Part 38 (1/2)

”Why do you play with me like this?” he cried in anger, gripping her roughly by the arm. ”I want five hundred pounds, and I'll have it before you leave this place.”

”How is that possible when I do not possess it? Do talk sense.”

”I'm talking sense. You have it; you can give it me if you choose.”

”What do you mean?”

”The diamonds you are wearing. They're worth that, I suppose.”

She hesitated, and holding her wrist to the dull lamplight revealed the diamond bangles which sparkled and flashed as she moved. His proposal was somewhat disconcerting, for the bracelets, as well as the necklet she was wearing, were a portion of Hugh's wedding gifts. She was puzzled to know how she should account for them if she yielded to the man's inexorable demands.

”I cannot. My husband would inquire what had become of them. What could I say? If I told him they were lost he would give information to the police, and you could not get rid of them without some ugly revelations resulting.”

”It's no use arguing. I mean to have them.”

He had taken the notes and thrust them carelessly into his vest pocket.

”No, my dear Percy, the thing's impossible.”

”Nonsense,” he cried fiercely, at the same time making a sudden s.n.a.t.c.h at the row of gleaming stones which encircled her white neck. When she saw his intention she put both hands up in an endeavour to prevent him, and gave vent to a slight scream.

But she was powerless. The clasp snapped, and the necklet was a moment later in his pocket.

”Return that at once,” she cried, stamping her foot with rage. ”If you don't I'll tell the police you've robbed me.”

The captain stuck his hands into his pockets and laughed.

”Go and tell them, my dear,” he said. ”We should make an interesting pair before the magistrate.”

”I never thought you were such a coward as to rob a woman,” observed she, with indignant disgust, after demanding the return of her necklet several times, and being met with blank refusal.

”My dear Valerie,” he replied coolly, ”you needn't be surprised. When I want money, I'm ready to do anything in order to get it. But it's getting late,” he continued, glancing at the clock. ”Isn't it almost time you were at home?”

His bitter sarcasm maddened her. She did not speak for a few moments.

”I've had an ill.u.s.tration to-night of your fair dealing, Captain Willoughby,” she said in a low, harsh voice, her face flushed with pa.s.sion. ”When I met you I meant to pay the amount I arranged, but now you've taken my jewellery from me by force, and acted as the scoundrel you are, not another farthing shall you have--”

”Oh, won't I? You'll pay up when I come to you next time.”

”We shall see,” she said meaningly; and, drawing her cloak around her, she pulled down her veil and left the room, banging the door after her.

She knew her way out, for it was evident that it was not the first time she had been there.

When alone, the captain reseated himself, and, taking the necklet from his pocket, examined it carefully with the eye of a connoisseur.

”Humph,” he murmured to himself, ”they seem well-matched stones. I shall ask old Vlieger two hundred and fifty for it, and he'll send it over to Amsterdam and get it out of the way in case any inquiries are made. You've had a very profitable evening, Percy, my boy--very profitable.”

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR.

TRUTH IN MASQUERADE.