Hortense here. She is giving trouble. You only can deal with her.
Do not delay. Come at once, or we must go to you.--Ripaldi, Hôtel
Ivoire, Rue Bellechasse."

"What does this mean? Who sends it? Who is Ripaldi?" asked Sir
Charles, rather brusquely.

"He--he--oh, Charles, I shall have to go. Anything would be better
than his coming here."

"Ripaldi? Haven't I heard the name? He was one of those in the
sleeping-car, I think? The Chief of the Detective Police called it
out once or twice. Am I not right? Please tell me--am I not
right?"

"Yes, yes; this man was there with the rest of us. A dark man, who
sat near the door--"

"Ah, to be sure. But what--what in Heaven's name has he to do with
you? How does he dare to send you such an impudent message as
this? Surely, Sabine, you will tell me? You will admit that I have
a right to ask?"

"Yes, of course. I will tell you, Charles, everything; but not
here--not now. It must be on the way. I have been very wrong, very
foolish--but oh, come, come, do let us be going. I am so afraid he
might--"

"Then I may go with you? You do not object to that?"