"Indeed,
it will be for the best."
Mr. Sabin set down his glass. His steadfast gaze seemed to reduce
Annette into a state of nervous panic.
"Annette," he said, "they have placed me upon the list."
"It is true, monsieur," she answered. "Why do you come here?"
"I wanted to know first for certain that they had ventured so far,"
Mr. Sabin said. "I believe that I am only the second person in
this country who has been so much honoured."
The woman drew nearer to him.
"Monsieur," she said, "your only danger is to venture into such
parts as these. London is so safe, and the law is merciless. They
only watch. They will attempt nothing. Do not leave England.
There is here no machinery of criminals. Besides, the life of
monsieur is insured."
"Insured?" Mr. Sabin remarked quietly. "That is good news. And
who pays the premium?"
"A great lady, monsieur! I know no more. Monsieur must go indeed.
He has found his way into the only place in London where he is not
safe."
Mr. Sabin rose.
"You are expecting, perhaps," he said, "one of my friends from
the--"
She interrupted him.
"It is true," she declared. "He may be here at any instant. The
time is already up. Oh, monsieur, indeed, indeed it would not do
for him to find you."
Mr. Sabin moved towards the door.
"You are perhaps right," he said regretfully, "although I should
much like to hear about this little matter of life insurance while
I am here.
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