"Of course she would, and she would give me the papers at once—or instead of a promise, I have no doubt she would be perfectly satisfied with a bit of jewelry as a pledge."
"That would be simpler," said Adele, coldly. She could not but be astonished at the woman's cool effrontery, though it was impossible to refuse anything she asked. "I will give you a diamond for her to keep as a pledge," she added, "but I want the letter this afternoon."
"Yes, Excellency."
During the midday meal Adele was by turns absent and then very gay. She seemed restless and uneasy during the coffee and cigarette stage of the afternoon. Ghisleri watched her with curiosity. Fully half an hour earlier than usual she went to her room to get ready for the regulation drive.
Lucia was waiting for her, pale as death and evidently in a state of the greatest agitation. Without a word Adele unlocked her jewel case, took out a little morocco covered box, opened it, and glanced at a pair of diamond ear-rings it contained, shut it again and held it out to Lucia. To her surprise the woman drew back, clearly in great terror, and trying to get behind the long toilet table as though in fear of bodily harm.
"What is the matter?" asked Adele, in surprise. "Where is the letter? Why do you not give it to me?"
"A great misfortune has happened," gasped Lucia, hardly able to speak. "I cannot get it from the person."
"What!" Adele's voice rang through the room. "Do you want more money now? What is this comedy?"
"The letter is not there—I—she does not know where it is. It is lost—Excellency—"
"Lost? Where did you hide it?"