The next morning, Sofia woke up in a good mood. She had breakfast and then went to the library to sit at the piano.
It had been years since she last played, and she was a bit rusty. But the more she practiced, the more the notes floated harmoniously in the air.
"You have a good ear," said Mr. Scott, approaching the piano.
The girl nodded but didn't stop playing. She wanted to show all her skill. She wanted to show him that even she, a simple woman of the people, was capable of noble things.
Sofia was still playing when suddenly Edgar rushed into the room, looked at her with a ruthless gaze, and shouted, "Where are my mother's jewels?"
Sofia's hands froze. She gave Mr. Scott a questioning glance, and then her eyes rested back on Edgar.
"I put the necklace back in the jewelry box last night," said Sofia.
"I'm talking about the whole jewelry box, not just one necklace," explained Edgar. "It's all gone. And your brother is gone too."
At that moment, Sofia understood everything. It wasn't the first time Johnny had stolen, but taking an entire jewelry box was too much, even for him, especially after the kind hospitality of the Scott family.
Sofia remembered bumping into someone the night before and wondered if it had been him. She seemed to see his face, his mocking smile... after stealing.
"A carriage has also disappeared," added Mr. Scott.
"Oh my God, I should have told you everything about Johnny, and maybe this would never have happened," said Sofia.
"Who exactly is your brother?" asked Edgar.
"He's a compulsive gambler and always has gambling debts. This isn't the first time he's stolen something."
"And you didn't tell us anything!" exclaimed Edgar, walking back and forth in the room.
"I really thought he wanted to start fresh."
"Well, he's started fresh... and with my mother's jewels. Let's hope we find him in time before he can sell them... Do you know where he might be now?"
"I'm sorry to say, but I have no idea," said Sofia.
"You never know anything, do you?" Edgar snapped. "Are you in league with him?"
"Edgar!" protested his father.
"What's wrong? I'm just making assumptions."
"If you think I'm dishonest, then throw me out. If you think I'm innocent, then please accept me as your maid. I will repay my brother's debt."
"That's kind of you, but what about your dream of becoming a doctor?" Mr. Scott asked.
"I'll study when I have the time. I believe I'll manage somehow."
"To me, my mother's jewels are priceless. They have enormous sentimental value."
"I know," Sofia nodded. "But I don't have much else to offer you."
And so, Sofia became the Scott family's maid, and her stay in their house lasted much longer. Indefinitely.