For pity's sake, come to my house when the
play's over, to tell me what you've done, if you've been able to do
anything. Be there at twelve."
"I promise."
"Thank you. I shall live for that moment. Now, give me the diamonds, and
I'll go. I don't want you to be seen with me outside this room."
I gave her the necklace, and she was at the door before I could open it.
CHAPTER VII
IVOR IS LATE FOR AN APPOINTMENT
I was glad to be alone, for as I had said, I wanted to think quietly.
Maxine had taken the diamonds, but she had slipped the necklace into the
bosom of her dress, pressing it down through the rather low-cut opening
at the throat, and had therefore left the leather case. I picked the
thing up from the table where she had thrown it, and examined it
carefully for the first time.
It had not been originally intended as a jewel-case, that was clear; and
as Maxine's voice had rung unmistakably true when she denied all
previous knowledge of it to the police, I judged that the diamonds had
not been in it when the Duchess entrusted them to du Laurier. He would
almost certainly have described to Maxine the box or case which had been
stolen from him, and if the thing pulled out from the sofa-hiding-place
had recalled his description, she must have betrayed some emotion under
the keen eyes of the Commissary of Police.
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