“But,” he added with more animation, “how have I made a beginning already?”
“By making yourself agreeable to Miss Leonie Sherman. It is her father, Senator Sherman, who is bringing the real bonds,” was the answer, which struck a chill to the Duke’s heart and kept him speechless with amazement. This old scoundrel seemed to know everything, to have arranged everything, irrespective of time and space.
“You ought to be grateful for my foresight in smoothing the way for you,” Ziegler croaked, in evident enjoyment of his perplexity. “It was my agent who, by securing the good offices of a steward, had you placed next Miss Sherman at the saloon table on the St. Paul, with the result that he was able to report to me this morning from Southampton by telegraph that you had made use of your opportunity.”
“I see,” was all the Duke could feebly repeat.
“You have been invited to call on the Shermans in London? You know where they are staying, 140 Grosvenor Gardens?”
“Yes,” said Beaumanoir.
“Good! Then your Grace will go on as you
[36]
