They were back behind the hedge in so short a time that the day scarcely appeared real. She left him a moment in the hall while she ran upstairs to see Marie. The latter was still in bed, and at sight of her young mistress had a sharp question upon her lips.
"Chèrie," she demanded, "why did not Ben go with you?"
"Ben?" faltered the girl.
"He was downstairs an hour after you left and would not come in to see me."
"Ben was here?"
"I shouted to him and he answered me. But his voice sounded bad. Is it well with him?"
"He may be here now. I will run down and see."
She flew down the stairs and into his room. It was empty. She rushed into her own room. It had been rifled. Every drawer was open, and it took but a glance to see that her few jewels were missing. She panted back to Marie.
"You are sure it was he who was here?"
"Do you think I do not know his voice after all these years?"