The portico of the American House was in sight now. They drew nearer and nearer. Ten steps more—
“Quick!” she whispered. She pulled violently at his arm, and in an instant he found himself inside a jeweler’s shop. “He was there—outside the hotel!” she whispered. “If he’d turned his head! He’d surely have killed you! Isn’t that a sweet bracelet?”
This last remark was for the benefit of the young man who had come behind the counter. He seemed pleased, and brought out the bracelet in a velvet box.
“Sweet, isn’t it?” she murmured.
She nudged Edward hard. He glanced at her, and a thrill of terror ran through him. She was smiling archly at him. Her tears had in no way marred a most lovely and piquant face. She was a beautiful and elegant woman, such as Edward had frequently seen in his office. He knew these pampered beings, and their naïve and exorbitant demands.
“Yes,” he replied faintly.
“Get it for me, dear!” she said.
He was stupefied.
“I want it! Get it for me, dear!” she repeated, with the same arch smile; but her elbow dug sharply into his ribs.
“How much?” he asked in a hollow voice.