“I have, mamma. I should think it was time some one investigated matters, when we have a governess in the house possessing such treasures. I believed her guilty of theft, and I was determined that the girls should not remain under her influence if anything could be proved against her. So I set myself to work; and I think when you have examined the contents of that box, and hear what I have to tell you, that you will conclude that she is no fit instructress for your daughters.” “Isabel, I am afraid you have done a very unwise thing,” remarked her mother, thoughtfully, with her eyes still fixed upon the jewels. “How so?” “We cannot prove that she stole a single article in her possession.” “Why, she has quantities of beautiful things, marked with the initials ‘E. H.’” And Isabel explained about the case of golden-stoppered perfumery flasks, and the contents of the writing-desk; also about the note. “If she is light-fingered, you don’t want her here; she’ll be adding to her stock by approaching our treasures,” concluded the heartless girl. “No; if she is that kind of a person, she ought not to be allowed to remain.” “Well, do you believe that any girl in her circumstances could be the honest possessor of that fortune?” Isabel asked, pointing toward the gleaming jewels. “N-o, I’m afraid not. Yet I dislike, of all things, that you should have got them in the way you have.” Mrs. Coolidge took up the diamond necklace, and it sparkled in her hands like huge drops of dew in the sun. “Very well; I will replace them at once, mamma, if you think best, and we will say no more about it,” replied her daughter, cunningly. She had noticed the avaricious gleam in her mother’s eyes as they contemplated their beauty, and she knew she would give as much to possess them as she would herself. “That would never do, my daughter. I should not rest easy while there is a suspicion against Miss Douglas’ honesty in my heart. There is only one thing to be done now.” “What is that?” “We must demand an explanation of her immediately upon her return.” “Of course, she has a trumped-up story of some kind; she is too artful not to be prepared for us.” “She will have to prove her property, my dear. At all events, I shall advise her to dispose of them in some way. It is not proper for a governess to have such valuables.” “Perhaps she would sell them to us, mamma,” said Isabel, a greedy look in her eyes. “That tiara would be vastly becoming to me.” “They are the most exquisite jewels I have ever seen in my life, and the settings are peculiar. But what is there underneath? Have you looked, Isabel?” Mrs. Coolidge asked, finding the velvet bed was movable. “No; I was so startled at finding such an array that I did not stop to make any further investigations, but brought them directly to you.” Mrs. Coolidge lifted the velvet bed. “What have we here?” she exclaimed, as she saw the enameled locket studded with diamonds.