Juliet paused for an instant, but not to consider the money question, for she would have given not one million but all the millions she possessed to have Pat with her, alive and safe. Nor did she now care a straw whether or not these two creatures were in a plot together. She hesitated only because it seemed too good to be true that Pat should be given back to her so easily. She had suffered so much, had realized so bitterly her need of him--guilty or innocent--that she was actually dazzled by the man's offer. And when she had calmed herself by drawing a deep breath or two, she answered: "Yes, it _seems_ good to me!" "Then it is good, all right!" "How soon--can you do this?" "How soon can you get hold of the money?" "To-morrow. Of course it's too late to-day." "To-morrow then. Come here at this same time. Can you manage that?" "I will manage it," Juliet said. She remembered that she had written to Nancy van Esten, meaning to attend the rehearsal. The letter wasn't posted yet, but she would send it, and go to the theatre for a few minutes. From there, she would come here to Madame Veno's. No one could think then that she had avoided meeting Lyda Pavoya, but if she had a pressing engagement to keep, it wouldn't be _her_ fault if there were no time for introductions! Besides, Jack Manners and Sanders were supposed to be coming to-morrow afternoon, to discuss some new detail in the Duke's study--what, Juliet didn't know. The rehearsal would give her an excuse for absence while they were there, and as it was to meet Lyda, Jack would be pleased to have her go. "Remember, Madam, if you don't keep this business strictly to yourself, the Duke won't materialize," the man in the mask went on. "I assure you--not on my honour, because that's a minus quantity to you, but on your husband's--you can take my word for this. And furthermore, if you attempt to trick us you'll never have a chance again." "If there were as little chance of your tricking me, as of my tricking you," Juliet exclaimed, "I should be happy." "_Be_ happy then!" retorted the man. "The thing's settled. I'm off. And I'll tell the Duke that you send him a good message." He was out of the room before Juliet had realized that he meant to suit his action to his word! With a wild impulse she would have sprung after him to ask other questions, but the door slammed in her face. She was too late. And besides, what would have been gained by keeping the man a moment more? "I don't think there's anything further to do or say. But let him go quietly," Madame Veno advised. Juliet turned upon her. "I believe you're in this!" she cried. The elder woman smiled indulgently, as at a petulant child. "My dear, I'm _not_!" she said. "But I can't prove that, if you don't want to take my word." "Oh, well, it doesn't matter!" Juliet sighed. "What do I owe you for--your services?" "What you think they're worth. Pay me to-morrow," Madame replied.