“I am sure of it. I was told that only last week she applied at the bank for a loan of five thousand dollars and was refused.”
“What an unfortunate time for her to lose Emily’s inheritance,” Nancy said significantly.
“Yes, it’s beginning to look bad for her. Rumors are circulating even now.”
“What are people saying?”
“It’s being hinted that Mrs. Willoughby had designs on Emily’s fortune herself.”
“But she was always so kind to Emily.”
“I know. Mind, I’m telling you only what others are saying.”
“What do you believe?”
“My dear child,” and Mr. Drew smiled, “I wouldn’t venture an opinion. I always reserve judgment until I have all of the facts.”
Nancy glanced thoughtfully at the account in the paper.
“It says here that she fainted when she learned that the bag had been stolen. That looks as though she felt the loss most keenly.”
“Unless she was acting.”
“You don’t think that the robbery was a frame-up, do you?” Nancy asked, in astonishment.
“You’re a regular detective when it comes to pinning a fellow down,” Mr. Drew complained good-naturedly. “I am merely considering the possibility. As I understand it, Mrs. Willoughby had access to the safety