“I forgot that; never mind, it deepens the mystery; and after this performance, I’m prepared for any enormity. It’s my fate; I submit,” said Amy, tragically, as she waved her pretty hand to and fro, pleased with the flash of the ring.
“Amy, I think on the whole I won’t speak to uncle. He is quick to take offence, especially where we are concerned. He doesn’t understand foreign ways, and may get into trouble. We will manage it quietly ourselves.”
“How, Nell?”
“Karl is discreet; we will merely say we found these things and wish to discover the owner. He may know this ‘S. P.,’ and, having learned his address, we can send them back. The man will understand; and as we leave to-morrow, we shall be out of the way before he can play any new prank.”
“Have in Karl at once, for if I wear this lovely thing long I shall not be able to let it go at all. How dared the creature take such a liberty!” and Amy pulled off the ring with an expression of great scorn.
“Come into the salon and see what Karl says to the matter. Let me speak, or you will say too much. One must be prudent before—”
She was going to say “servants,” but checked herself, and substituted “strangers,” remembering gratefully how much she owed this man.
Hoffman came, looking pale, and with his hand in a sling, but was as gravely devoted as ever, and listened to Helen’s brief story with serious attention.
“I will inquire, mademoiselle, and let you know at once. It is easy to find persons if one has a clue. May I see the handkerchief?”
Helen showed it. He glanced at the initials, and laid it down with a slight smile.