“Yacht, at this time of the year! a man who habitually resides at Vienna—a yacht!”
“Spendquick sells it a bargain, on account of the time of year and other reasons; and the count proposes to spend next summer in cruising about the Ionian Isles. He has some property on those isles, which he has never yet visited.”
“How long is it since he bought this yacht?”
“Why, I am not sure that it is already bought,—that is, paid for. Levy was to meet Spendquick this very morning to arrange the matter. Spendquick complains that Levy screws him.”
“My dear Mr. Hazeldean, you are guiding me through the maze. Where shall I find Lord Spendquick?”
“At this hour, probably in bed. Here is his card.”
“Thanks. And where lies the vessel?”
“It was off Blackwall the other day. I went to see it, ‘The Flying Dutchman,’—a fine vessel, and carries guns.”
“Enough. Now, heed me. There can be no immediate danger to Violante, so long as Peschiera does not meet her, so long as we know his movements. You are about to marry his sister. Avail yourself of that privilege to keep close by his side. Refuse to be shaken off. Make what excuses for the present your invention suggests. I will give you an excuse. Be anxious and uneasy to know where you can find Madame di Negra.”
“Madame di Negra!” cried Frank. “What of her? Is she not in Curzon Street?”