“I should say there is every chance it will, unless Valerie’s nerve fails her at the last moment,” was Moreno’s diplomatic answer.
Mrs Hargrave gave a little shudder. Her pretty delicate face went a shade paler.
“I cannot help feeling glad that I wasn’t brought into it.”
Moreno bent upon her his keen glance. “And yet I should not put you down as a very tender-hearted person.”
“I don’t know that I am, or should be under certain circumstances. But I have no grudge against these people, no particular wrong to avenge. Aren’t you really glad you are out of it?”
“I suppose, in a way, I am. Still, one feels a bit of a coward in letting Valerie take all the risk. It seems taking advantage of her bravery, to snatch at the chance of avoiding all danger for oneself.”
“I shall sit up very late, on the chance of hearing the news.”
“On the contrary, I think I shall go to bed early,” said Moreno. “We shall hear nothing to-night in this distant quarter. And in the morning there will be the news, or no news at all. The Chief will let us know.”
The great Contraras, very upright and vigorous for his age, was shown into Mademoiselle Delmonte’s sitting-room. She sprang up eagerly at his entrance.
“I am so glad you have come. You are a little late, are you not? Luncheon will be served in a few moments.”