If I'd known I'd have learned about those blamed emeralds." "What did you do with the copy of the manuscript you stole ?" asked Don Pedro sharply.

"I know there was a copy, as my father told me so.

I have the original myself, but the transcript--and not a translation, as I fancied--appeared in Sir Frank Random's room to-day, hidden behind some books." Hervey made no move, but smoked steadily, with his eyes on the carpet.
However, Archie, who was observing keenly, saw that he was more startled than he would admit.

The explanation had taken him by surprise.
"Explain!" cried the Peruvian sharply.
Hervey looked up and fixed a pair of very evil eyes on the Don.
"See here," he remarked, "if the lady wasn't present, I'd show you that I take no orders from any yellow--that is, from any low-down Don." "Lucy, my dear, leave us," said Braddock, rising, much excited; "we must have this matter sifted to the bottom, and if Hervey can explain better in your absence, I think you should go." Although Miss Kendal was very anxious to hear all that was to be heard, she saw the advisability of taking this advice, especially as Hope gave her arm a meaning nudge.
"I'll go," she said meekly, and was escorted by her lover to the door.
There she paused.

"Tell me all that takes place," she whispered, and when Archie nodded, she vanished promptly.