Only as he drew something from it did she realise what he intended to do.
He had a replica of Holbein’s portrait, which he intended to substitute in the frame.
No one, unless they were very observant and very knowledgeable, would realise what had happened and in the meantime he would then be in possession of the real Holbein.
Vanora drew in her breath at the idea of it being stolen and doubtless lost for ever.
She peeped again at what Alice Morgan was doing.
She had moved all the volumes at the end of the top shelf onto the floor of the balcony and now she reached out her hand and gave a little cry of excitement.
“I have found it! I have found it, Cyril!”
She spoke in a whisper but it carried to her husband in the empty room.
“Good,” he replied. “Harry will be delighted. Of course
