I want to measure the rooms and corridors, make rough sketches showing the positions and sizes of all the doors and windows, take some photos - all so I can figure out distances, camera angles, lighting and sound problems, decide which rooms could be used for the various scenes, and so on.'

'That's fine by me, old man. Go wherever you like.'

Before Haggermeir could reply, the conversation was interrupted by the entry of Merryweather, who approached them, said 'Excuse me, my lord,' and addressed Haggermeir. 'A visitor has arrived and is asking for you, sir.'

'Ah, is it our friend Lorenzo, by any chance?'

'That is the name, sir.'

Haggermeir said, 'I'll come out.'

Lord Burford said, 'No need, my dear chap. I'm sure we all want to see this mysterious stranger. Is this person presentable, Merryweather?'

'Eminently so, I should say, my lord.'

'Then let the stranger be presented.'

Merryweather bowed his head and withdrew. Half a minute passed and then he reappeared, to announce solemnly, 'Signorina Lorenzo.'

There was a stunned silence as a magnificent figure swept imperiously into the room. She was about thirty-five, tall, with long, jet-black hair, dark flashing eyes and a flawless complexion. Her features, bold and regular, were more striking than beautiful. She looked as though she might have a superb figure; however, at the moment, it was obscured by a sumptuous mink coat, which made the eyes of every woman present widen. On her head she wore a toque in matching fur.

She stood, regally surveying the room.

Rex muttered, 'Holy mackerel! It's Laura Lorenzo.'

Haggermeir stepped somewhat hesitantly forward. 'Signorina Lorenzo? This is, er, indeed a great . . .'

She eyed him up and down. 'Who are you?'

'Oh - sorry - I'm, er, Cyrus Haggermeir. I believe you—'

'Ah.' She gave a satisfied nod. 'You are Haggermeir. So, Meesta Producer, you want Laura Lorenzo, eh? Well, here she is. Perhaps you will have her - if you can sateesfy her. But it will cost you. Oh yes, it will cost you many dollars.'

For several seconds Haggermeir gazed at the woman, speechless. At last he managed to stammer, 'I - I see. Well, that's - that's certainly a most interesting . . . Do I - er, understand that you're offering me your services?'

'That is what I am here to talk about, is it not?'

'You are? I see. Well, in that case, perhaps . . .'

She said, 'Are you seek?'

'Seek? Oh, sick. No, I'm fine.'

'Then why you behave like an imbecile?'

Haggermeir's eyes bulged and Rex gave a snort of suppressed laughter. Laura bestowed on him a crushing glance - into which puzzled semi-recognition could be read - before turning back to Haggermeir.