Jennette Lee

“ Something far within the woman's face—a certain wild beauty—seemed to shine out elusively, and Milly, over her knitting, had a sense of truth in the words and a quick curiosity about the man who had seen and evoked the beauty in its uncouth setting.
"I am old now," went on the woman slowly. "It was when I was young he gave them to me, most of them—but none so beautiful as the emeralds—" She seemed lost in thought, and Milly did not speak or move. ”

“ VI A shadow fell on the ground-glass door, and paused. Milly looked up quickly. She half reached out to close the open drawer with its ball of wool. Then she withdrew her hand and went on knitting.
The shadow stirred a little and a timid knock came on the door.
"Come in," said Milly. She went on counting stitches.
When she looked up a tall, gaunt figure in black, heavily veiled, was standing hesitatingly by the closed door.
"Will you sit down?" she said. The woman moved forward, almost tremulously, and came to the chair by the desk.
"Are you a detective?" she asked doubtingly. ”

“ I am thanking you every minute for coming to me. I know now you do not blame me. I could not talk freely with you. I am under a pledge. But a great wrong is being done. You must not rest till you know. The nurse has told me of Millicent Newberry. I think she can help you—and she can keep a secret. Go to her soon, dear Aunt. I am loving you always. ⁠
Marian.
Milly read it through without comment and folded it and returned it to her.
"Who is Marian?" she asked. "What is her other name?"
"She was Marian Mason," said the woman.
Milly's needles knit a double stitch before she looked up. ”