Audrey related what she knew of the discrepancy between the statement of Madame Coralie, her husband, and Badoura, and her own. "It was nearly half-past eight when Madame came to see me at the door," said Audrey, positively. Miss Toat looked steadily at the girl. "Strange," she said, in a musing tone. "Now, I wonder why Mr. Shawe did not tell me this?" "It is important, is it not?" asked Audrey, eagerly. "Very important. If we can prove what you say, it will show that it was possible for Madame Coralie to have been with Lady Branwin at eight." "Then she must be guilty," said Audrey, triumphantly. "No. I suspect Eddy Vail, her husband. He, as well as his wife, was in dire need of money, and he may have committed the deed, although his wife may have suggested its commission. If I could only trace the diamonds"--and Miss Toat, thinking hard, began to trace figures on her blotting-paper. "I have seen that man Vail," said Miss Branwin, after a pause. "Mr. Shawe described him to me, and I recognised the description at once. He was hanging about Walpole Lane when my mother came back for the red bag which contained the diamonds." "Oh!"--Miss Toat looked up--"that's a strong point. Did your mother happen to mention, when in the lane, that the diamonds were in the bag?" "No," said Audrey, after some thought; "she simply asked for the bag. But I am sure that Madame Coralie must have known about the diamonds, as my poor mother would be sure to tell her." "Have you ever seen Madame Coralie?" asked Miss Toat, sharply. "Only in the half-darkness, when she came to the door at half-past eight to tell me that my mother would remain for the night." "Then," said Perry Toat, rising, "go to the Pink Shop and see her now. You are so straightforward and earnest that you may succeed where I fail. Ask all the questions you can think of, and see what Madame Coralie looks like." "Hear what she says, you mean." "No, I do not. Hear what she says, of course; but you may be sure that if she has anything to hide she will be most guarded in her answers. But look into her face, and watch the change of colour, and--oh!" Miss Toat stopped in dismay. "I forgot, Madame Coralie wears a yashmak constantly." "In that case I shall get her to remove it," said Audrey, quickly. "I see what you mean, and I shall manage in some way to see her face. If she is guilty I shall know somehow." "I wish I could come with you myself," said Miss Toat, hastily following Audrey to the door, which opened into a small outer office; "but I fear that Colonel Ilse--ah! here he is."