“In New York, remember, and nowhere else. Good day.” He turned to Madame Jordan and held out his hand.

She took it, smiling. “Goodbye. I’m not looking through you now. I see you at last.”

“And what do you see?”

“A terribly vain man. But a likable one.”

“Thank you. I’ll remember that. Goodbye.”

He left them. Eden sank wearily into a chair. “Well, that’s that. He rather wears one out. I wanted to stick for a higher figure, but it looked hopeless. Somehow, I knew he always wins.”

“Yes,” said Madame Jordan, “he always wins.”

“By the way, Sally, I didn’t want you to tell that secretary who was bringing the pearls. But you’d better tell me.”

“Why, of course. Charlie’s bringing them.”

“Charlie?”

“Detective-Sergeant Chan, of the Honolulu police. Long ago, in the big house on the beach, he was our number-one boy.”

“Chan. A Chinese?”

“Yes. Charlie left us to join the police force, and he’s made a fine record there. He’s always wanted to come to the mainland, so I’ve had it all arranged — his leave of absence, his status as a citizen, everything. And he’s coming with the pearls. Where could I have found a better messenger? Why — I’d trust Charlie with my life — no, that isn’t very precious any more. I’d trust him with the life of the one I loved dearest in the world.”

“He’s leaving tonight, you said.”

“Yes — on the President Pierce. It’s due late next Thursday afternoon.”

The door opened, and a good-looking young man stood on the threshold. His face was lean and tanned, his manner poised and confident, and his smile had just left Miss Chase day-dreaming in the outer office. “Oh, I’m sorry, dad — if you’re busy. Why — look who’s here!”

“Bob,” cried Madame Jordan. “You rascal — I was hoping to see you. How are you?”

“Just waking into glorious life,” he told her. “How are you, and all the other young folks out your way?”

“Fine, thanks. By the way, you dawdled too long over breakfast.