."

It was the one bait which he knew would be irresistible. She caught her
breath, and, pressing closer to him, looked up into his eyes eagerly.

"You mean it, Ted? You won't deceive me again? You'll keep your word?"

"Honor bright!" he responded. "Why shouldn't I? You know I'm fond of
you. I'd have married you months ago if I'd struck a piece of luck like
this; but what was the use of marrying when I had to--work, and there
was the chance of my being collared any day of the week? No! But I
promise you that if we pull this off, I am going to settle down; I shall
be glad enough to do it. We'll have a little cottage, or a flat on the
Continong, eh, Fan? Is the countess going to send the diamonds back to
the bank to-morrow?"

He put the question abruptly, but in a low and impressive voice.

Burden shook her head.

"No," she replied reluctantly. "I--I asked her maid; they were talking
about them just before I came out. Everybody was talking about them at
the ball, and her ladyship's maid gives herself airs on account of
them."

"Gases about them? Very natural. And she says?"

"There's a dinner party the night after next, and the countess thought
it wasn't worth while sending them to the bank for one day. She's going
to keep them in the safe in her room."

Ted's eyes glistened, and he nodded.

"Who keeps the key of the safe, Fan?" he asked; and though they were far
from any chance of listeners, his voice dropped to a whisper.

"The countess," replied Burden, still reluctantly.

He nodded.

"I must have that key, Fan. Yes, yes! Remember what we are playing for,
you and me! You get that key and put it in the corner of the windowsill
where I was standing to-night."

"No, no!" she panted. His arm loosened, and he looked down at her
coldly.

"You mean that you won't? Very well, then. But look here, my girl, we
mean having these diamonds, with or without your help. You can't prevent
us, for I don't suppose you'd be low enough to split and send me to
penal servitude----"

"Ted! Ted!" she wailed, and put her arms round him.

He smiled to himself over her bowed head.

"What's the best time? While they're at dinner?"

She made a sign in the negative.

"No," she whispered, setting her teeth, as if every word were dragged
from her. "No; the maid will be in the room putting the countess' things
away; afterward--while they are in the drawing-room."

He bent and kissed her, his eyes shining eagerly.

"There! Y