slipped off the table and moved across the room to an open
bureau. She seemed to look for something. Then she strolled
back to the table and took her seat on its edge once more.

"Is that a car coming? she said suddenly, her dark eyes on the
floor.

I listened. "I don't think so," I said, and stepped out on to
the balcony.

There was no sound at all. It was the dead of night indeed. I
glanced over the balustrade at the car. Her headlights burned
steadily, making the moonlit road ahead more bright.

"I can hear nothing," I said, coming back into the boudoir.

"Look," said Silvia, pointing over my shoulder.

As I turned, something struck me on the cheek. I stooped and
picked it up. A piece of flexible cord about five inches long.
I swung round and looked at the girl. On the table a pair of
scissors lay by her side.

"Why have you done this?" I demanded.

She raised her eyebrows by way of answer and reached for a
cigarette. As she lighted it, I saw that her hand was trembling.

"Silvia, dear, surely you don't think- "