to see his
face when I show him your letter, for he no doubt believes in you. Are
you prepared to face the music?"

And, pausing, he fixed his cruel, relentless eyes, beady and brilliant
as those of a snake, upon his trembling victim.

She did not answer, though she now realised that he held her future in
his remorseless hands. This man whom she had once loved with a strong,
all-consuming passion, had risen to smite her and to ruin her.

"Will Bracondale be at home to-night?" he asked presently.

"No," she responded in a low whisper. "He will be at his club. He has
arranged to play bridge with M. Polivin, the Minister of Commerce. You
won't see him."

"Good. Then you will be alone--to meet me and take the letter in
exchange for the pearls, which I shall take," he said, confidently. "I
had a look around the house early this morning before anyone was about.
It would be very easy to enter there--quite inviting, I assure you. I
wonder you don't take precautions against intruders. I speak as an
expert," and he laughed grimly.

But she made no response.

"I notice," he went on--"I notice that the room on the left of the front
entrance is a small salon. It has a long window leading to the balcony.
Leave that unlatched, and I will come there at midnight. If you are
there, leave the light on. If there is danger then put it out. I shall
know."

"But I can't--I won't."

"You will! You want that letter, and I will give it to you in exchange
for the pearls! He will suspect nothing. A thief got in and stole them.
That was all. He is rich, and will buy you another set. So why trouble
further?"

"No--I----"

"Yes--ah, look! That woman is coming back with the child. I must clear.
Remember, it is all arranged. At midnight to-night I'll bring you the
letter. _Au revoir!_"

And next moment the evil shadow of her life disappeared around the
corner of the rock and was gone.

CHAPTER XXVI.

A CHILD'S QUESTION.

At luncheon Jean met her husband, but so agitated was she that she
scarce dare raise her eyes to his.

Before entering the dining-room where Bracondale awaited her she halted
at the door, and with a strenuous effort calmed herself. Then she went
forward with a forced smile upon her lips, though her cheeks were pale
and she knew that her hand trembled.

His lordship had spent a strenuous morning with the papers Martin had
brought from the Foreign Office. At least two of our Ambassadors to the
Powers had