“But why the Marquis of Alton?” Sylvina protested. “Is there no one else with whom the Comte would rather work?”
“I know where my gifts will be of most use,” the Comte replied, speaking for the first time. “I assure you, Mademoiselle Sylvina, if I may call you that in memory of the old days, I have much valuable information to offer the Marquis. I think, in fact, his Lordship will be extremely grateful for the introduction.”
Sylvina glanced at Mr. Cuddington.
There was appeal in her eyes, but she found that he was watching her with a speculative smile on his lips that made her feel a sudden loathing of him well up inside her.
All she wanted was to be rid of him and if it meant the writing of a letter what did it matter?
She went to her bureau, which stood at one side of the room, and
