The girl nodded. She began to understand Palermo’s plans.
“You will watch him carefully,” said Palermo. “Very carefully, and alluringly. Young Archer will leave you with George Clarendon. Perhaps you can detain Clarendon from then on.
“If he should depart unexpectedly, express your regret, and arrange to see him again. And should he leave tomorrow night, call me as soon as he is gone.”
There was silence in the mysterious room. Palermo was scheming in his mind. Thelda was considering the prospect of the coming night; but more than that, she was lost in the glamour of her present surroundings, in the presence of the man she loved. Palermo’s voice suddenly broke into her reverie.
“You must go now,” he said.
“No, no!” protested Thelda. “No, no, Albert! Let me stay a while—”
Doctor Palermo shook his head.
“Not yet,” he said. “You must go, and you must stay away until I summon you. That will be after we have ended this menace.
“Tomorrow night may bring us freedom. I am counting on you, Thelda.”
The girl rose sadly.