“Mr. Early? Yes. He returned this morning. Shall I tell you a great secret, Madame? A man loves the one for whom he does a favor. Would it not be wise to let Mr. Early do this thing for you? I know he will lend you without question. It will hereafter bind him to you. See. I make the arrangements with him myself. Ladies know nothing of business, and I not much. But I talk with him, he understands, and I make all smooth. Will you? Shall I? Yes or no? Do not lose such a treasure by hesitancy. Your husband shall thank you when he comes again. Yes? See the sunlight comes through the trees and makes the rubies like itself.”
“Oh, if Mr. Early would,” said Lena. “I don’t see why I shouldn’t. And if Mr. Percival thinks I can’t afford it, the rubies are worth more than I paid for them anyway.”
“You are reasonable. Hold it. I trust you while I go to see Mr. Early, and return. The necklace is yours, beautiful lady.”
Ram Juna was awakened from his usual serenity and full of tiger-like restlessness. Again he plunged through the hedge, and Lena saw the white turban flying toward the house. Even Mr. Early looked around startled as his usually torpid guest burst into the little den.
“Hello!” he said. “What’s up?”
“Early, I bring you opportunity, the greatest of gifts. The favor I shall confer, is it less than the favor I have received from you?”
“What do you mean?” asked Sebastian.
“Once you say that you will give much to get the young Percival in your power.”
“Yes. What of it?”
“It is done.”