"You are getting discouraged."
"Call it that, if you like."
"Excuse me, if I pursue so wearisome a subject, Constance; but—does not Mr. Belknap hint at a new clue in this note of his? You must know he has written me also."
"He hints, and very vaguely."
"Well, I am anxious to look into this matter a little further. As a special favor to me will you retain the services of Mr. Belknap a little longer?"
"As you make such a point of it, yes, Mr. Lamotte; but—do you really hope to find anything new, at this late day?"
"I really do, my child, but can not put my ideas in shape, as yet. I think we shall have Mr. Belknap among us soon."
"Well, don't let him persecute me, that's all," stipulated Constance. "I have lost my faith in detectives."
"All this talk reminds me, Constance," interrupted Sybil, "mamma has had her diamonds reset for me, and they are really beautiful; besides which, papa and Mr. Burrill have added to the collection, so that in the absence of yours, I may set myself up as diamond queen. Come to my room and be dazzled."
"And leave us under a cloud," chimed in Frank. "Burrill, come, let's adjourn to the billiard room, and have a segar;" and intent upon keeping his brother-in-law in order during the time Constance should be under the roof, he slapped him cordially on his brawny shoulder, and they went out in most amiable and brotherly fashion, and entered the billiard room, where Frank permitted Burrill to cheat at the game, and eventually win it, much to the delight of that personage.