"Yes." She shuddered. "But this terrible place. I am afraid."
"Then why come here? I am going to see Mr. Gramp on Miss Marlow's behalf. If you like, I will represent you also."
"No, thank you; I must see him myself."
"Very well. I suppose you are not staying in town?"
"Yes, at the Norfolk Hotel. I shall remain until to-morrow, so as to sell my jewels and bribe this man."
"There will be no need to sell your jewels," said Alan soothingly. "I will be responsible for the blackmail. Have you the jewels with you?"
"No, I dared not bring them. He might have robbed me. They are in my bedroom at the hotel."
"Then go back at once and look after them. I will bring this man there in, let us say, an hour."
"Thank you, Mr. Thorold," she said. "I accept your offer. I am really afraid to go down that slum."
He gazed after her fine figure as she walked hurriedly away. Somehow that haughty air and resolute gait did not fit in well with her expression of fear. It was curious. He felt there was something strange about Mrs. Warrender. However, she had been open enough with him, so he did not choose to think badly of her.