. But the room was dark. Something
had gone wrong with the electricity, and I hadn't let him push back the
curtains, for fear I might be seen from outside, if the lights should
suddenly come on. He didn't see the case, as he handed it to me, nor
could I. Just at that instant there was a knock at the door; and quick
as thought I pushed the leather case down between the seat and back of
the sofa."

"But what reason had you to suppose that any danger of discovery
threatened you because of a knock at the door?"

"I'll tell you. There is a man--I won't mention his name, but you know
it very well, and maybe it is in your mind now--who wants me to marry
him. He has wanted it for some time--I think because he admires women
who are before the public and applauded by the world; also, perhaps,
because I have refused him, and he is one who wants most what he finds
hardest to get. He is not a scrupulous person, but he has some power and
a good deal of influence, because he is very highly connected, and when
people have 'axes to grind' he helps to grind them. He has suspected for
some time that I cared for M. du Laurier, and for that he has hated
Raoul. I have fancied--that he hired detectives to spy upon me; and my
instinct as well as common sense told me that he would let no chance
slip to separate me from the man I love. He would work mischief between
us--or he would try to ruin Raoul, or crush me--anything to keep us
apart. When I saw the Commissary of Police I was hardly surprised, and
though I didn't know what pretext had brought him, I said to myself
'That is the work of--'"

"Perhaps better not mention the name, Mademoiselle."

"I didn't mean to. I leave that to your--imagination. 'This is the work
of the man whose love is more cruel than hate,' I thought. While I
wondered what possible use the police could make of my letters, I was
shaking with terror lest they should come upon them and they should
somehow fall into--a certain man's hands. Then, at last, they did find
the case, just as I'd begun to hope it was safe. I begged the Commissary
of Police not to open it. In vain. When he did, what was my relief to
see the diamond necklace you must have heard of!--my relief and my
surprise. And now I'm going to confide in you the secret of another,
speaking to you as my friend, and a man of honour.

"Those jewels had been stolen only a few days ago from Monsieur du
Laurier, and he was in despair at their loss, for they belonge