“She does seem to be especially interested in what we are doing, doesn’t she? But of course she can’t know that we are carrying valuables. We haven’t told a soul.”
“I suppose we’re just nervous. Of course she can’t know that the jewels are in the handbag. After all, the bag is a beauty and well worth looking at, and it is oversize for ordinary use. Well, here comes the waiter with our luncheon. We can eat quickly and get away.”
As the waiter placed the steaming dishes upon the table, Mrs. Willoughby watched him closely. She decided that she did not like the way he kept looking at her handbag. Finally, he brought the salad, and before Mrs. Willoughby could stop him he lifted the purse to make room for the plates.
“Don’t touch that!” she said sharply.
Mrs. Willoughby had not intended that her voice should carry, but to her embarrassment several diners glanced at her curiously.
“I beg your pardon, madam,” the waiter said politely, giving her a quick look.
“Oh, I see,” Mrs. Willoughby murmured apologetically as she saw that the waiter had merely intended to move the purse to a more convenient place on the table. “That’s all right.”
The waiter returned to the kitchen with his tray and Mrs. Willoughby and her friend exchanged anxious glances.
“He must have felt how heavy it was when he lifted it, Clara!”
“Yes. But I feel sure the help at Lilac Inn is reliable,” Mrs. Potter said comfortingly. “The management would have to be careful, you know, in order to maintain the excellent reputation of the place.”