Of course that's why he made
me wear it where nobody could see. But who else knew besides the man who
sold it to Knight? _Somebody_ must have known, and told Mr. Ruthven
Smith. Perhaps the thief himself, hoping to be spared, and to get money
from both sides. That is why Mr. Ruthven Smith accepted the invitation
here, which I was so sure he would refuse. He has come because he thinks
the Malindore diamond is in this house. That must be it! But how can he
have found out that I am wearing it?"
As she thought these things, asking herself questions, sometimes
answering them, sometimes unable to answer, she managed to keep up some
desultory talk first with one of her neighbours, then with the other. It
seemed to take all her strength to do this, and made her feel weak and
broken, not excited and vital, as she had felt on the wonderful night at
the Savoy when "Nelson Smith" had praised her pluck and presence of mind
in saving him from a danger which had never been explained.
How she wished with all her anxious, troubled heart that she knew how to
save him to-night!
It had been very wrong to buy a stolen diamond, but he had done it from
no mercenary motives, for he had given it to her.
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