“I wanted to know first for certain that they had ventured so far,” Mr. Sabin said. “I believe that I am only the second person in this country who has been so much honoured.”
The woman drew nearer to him.
“Monsieur,” she said, “your only danger is to venture into such parts as these. London is so safe, and the law is merciless. They only watch. They will attempt nothing. Do not leave England. There is here no machinery of criminals. Besides, the life of monsieur is insured.”
“Insured?” Mr. Sabin remarked quietly. “That is good news. And who pays the premium?”
“A great lady, monsieur! I know no more. Monsieur must go indeed. He has found his way into the only place in London where he is not safe.”
Mr. Sabin rose.
“You are expecting, perhaps,” he said, “one of my friends from the—”
She interrupted him.
“It is true,” she declared. “He may be here at any instant. The time is already up. Oh, monsieur, indeed, indeed it would not do for him to find you.”
Mr. Sabin moved towards the door.