"What is he? Have you any idea?"
"I've heard that he's a diamond-broker. Lives in Paris, I fancy."
"Has he many callers?"
"One or two business men sometimes; but only one lady."
"A lady!" I echoed. "Who?"
"Oh, a very pretty young French girl who comes sometimes to see him," replied the clerk. Then, after reflection, he added: "I think the name is Sorel—Mademoiselle Sorel."
I started at mention of the name.
"Does she come alone?" I asked. "Excuse me making these inquiries," I added apologetically, "but I have strong reasons for doing so."
"Once she came alone, I think about six weeks ago. But she generally comes with a tall, rather ugly, but well-dressed Frenchman of about forty-five, a man who seems to be Mr. Vernon's most intimate friend."