"Because, my dear, I invariably use my eyes and my ears and, if possible, my tongue; and I made a discovery with regard to Mr Manchuri. He owns a big jeweller's shop in Bond Street; therefore why should not he have the necklace? So you see it is safe out of Switzerland by this time." "And," continued Mabel, "he gave thirty pounds for it?" "Oh, he didn't think much of it," said Annie. "Still, he gave me that, and I was glad to close with the offer." "Well," said Mabel, "it is a certain relief to know that it won't be found in any of the shops in Interlaken." "It is a very great relief," said Annie. "And now our object is, if possible, to make little of it to Lady Lushington. I think I can manage that; but come upstairs, won't you? I am certain your aunt won't say anything more about the stupid old thing this evening." "I hope not, I am sure," said Mabel. "But don't go in for a minute or two, Annie, for the omnibus has just arrived, and we may as well watch the fresh visitors." The girls came forward towards the deep porch. The large green-and-gold omnibus, with the words `Beau Sejour' painted conspicuously on its sides, drew up with a clatter and fuss in front of the hotel. Waiters and servants of different sorts darted out to assist the visitors to alight. The omnibus was nearly full, and there was a quantity of luggage on the roof. Ladders were put up to get it down, and the girls watched the proceedings with intense amusement--the pearl necklace forgotten, all cares for the moment laid aside. They made a pretty pair as they stood thus side by side. Annie, in her ethereal blue dress, might have been taken for that sweetest of all flowers, the blue forget-me-not; Mabel, in her purest white, for the stately lily. So thought for a brief instant a certain young man as he alighted from the omnibus; but the next moment his face changed. A hard expression came into his eyes. He came straight up to Annie Brooke. "I have come for you, Annie," he said. CHAPTER TWENTY THREE. A STERN DECISION. In the briefest of all instants everything changed for Annie Brooke; the gay people, the gay hotel, the pleasant, easy living seemed to fade from her sight. She trembled all over. Mabel looked at her in astonishment. "Come indoors; I must speak to you. We must go away to-night if possible," said John Saxon. "May I introduce my friend Mabel Lushington?" said Annie, making a valiant effort to recover herself. Saxon bowed to Mabel as though he did not see her. Annie whispered to her friend: "He is my cousin. I am afraid, my dear, that Uncle Maurice is very ill. I will come to you in your room, Mabel, soon. Please don't say a word to Lady Lushington." Mabel nodded. There was an anxious note in Annie's voice which was unmistakable. Mabel was not specially sympathetic, and would never be so to one she knew as thoroughly as she did Annie. But even she recognised the reality of Annie's present trouble.