ache,
and her only chance of appearing tonight is to remain perfectly
undisturbed. Women of her position, as you may understand, have
to be exceptionally careful. It would be a very serious matter
indeed if she were unable to sing to-night."

"I am exceedingly sorry to hear it," Laverick answered. "In that
case, I will call again when Mademoiselle Idiale has recovered."

"By all means, my dear sir!" Mr. Lassen exclaimed. "Many times,
let us hope. But in the meantime, there is a little affair of a
document which you were going to deliver to Mademoiselle. She is
most anxious that you should hand it to me--most anxious. She
will tender you her thanks personally, tomorrow or the next day,
if she is well enough to receive."

Laverick shook his head firmly.

"Under no circumstances," he declared, "should I think of delivering
the document into any other hands save those of Mademoiselle Idiale.
To tell you the truth, I had not fully decided whether to part with
it even to her. I was simply prepared to hear what she had to say.
But it may save time if I assure you, Mr. Lassen, that nothing would
induce me to part with it to any one else."

There was no trace left of that ingratiating smile upon Mr. Lassen's
face. He had the appearance now of an ugly animal about to show
its teeth. Laverick was suddenly on his guard. More adventures,
he thought, casting a somewhat contemptuous glance at the physique
of the other man. He laid his fingers as though carelessly upon a
small bronze ornament which reposed amongst others on a table by
his side. If Mr. Lassen's fat and ugly hand should steal toward
his pocket, Laverick was prepared to hurl the ornament at his head.

"I am very sorry to hear you say that, Mr. Laverick," Lassen said
slowly. "I hope very much that you will see your way clear to
change your mind. I can assure you that I have as much right to
the document as Mademoiselle Idiale, and that it is her earnest
wish that you should hand it over to me. Further, I may inform you
that the document itself is a most incriminating one. Its possession
upon your person, or upon the person of any one who was not upon his
guard, might be a very serious matter indeed."

Laverick shrugged his shoulders.

"As a matter of fact," he declared, "I certainly have no idea of
carrying it about with me. On the other hand, I shall part with it
to no one. I might discuss the matter with Mademoiselle Idiale
as soon as she is