She slipped a great bar of diamonds from her bodice, held it out.
"It cost a thousand," she said. "But you've saved me."
"I'll take it if I see the boy," said Esmé, sullenly.
"Not until Cyril's out of London. Telephone to me. I dare not."
Esmé's fingers closed on the glittering toy she held. It was magnificent; meant ease, peace—for months.
"So again I sell him," she said bitterly. "Go, Denise, quickly, while there is time."
She was pressed against Denise by the crowd, struggled away just as Sir Cyril came down the stairs to his wife.
Esmé slipped the diamond bar inside her dress, fastening the clasp to some lace. She went back to the Italian doctor, sat talking to him, saw him leave, and at the last was almost discovered.
For Luigi, bowing low over his country-woman and hostess, had told joyously of his meeting with Milady Blakeney.
"I will tell the uncle who said she was not fair that he is blind," he laughed.