The Dutchman rose heavily from his chair and nodded.
"It was a bad business all this," he said. "You come with us—no?"
"I'll be right along in just a minute."
He tilted his head a fraction toward Auriole and laid a finger on his lips.
Van Diest and Laurence went out. He waited until he heard their footsteps mounting the stairs before he spoke again. Auriole was looking through the window at the trees margining the little estate. She presented a charming silhouette against the light.
"Say, you look very womanly in that fawn outfit," said Hipps. "Where did you get it built?"
She turned with a smile that was a shade cynical.
"I'm glad you like it, Mr. Hipps."
"I do—fine."
"I'll wear it again."