But I really think you are unwise.' Drake sat staring in front of him.

He was considering Mallinson's visit in conjunction with the reappearance of the emerald ring upon Miss Le Mesurier's finger.

'All the same,' he said at length, 'I shall wait.' The reason for this hesitation he explained more fully to Clarice herself some half an hour afterwards.

He found her standing by herself upon the terrace.

She started nervously as he approached, and it seemed to him that her whole figure stiffened to a posture of defence.