Cassis snorted, but Cranbourne was at the book shelves in an instant.
"It's printed at the back of dictionaries," he said. "Here's one!" He
took out a volume and turned over the pages as he spoke. "This is it.
Rose—Love. Yellow rose—jealousy. White rose—I am worthy of you.
Dog rose—Hope."
"Hope," repeated Mr. Torrington.
Lord Almont struck the table and sprang to his feet.
"By God!" he cried. "Barraclough's going to win through."
In the midst of a babel of tongues the telephone rang imperatively.
Mr. Torrington picked up the receiver.
"Yes, yes," he said. "Who? You are speaking for Mr. Van Diest."
The three other men came instantly to attention and exchanged glances.
There was a pause. Then Mr. Torrington said:
"Indeed! Oh, very well—delightful," and he replaced the receiver.
"What's happened?" Almont demanded.