"Yes - " he said, "we have been paid."
Then he added, in explanation of his act.
"These rubies have no equal in the world - and the gold-work
attaching them together is extremely old. I am always curious to
admire it."
He looked down at the girl, at the necklace, at the space about
them, as though he were deeply, profoundly puzzled.
"We had a fear," he said, " - it was wrong!"
Then he put his hand swiftly into the bosom pocket of his evening
coat, took out a thin packet wrapped in a piece of vellum and
handed it to the girl.
"It became necessary to treat with the English Government about
the removal of records from Lhassa and I was sent - I was
directed to get this packet to you from London. To-night, at
dinner with Sir Henry Marquis in St. James's Square, I learned
that you were here. I had then only this hour to come, as my
boat leaves in the morning." He spoke with the extreme care of
one putting together a delicate mosaic.
The girl stood staring at the thin packet. A single thought
alone consumed her.
"It is a message from - my - father."
She spoke almost in a whisper.
The big Oriental replied immediately.
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