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The former was strikingly handsome and very wonderfully dressed. Her closely-clinging gown, cut slightly open in front, displayed her marvelous figure. She wore long pearl earrings, and a hat with white feathers which drooped over her fair hair. Laverick recognized her at once. "It is Mademoiselle Idiale," he said, "the most wonderful soprano in the world." "Why does she look so at you?"
A dull streak of color had mounted almost to his forehead, his eyes were on fire. "Bellamy!" he cried. "Bellamy!" Words failed him suddenly. He leaned against the table, breathless, panting heavily. "For God's sake, man," Bellamy began, "Alone!" Dorward interrupted. "I must see you alone! I have news!" Mademoiselle Idiale rose. She touched Bellamy on the shoulder.
"I can see no reason whatever," Laverick answered, "why I should take you into my confidence as to how much I know and how much I do not know. I wish you good afternoon, Mr. Lassen! I shall be ready to wait upon Mademoiselle Idiale at any time she sends for me.
He had disliked this man from the first moment he had seen him, and he saw no particular reason why he should conceal his feelings. "I am here to explain," Mr. Lassen continued, seating himself opposite to Laverick. "Mademoiselle Idiale is unfortunately prevented from seeing you. She has a severe nervous headache, and her only chance of appearing tonight is to remain perfectly undisturbed.
"It seems queer," Laverick admitted. "Thank you for ringing me up, Shepherd. Good morning!" Laverick leaned back in his chair. There was no doubt whatever now in his mind but that Mademoiselle Idiale, for some reason or other, was interested in this crime. Her wish to see the place, her introduction to him last night and her purchase of stocks, were all part of a scheme.
Lassen said firmly, "the loveliest woman in Europe and her voice is the most wonderful. It is a great combination, this. I myself have managed for many stars, I have brought to England most of those whose names are known during the last ten years; but there has never been another Louise Idiale, never will be." "I can believe it," Laverick admitted.
"You will tell him, please," she directed, "to drive to Bond Street." Laverick re-entered his office, pausing for a minute to give his clerk instructions for the purchase of stocks for Mademoiselle Idiale. He had scarcely reached his own room when he was told that Mr. James Shepherd wished to speak to him for a moment upon the telephone. He took up the receiver. "Who is it?" he asked.
If he had had the merest suspicion, do you not think that he would have stayed with us?" "Bellamy is very clever," Streuss answered. "There are too many of us to deal with, he knew that. Mademoiselle Idiale is clever, too. Remember that half the trouble in life has come about through false women. "What is it that you want?" Von Behrling demanded.
"Now I am going to make up the fire and read for a short time. I hope that you will enjoy your supper well, moderately," she added, with a little laugh. "I can promise you," he answered, "that I shall enjoy it no more than last night's or to-morrow night's." She sighed. "Poor little me!" she exclaimed. "It is not fair to have to compete with Mademoiselle Idiale. Good night!"
Laverick rose to his feet half doubtfully. Lassen's small, queerly-shaped face seemed to have become one huge ingratiating smile. "I am very glad to see you, Mr. Laverick," he said, "very glad indeed." "I have come to call upon Mademoiselle Idiale," Laverick answered, somewhat curtly.
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