Hesper was out shopping, and Mary went to her own room to wait for her, where she was glad of the opportunity of getting at some of the things she had left behind her.
"While she was looking for what she wanted, Sepia entered, and was, or pretended to be, astonished to see her.

In a strange, sarcastic tone: "Ah, you there!" she said.

"I hope you will find it." "If you mean the ring, that is not likely, Miss Yolland," Mary answered.
Sepia was silent a moment or two, then said: "How is your cousin ?" "I have no cousin," replied Mary.
"The person, I mean, you have been staying with ?" "Better, thank you." "Almost a pity, is it not--if there should come trouble about this ring ?" "I do not understand you.

The ring will, of course, be found," returned Mary.
"In any case the blame will come on you: it was in your charge." "The ring was in the case when I left." "You will have to prove that." "I remember quite well." "That no one will question." Beginning at last to understand her insinuations, Mary was so angry that she dared not speak.
"But it will hardly go to clear you," Sepia went on.

"Don't imagine I mean you have taken it; I am only warning you how the matter will look, that you may be prepared.