But at that moment Tufnell approached his mistress and caught her eye.

A slight shade of annoyance crossed her brow as she listened to something he communicated in a low voice, and she turned to her guests.
"I must ask you to excuse me for a few moments," she said.
She rose from her place and left the room.

As the door closed behind her the ladies turned eagerly to Musard.
"Now, please, tell us about the ruby," said several in unison.
The explorer glanced at the eager faces looking towards him.
"Very well, I will tell you the story," he said quietly, but with visible reluctance..