Luncheon was more than usually silent that day, although Edna attempted to take an interest in the children's morning, asking whether it had been pleasant in the water.
"My goodness, mother," Antonia answered, "have you looked at the water? We'd certainly have been drowned if we'd gone in."
After lunch was over Edna was obliged to address Miss Exeter directly.
"I think you went off this morning without unlocking my safe," she said.
"Oh, I'm sorry," said Pearl.
Mrs. Conway smiled faintly.
"It was quite what I expected--it always happens with safes," she said.
"But now perhaps you will get me my pearls."
Pearl went eagerly, and as she went she remembered that she had remembered to unlock the safe--just before she went to the beach with Antonia. Yes, as she thought, the safe was very slightly ajar. She took the long, slim, blue velvet case from its compartment and brought it to Mrs. Conway in the drawing-room.
It was empty!
To be continued...
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