And I would never ask such a concession
did I not know, were your beloved here at this moment, he would
endorse every word that I say, and--"
"Harry!" cried Charlotte, her voice shaking. "He would tell me to
give it to you?"
"I am sure of it! It is as though he, through me, were urging you
to do this!"
For some moments there was silence. Charlotte must have been
tremendously impressed. It certainly was amazing the degree of
confidence that Avec's voice induced. I wouldn't have been greatly
surprised had my sister--
"Mr. Avec," came Charlotte's voice, hesitatingly, almost
sorrowfully. "I--I would like to believe you; but--but Harry
himself gave me the ring, and I feel--oh, I'm sure that my brother
would never agree to it!"
"I understand." Somehow the fellow managed to conceal any
disappointment he may have felt. He contrived to show only a deep
sympathy for Charlotte as he finished: "If I find it possible to
protect you, I shall, Miss Fenton."
After it was all over, and I returned to the rooms, Charlotte and
I concluded that it might have been better had we made some sort
of compromise. If we had made a partial concession, he might have
told us something of the mystery. We ought to have bargained. We
decided that if he made any attempt to carry out what I felt sure
were merely a thinly veiled threat to punish us for keeping the
gem, we must not only be ready for whatever he might do, but try
to trap and keep him as well.
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