Twenty--thirty seconds must have passed whilst she stood there, slowly finishing the buttoning of her gloves.
No one attempted to break the silence.

She dominated them all--they felt that she had something more to say.

Even Mrs.Fitzgerald felt a weight upon her tongue.
"It was a clumsy attempt," she went on.

"I should have had no idea where to raise money upon the thing, but I apologize to you, nevertheless, Mrs.Fitzgerald, for the anxiety which my removal of your valuable property must have caused you," she added, turning to the owner of the bracelet, whose cheeks were once more hot with anger at the contempt in the girl's tone.

"I suppose I ought to thank you, Mr.Tavernake, also, for your well-meant effort to preserve my character.