's own account, was the
only person aware that he had jewels of great value in his keeping, I
felt absolutely certain (as I feel still) that he had accepted the
invitation, and come down from London solely for the purpose of stealing
them. It was pure conjecture on my part, and I dared say nothing beyond
begging Ralph not to leave the jewels in the library--which, however, he
did. I went straight off to my room when the others went to smoke, but I
did not go to bed. The more I thought it over the more certain I felt
that Carr would not let slip such an opportunity, the more convinced
that an attempt would be made that very night. I did not know that he
was not sleeping in the house, but I knew Ralph was at the lodge, so I
could not go and consult with him, as I should otherwise have done. I
thought of going to Middleton, whose room was close to mine, but on
second thoughts I gave up the idea. I am glad I did. At last I
determined I would wait till the house was quiet, and that then I would
go down alone, and watch in the library in the dark. I lay down on my
bed in my clothes to wait, and then--I had been up most of the night
before with Denis; I was dead beat with acting and dancing--by ill luck
I fell asleep. When I woke up I found to my horror that it was close on
four o'clock. I instantly slipped off my shoes, and crept out of my room
and down the stairs. I could not get to the library from the hall, as
the stage blocked the way, and I had to go all the way round by the
drawing-room and morning-room. As I went I thought how easy it would be
for Carr to force the lock of the drawer; and so, it flashed across me,
could I. Oh, Ralph!" said Charles, "I went down solely to look after
your property for you, but I _did_ think of it. I hope I should not have
done it, but I suddenly remembered how hard pressed I was for money, and
I did think of the crescent, and how you would hardly miss it, and
how--but what does it matter now? When I got to the library I found I
was too late. The lock of the drawer had been forced, and it was empty.
There was nothing for it but to go back to my room. I felt as certain
that Carr had done it as that I am standing here; but I dared say
nothing next morning, for fear of drawing an ever-ready parental
suspicion on myself--which, however, Middleton did for me. All I could
do was to keep Carr well in sight until the theft was found out, to
prevent any possibility of his escaping, and then to accus