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166 suspicion of the true facts, all of my work and danger go for nothing. You understand."

"I understand," he said, and the tears gushed out of his eyes.

I gave his hand a grip and went out.

I walked to Edith's door and rapped. There was no time to fuss with being announced. I meant to see her, whether she wished it or not.

"It is Frank Clamart," I said, for I heard a rustle within.

"Come in, Frank," said a low, sweet voice. I entered. Edith was lying as I had seen her last, on the chaise longue by the open window. She was very pale and her eyes were like great jewels.

"I have brought back your pearls," I said, and laid them on the table.

"Thank you, Frank."

"I stole them," said I, looking at the floor.

"Why did you do that, Frank?" she asked, and her rich voice quivered the faintest trifle.

"You wouldn't understand," I muttered. "It's in the blood, I guess. They haunted me."

"But you have brought them back," said Edith, in a tremulous voice. I felt her eyes burning into me and did not dare look up.

"Yes," I said, and tried to put bitterness in my tone. "I brought them back—when I learned that I had been detected."

Edith caught her breath. "Look at me, Frank," she cried.

I raised guilty eyes—just for a second, then let them fall again. Edith burst into a storm of weeping.