“Or would it be possible, say by your good offices, if I were to promise that she would still be here to-morrow morning, for you to go away now and return then?” went on Gerard, with an easy confidence which made Audrey look up at him askance in fresh astonishment at his self-possession.
There was another pause, and Gerard pressed his wife’s arm with another reassuring touch.
“If you’ll allow us, sir, to discuss this a moment,” said the man with the warrant civilly.
“Oh, certainly, certainly. Shall we retire and leave you here? Or will you——”
Gerard drew apart the curtains that hung between the two showrooms; and the men, with another “Thank you, sir,” passed through and conversed in a low voice in the outer room.
Once alone with her husband, Audrey wanted to speak. But he put his hand upon her mouth, and with a warning frown, kept her silent. Meanwhile he listened with keen ears to the whispering that was going on in the outer room.
In a few minutes the man in the policeman’s boots reappeared, alone. Saluting Gerard, he said:—
“We think, sir, it might be managed as you suggest. If you, sir, will give an undertaking that the lady will be here to-morrow morning, when we shall have to come again, and when we hope she’ll make no objection to coming quietly.”
“I’ll give the undertaking,” said Gerard. “Would you like it in writing?” he added quickly, going towards the writing-desk, and gently disengaging himself from Audrey’s arms.
“Oh, no sir. Not with a gentleman. I understand you are sure there is nothing in the charge, sir?”