“What is it you want, young man?” said Beaumagnan. “The name of Mademoiselle Rousselin has procured you admittance into my flat. With what intention——”
“With the intention of continuing the conversation you had with her at the theater last night,” Ralph replied boldly.
The attack was indeed direct; but Beaumagnan did not flinch.
“I’m of the opinion that that conversation can only be continued with her, and I was expecting no one but her,” he said drily.
“Mademoiselle Rousselin has a good reason for not coming,” said Ralph.
“A very good reason?” asked Beaumagnan in a politely sceptical tone.
“Yes. She has been the victim of a murderous assault.”
“Eh, what? Someone has tried to murder her? What for?” cried Beaumagnan.
“To take the seven stones from her as you gentlemen took the seven rings,” said Ralph coldly.
The Baron and Oscar de Bennetot jumped from their chairs. Beaumagnan showed better control of himself; but he stared with astonished eyes at this quiet young man whose inexplicable intervention assumed an air of arrogant defiance. But after all this adversary looked to be of no great importance; and he let that thought appear in the careless tone in which he countered.