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80 duchess’, in which case she ought to have them; or, if they were the duke’s, they’re yours now; and you can do what you like with them.”

“He gave them me on—on a condition.”

“A condition,” said I, “no gentleman could mention, and no law enforce.”

She blushed scarlet, but sat silent.

“Revenge is sweet,” said I. “She ran away rather than meet you. You send her her diamonds!”

A sudden gleam shot into Marie Delhasse’s eyes.

“Yes,” she said, “yes.” And stopped, thinking, with her hands clasped.

“You send them by me,” I pursued, delighted with the impression which my suggestion had made upon her.

“By you? You see her, then?” she asked quickly.

“Occasionally,” I answered. The duchess’ secret was not mine, and I did not say where I saw her.

“I’ll give them to you,” said Marie—“to you, not to the duchess.”

“I won’t have ‘em at any price,” said I. “Come, your mother will be back soon. I believe you want to keep ’em.” And I assumed a disgusted air.

“I don’t!” she flashed out passionately. “I don’t want to touch them! I wouldn’t keep them for the world!”

I looked at my watch. With a swift motion, Marie Delhasse leaped from her chair, dashed