But Dr. Horace's eyes were fixed greedily upon the bronze cup. "I see that you have the Sacred Herb Burner of Easter Island," said he, fingering the bronze lovingly.
"How do you know?"
"I saw it there. I expect Jadby stole it. This cup," said Horace, raising it aloft, "is thousands and thousands of years old. It is a remnant of Lemurian civilisation. See how like these heads are to the heads of the Easter Island statues. And the leaves of the herb are indicated. Give me this, Prelice, and I'll take it back to those poor priests on the island. They will be delighted to see it again. It is used in their sacred ceremonies."
Prelice glanced at Mona. "What do you say?" he asked. "Mrs. Rover sent it to you, my darling."
"Take it away, take it away," cried the girl, shuddering, and spreading out her hands. "I never wish to see or hear anything of the Sacred Herb again. It has been a terrible time all through, but," she added, looking tenderly at Prelice, "it has led to happiness."
"I should like to see the herb," said Lady Sophia, coming forward, with her lorgnette raised. "Dr. Horace, can you show it to me?"
"No; I can't," growled the doctor. "I gave all I had to your husband."
"There is one leaf left," said Mona, picking up the same. "Give me the cup. Dorry, have you a match?"
"Don't send us into trances," said Prelice jokingly.
"I should love it above all things," said Lady Sophia.