"A kiss to speed the wish?"
"No. Only my hand. Wait!"
"How long—in God's name?"
"Till—the Duke's found—and the pearls."
CHAPTER XXI
THE MIDDLE DOOR
"Tell her two gentlemen for a consultation," Jack Manners announced at Madame Veno's door, Nickson at his heels.
"Madame can see no more clients this afternoon, sir," replied the neat woman in black silk. "She closes for business at six, and——"
"It's not six yet," cut in Jack.
"No, sir, but she has a lady with her now. I have orders to receive no one else."