'I don't wish to hurt your feelings, Miss Bewicke, so I'll say you've been amusing yourself with some dainty, delicate device, and I shouldn't be surprised to learn that you have that ruby on your person at this moment.'
Miss Bewicke, walking to the bell, pressed her finger against the button, so that it kept up a continuous ringing. Mr Burton watched her with a smile.
'You see, there's no one there. You might have taken my word.'
'Where is Miss Casata?'
'Where is she? That's the question. Where's everyone?'
'If I am unable to attract the attention of my own servants, thanks to you, my friends in the next flat will hear the unceasing tinkling of the bell, and guess that there is something wrong.'
'I should be sorry, Miss Bewicke, to have to seem rude to a lady--'
'On the contrary, I should imagine that few things would give you greater pleasure; you are that kind of person.'
'At the same time, I must request you to leave that bell alone.'
He went closer to her. His moving away from it left the door unguarded. Over her shoulder she shot a glance at Miss Broad. That young lady, catching it, perceived the little ruse she had been playing. Hurrying to the door, she began to turn the key, and had already unlocked it when Mr Burton came rushing back to the post which he had been beguiled into deserting.