceived her.
‘She showed me a number of her treasures,’ said Jasper. ‘No doubt whatever that she found the ring along with the other trumpery.’
Barbara’s face cleared. She drew a long breath. ‘Why did not Eve tell me all?’ she said.
‘Because,’ answered the young man, ‘she was afraid you would be angry with her for getting the old tawdry stuff out of the box, and she asked me not to tell you of it. Now I have betrayed her confidence, I must leave to you, Miss Jordan, to make my peace with Miss Eve.’
‘She has also lost something that hung round her throat.’