The Argosy — page 174: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

A Glove’s Evidence. 159 “Do you suspect me, Lady Jakes?” asked Margaret, speaking very quietly but raising her head proudly, as with a straight and level glance she looked full at her mistress. “Don’t be ridiculous, Johnson. You know I do not. Canon Bywell’s letter was sufficient to prevent that. But [Pm determined to find the thief, though, and to have my ring back. Send for a policeman, Johnson.” “Excuse me, my lady. ‘That is scarcely my province.” Her ladyship was furious. ‘* Desire Symmonds to come to me,” she said. Symmonds was the footman; and, little anticipating what was to ensue, ten minutes later he brought a police officer to the house. ‘““ Now call all the servants and come with them here,” said Lady Jakes, who in her excitement had gone out into the hall. ‘‘ Policeman,” she began, as the astonished domestics, male and female, came hurrying forward, ‘‘ policeman, a valuable diamond ring is missing and must be found. I am certain it is in this house. I suspect no one in particular, mind, but, my servants’ drawers and boxes must be searched ’ at once. A// except my maid’s. She, I know, 1s honest.” A babel of indignant protestations here arose, which was only quieted by Margaret coming forward and saying in her clear low tones: “‘If Lady Jakes orders her servants to be subjected to this indignity, they can but submit ; the readier all are to assist this man in his unpleasant office the quicker it will be over. My room shall be searched with the rest.” So saying, she placed her hand gently on the shoulder of a young housemaid who was sobbing bitterly. Her words—above all, her gentle warmth of manner—went straight to the hearts of those very men and women who thus far had looked at her askance, if not with hatred. Now, each one seemed more impatient than the rest to have his and her possessions searched. ‘The proceedings probably would have lasted far into the night, but for one simple incident. ‘““ Pass that—it’s the lady’s maid’s room—and come to mine,” cried the young girl eagerly whom Margaret had befriended. But the functionary of the law stood still. He had an eye to business, and did not care to go over the same ground twice. ‘“ We'll take them as they come,” he replied, and turned into Margaret’s room. A detailed account of the search here would be needless. It was of short duration. Lady Jakes, who had retired to the drawing-room, awaiting the result, was soon apprised of it. A knock at the door, permission to enter given, and the policeman and Margaret Johnson appeared upon the threshold. Margaret, pale as death, fixed her large earnest eyes on her mistress’s ; there was a pleading, pitiful expression in them, but no appearance of guilt or shame. “The ring was found in this young woman’s box, my lady; she Says she’s innocent,” announced the policeman. CORnNICLIOO eS) (SO