'You were right, young lady,' he said. 'That was the man.'
CHAPTER V
SUSCEPTIBLE MR. KESSNER
There was a vigour in her walk, a determination in her face, which made Lavendale pause for an instant before he crossed the street to accost Suzanne de Freyne. It was perfectly clear to him that she was bound upon a serious errand. She was dressed with her usual subdued elegance but with more, even, than her usual simplicity. In her black tailor-made costume, her small hat and neat patent shoes, she looked like the Rue de la Paix at four o'clock in the afternoon during its halcyon days. He was forced to quicken his pace to intercept her.
'Good morning, Miss de Freyne!'
She turned quickly around and held out her left hand. Her greeting was cordial enough, but her air of abstraction did not altogether disappear.
'Where have you been hiding for the last few days?' she asked.
'I came back from Holland last night,' he replied. 'I have been in Germany again.'
'Any news?' she asked quickly.
'Nothing very wonderful. I needn't ask how things are with you. I can tell that you have something on hand. Can I help?'