“No, no!” he said. “Why are you going away?”

“Really, monsieur, I do not understand what this means. Allow me—”

“There is no reason why you should go, madame, and very good reasons why you should remain.”

“But—”

“It is useless, madame. You cannot go.”

Trembling, she sat on a chair, and stammered:

“What is it you want?”

Ganimard had won the battle and captured the blonde Lady. He said to her:

“Allow me to present the friend I mentioned, who desires to purchase some diamonds. Have you procured the stones you promised to bring?”

“No—no—I don’t know. I don’t remember.”