Part 20 (1/2)
The gayety was at its height when the maid entered and whispered in her ear:
”There's a gentleman downstairs.”
Helen looked at the girl in surprise.
”A gentleman? What's his name?”
”I don't know, m'm. He wouldn't say.”
”Very well, I'll go down.”
Slipping away un.o.bserved, Helen made her way downstairs and throwing back the heavy tapestry portieres entered the drawing room which was almost in complete darkness. The maid had forgotten to switch on the electrolier and as the only light came from the distant dining-room, the big parlor was practically all in gloom. Before her eyes had become quite accustomed to the dark, a man advanced out of the shadow.
It was Signor Keralio.
She recognized him instantly and instinctively she shrank back, alarmed. How had he dared come again to her house after what had occurred? He noticed the movement and asked:
”I see that I'm unwelcome. Do I frighten you so much?”
Coldly she answered:
”You do not frighten me. You surprise me. I did not expect this pleasure after what pa.s.sed between us the last time you were here.”
Making a half turn, as if about to leave the room, she added quickly: ”I have company upstairs. You must excuse me.”
She walked away and had almost reached the door, when, with a quick stride, he intercepted her.
”Please don't go. I am here in your own interest. I want to talk to you--just a moment, about----”
She hesitated.
”About what?” she demanded haughtily.
”About your husband.”
”My husband?” she echoed, turning and facing him.
”Yes--your husband. He is in danger. I want to help you and--him.”
”Kenneth in danger?” she faltered. ”What do you mean?”
He pointed to a chair.
”Won't you sit down. I won't keep you a moment. I will tell you everything----”
She sat down like one in a dream. Taking a seat near her, he began in his low, musical tones.
”Peril threatens your husband. It is known that he has gone to South Africa to bring home diamonds of almost inestimable value. A number of desperate men, who stop at nothing to accomplish their ends, have taken steps to secure the diamonds at any cost--even at the price of a human life.”
A chill ran through her, but her voice was firm as she demanded scornfully: