t
joy to see me there, or anywhere; and we parted with an appointment for
nine o'clock next day.

When he had gone, I wrote a note--a very short note--to Count Godensky.
I wanted to have it ready; but I did not mean to send it till the treaty
was in the safe whence I had taken it. Then, the letter should go at
once, by messenger; and it would still be very early in the day, I
hoped.

Usually, I have my cup of chocolate in bed at nine; but on the morning
which followed I was dressed and ready to go out at half past eight. I
think that I had not slept at all, but that didn't matter. I felt strong
and fresh, and my heart was full of courage. I was leaving nothing to
chance. I had a plan, and knew how I meant to play the last hand in the
game. It might go against me. But I held a high trump. Again, as before,
Raoul received me alone.

"Dearest," he exclaimed, "I know your news must be good, for you look so
bright and beautiful. Tell me--tell me!"

I laughed, teasingly, though Heaven knew I was in no mood for teasing.

"You're too impatient," I said. "To punish you for asking about the
wretched diamonds before you enquired how I slept, and whether I dreamed
of you, I shall make you pay a penalty."

"Any penalty you will," he answered, laughing too, and entering into the
joke--for he was happy and hopeful now, seeing that I could joke.

"Let me sit down and write at your desk, on a bit of your paper," I
said.

He gave me pen and ink. I scribbled off a few words, and folded the note
into an envelope.

"Now, this is very precious," I went on. "It tells you all you want to
know. But--I'm going to post it."

"No, no!" he protested. "I can't wait for the post."

"Oh, I wouldn't trust my treasure to the post office, not even if it
were insured. Open that wonderful safe you gave me a peep into the other
day, and I'll put this valuable document in among the others, not more
valuable to the country than this ought to be to you. I'll hide it
there, and you must shut up the safe without looking for it, till I've
gone. Then, you must count ten, and after that--you may search.
Remember, you said you'd submit to any penalty, so no excuses, no
complaints."

Raoul laughed. "You shall have your way, fantastic though it be, for you
are a sorceress, and have bewitched me."

He unlocked the door of the safe and stood waiting for me to gratify my
whim. But I gaily motioned him behind me. "If you stand there you can
see where I p