The curious fact is that it was loose.

Had it been attached to a cord, or secured in some way, one might regard it as a charm or amulet, because some women, even in the London of today, are not beyond the reach of superstition in such matters.

But, as I say, it was not safeguarded at all, so we may reasonably assume that it was not carried habitually.

Of course, Furneaux readily evolved a far-fetched theory that it is a sign, or symbol, and was thrust out of sight among the clothing on the dead woman's breast by the man who killed her.

But that is idle guesswork.