'At once. And get the ruby from her somehow; I don't care how, but get it. And meet me here in the morning with it in your hand.'
'But, dearest, Miss Bewicke goes to the theatre.'
'I don't care where she goes.'
'Exactly, but I can hardly interview her in the theatre; and, in any case, she would scarcely have the ruby with her there.'
'Then see her after.'
'After the theatre?'
'Oh, Guy, don't keep asking me questions! If you only knew how I hate the notion of your seeing her at all, especially to solicit a favour at her hands. But since I suppose you must, you must get it over. Only I know what took place between you before; papa knows and everybody knows--heaps of people have told me.' A curious something came into her voice, a sort of choking sound. It frightened Mr Holland. 'Guy, you must see her to-night--to-night--and never again. Get the ruby from her if you have to fight her for it, and meet me here to-morrow morning with it in your hand.'
Without a word of warning she scurried from him down the path. He called after her.
'Letty!'
'Don't try to stop me. I don't want to speak to you when you're going to see that woman.'