Nick decided that Chief Weston was correct in stating that this woman did a lucrative business.
From a chair near the window a young girl quickly arose, laying aside a novel, and Nick inquired if Madame Victoria was in.
“Yes, sir, but she is engaged just now,” said the girl. “She will be at liberty in a few minutes, however.”
“I’ll wait,” said Nick tersely.
“Take a chair, sir. If you will give me your card, sir, I will take it to Madame Victoria as soon as her visitor leaves, and will learn whether she will give you a sitting at this time. It is nearly her hour for lunch.”
Nick did not discuss the matter. He gave the girl a card bearing a fictitious name, with several of which he was always provided.
Presently a richly dressed, middle-aged woman emerged from an inner room, drying her eyes with her handkerchief. She hurriedly departed, however, after viewing her hat and hair in the mirror.
“She must have heard from some dead one,” thought Nick, with grim derisiveness. “Either that, or some infernal calamity has been predicted for her. I’m blessed if I’m not a good bit curious to know what I shall get in there. Maybe I shall get it in the neck.”
He had not long to wait, for the servant presently announced that Madame Victoria would receive him in the inner room.
Nick left his hat on the table, and entered.