The man delivered himself of a guttural, choking sound, and finally:
“She promised one hundred pounds,” he confessed hoarsely.
“But you surely did not accept a mere promise? Out with it. What did she give you?”
“A ring,” came the confession at last.
“A ring. I see. I will take it with me if you don't mind. And now, finally, what was it that she left behind?”
“Ah, Gott!” moaned the man, dropping into a chair and resting his arms upon the table. “It is all a great panic, you see. I hurry her out by the back stair from this landing and she forgets her bag.”
“Her bag? Good.”
“Then I clear away the remains of dinner so I can say Mr. De Lana is dining alone. It is as much my interest as the lady's.”
“Of course! I quite understand. I will trouble you no more, Mr. Meyer, except to step into your office and to relieve you of that incriminating evidence, the lady's bag and her ring.”