" But his serious business
with the Credit Lyonnais as to the negotiation of the four "raised"
bills of exchange, and his desire to at once come to terms with
Madame Berthe Louison, caused him to postpone the vending of the
jewels so neatly extorted from Ram Lal.
"I have lots of ready money now--too much, even, for safety in
travel, and the jewels will keep." With a strange anxious craving
to see his fair employer he drove directly to No. 9 Rue Berlioz on
his arrival in Paris. The impassive face of Jules Victor met his
gaze at the door.
"Madame, suddenly summoned to Poland, had begged Monsieur le Major
to address her by letter, as telegrams were most unreliable in
Russian Poland. Monsieur would, however, surely find letters at
his London address, and it was true that Madame had not expected
Monsieur's arrival for a fortnight."
"I don't believe a damned word of this fellow's yarn. There is
some sly juggling here!" ejaculated the Major as he drove back to
the Hotel Binda. His brow was black as he descended, and it grew
blacker still when he read a telegram from Euphrosyne Delande. He
studied over the unwelcome news while he made a careful business
toilet to visit the Credit Lyonnais. And a white rage shone out
upon his handsome face as he learned that Justine was useless to him
now. "Discharged without even a reward! Thrust out like a beggar
without a word of warning.
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