He appeared totally unconscious of her presence.
The woman bent her beautiful head, observing him closely.

Following her eyes, Ronnie saw a ruffle of old lace falling from the 'cellist's throat, a broad crimson ribbon crossing his breast, on which glittered a diamond star.
The woman waited.
Ronnie watched.
The 'cellist played on.
The fire burned low.
Then another log fell.

Again flames darted upward.
Ronnie saw the woman lay her left hand noiselessly upon the back of the Italian chair, then slip her right behind her and take something bright, off a table covered with bright things.

And, as he watched, she flung her right hand high above her head, and in it, point downwards, gleamed the sharp blade of a dagger.
Her eyes met Ronnie's in the mirror.

A gleam of malicious triumph shot from them.
He knew she was about to kill the unconscious 'cellist.
His one thought was to warn and to save him.