“C. Q.”; or, In the Wireless House
“Oui, Madame,” said the maid. “But the stewardess believes them to have been bought in Paris. Oh, Madame! Last week they put a lady in prison who did not declare her furs.”
Fantine began to wring her hands and walk excitedly up and down the room. Lily turned hot and then cold. Her knees seemed to have lost their strength.
“Nonsense!” she cried in a tone unconvincing even to herself. “Nonsense!”
“It is true, Madame!” wailed Fantine hysterically. “Madam Corwin-Hill was sent to the—comment e’appellez-vous—the sepulcre—”
“Tombs”—corrected Lily.
“And another lady hung herself out of a window for shame and disgrace!”
“Stop, you fool!” almost shouted Lily. “Why do you tell me such things!”
But she sank into a chair and ground her nails into her palms. No, it was too late. The declaration was beyond her control,—and so were the pearls. She must bluff it through.
As soon as she was dressed she stepped out upon the deck into the gorgeous sunlight that257
