"Only five minutes," said I, looking at my watch. "I have been waiting at the head of the stairs for that time. However, we can soon walk round to Jermyn Street."
"Do you think anyone will know me, Mr. Denham?" said Olivia, taking my arm. "See, I have on a plain dress, and this veil is a thick one."
"No one will recognize you," I answered soothingly; "nor do I think you will meet any one of your acquaintances."
"I should have brought my mother, but that I wished her to know nothing of this treachery. If I find I have been deceived, I shall break off my engagement with Francis. But you will keep silent about my visit, will you not, Mr. Denham?"
"No one shall hear a word from me," I answered earnestly. "But keep up your spirits, Miss Bellin. Even if you find you have been deceived, there will be some consolation in knowing that it is Felix, and not Francis."
"You are wrong there," she replied positively; "it is Francis. I have told you so all along."
I shrugged my shoulders without reply. Evidently nothing could shake her faith in the man. All I could hope for was that the two confederates would betray themselves.
"What are you going to do, Mr. Denham?" asked Olivia anxiously.
"We will go up to the rooms of Briarfield," I answered, "and there overhear their conversation."
"Is that not dishonorable?" she said, shrinking back.