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thing I want you to have on your mind. And as soon as you get it done you go out and get me a couple o' those big Arab jewellers you been talkin' about. You tell 'em I want to see 'em at the hotel and tell 'em to bring the best they got right with 'em. You understand me, John?"

Le Seyeux comprehended with the greatest pleasure. His eyes brightened; he smiled and nodded eagerly. "Without fail! In half an hour after we arrive I will bring them to see you. They will show you some of the most splendid——"

Mrs. Tinker's voice, shrill and strained, interrupted them. She leaned farther out of the window and fumbled with the handle of the door as if to open it and descend. "What are you talking about now?" she called fiercely. "Earl! Do you hear me? What do you have to have all these mysterious conferences about? Will you kindly inform me?"

"Mother!" Olivia said imploringly. "Please remember——"

"Be quiet, Libby; let me alone!" Mrs. Tinker became impassioned, and she renewed her inquiries to her husband as he drew nearer. "What do you have to talk to the courier so much in secret about? What are all these mysterious——"