All pleasure I might have
taken in my diamonds is gone now. I shall never have a peaceful
moment--never be able to wear them joyfully. I shall have the thought in
my mind that people who look at me will be saying: 'Every woman has her
price. There is the price of Maxine de Renzie.'"
"You need have no such thought, Mademoiselle," the man protested. "We
shall never speak to anyone except those who will receive our report, of
what we have heard and seen in this room."
"Won't you search further?" asked Maxine. "Since you seemed to expect
something else--"
"You would not have had time to conceal more than one thing,
Mademoiselle," said the policeman, with a smile that was faintly grim.
"Besides, this case was what you did not wish us to find. You are a
great actress, but you could not control the dew which sprang out on
your forehead, or the beating of your heart when I touched the sofa, so
I knew: I had been watching you for that. There has been an error, and I
can only apologise."
"I don't blame you, but those who sent you," said Maxine, letting me
lead her to a chair, into which she sank, limply. "I am thankful you do
not tell me these diamonds are contraband in some way.
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