formally. "It always helps me." He
struck a match and lighted the tobacco, apparently preoccupied. "What
next? you ask. This. Have you ever seen that Pinero play, _The Gay Lord
Quex_?"

She shook her head, puzzled.

"Ah! that's a pity, for I am going to borrow a hint if you are
difficile. If you refuse to confess I mean to keep you locked up here
till the morning."

"And then?"

"Then I shall ring for my shaving-water. And where's your character?"

She bit her lips. "I mistook you for a gentleman."

"Ah! that was the fault of the top hat. I'm really a detective and can't
afford the luxury of sentiment."

Mizzi nibbled a finger-nail, and watched him with sparkling eyes. It was
clear that she was not at ease, that she had not expected to find him so
ready with a plan, so determined in dishonor. Being a woman, it is
probable that she did not altogether blame him. Lionel smiled, reading
her, as he thought, like a book.

"Well, what is it to be?"

She made a disconsolate gesture.

"You are too strong," she said, and smiled in pitiful appeal. "Ah,
monsieur! once you would not have----"

"That line is useless," said Lionel brutally. He was playing for high
stakes and could not afford to waste a trick. "Once I flirted and had
the pleasure of a kiss. Never again, my pretty schemer! So don't try it
on!"

She looked bewildered.

"You misunderstand me cruelly. But as I am to be beaten, let us get to
business. What do you wish to know?"

"Where are the papers?"

She did not attempt to parry now. "They are not in this house."

"That is a lie."

She shrugged again.

"Monsieur is not discriminating. I tell you the truth. I took the papers
and have hidden them. They are not here. If you like, here are my
keys"--she held them out--"you may search my boxes."

He looked steadily at her. There was no wavering in her tone, no
weakness in the eyes or mouth. Belief was imperative.

"Very well," he said. "Where have you hidden them?"

"I will not tell you that."

"You know the penalty?"

"Yes, and I do not care. I tell you so much, but not that."

Her voice was so inflexible, so cold and so indifferent that he felt
defeat at hand.

"Leave it for the present, then. Have you sold them?"

"No. They would not pay the price."

"And you are waiting till they increase their offer?"

"Perhaps."

"Perhaps!" he echoed. "But you mean to sell them?"

She smiled faintly.

"Perhaps. I may have stolen them for other