There was a little rush towards the curtained space which led into the conservatories.

Before even, however, the quickest could reach the spot, the curtains were thrown back and Mrs.
Rheinholdt, her hands clasping her neck, her splendid composure a thing of the past, a panic-stricken, terrified woman, stumbled into the room.

She seemed on the point of collapse.

Somehow or other, they got her into an easy-chair.
"My jewels!" she cried.

"My diamonds!" "What do you mean, mother ?" Philip Rheinholdt asked quickly.