He was consequently startled by a gentle murmur from one of the heavily curtained window recesses.

It was a woman's voice--low, sweet, caressing, and filled with an almost pathetic tenderness.

And it was followed by a distinct gurgling satisfied crow.
Barker turned instantly in that direction.

A step brought him to the curtain, where a singular spectacle presented itself.
Seated on a lounge, completely absorbed and possessed by her treasure, was the "horrid woman" whom his wife had indicated only a little while ago, holding a baby--Kitty's sacred baby--in her wanton lap! The child was feebly grasping the end of the slender jeweled necklace which the woman held temptingly dangling from a thin white jeweled finger above it.

But its eyes were beaming with an intense delight, as if trying to respond to the deep, concentrated love in the handsome face that was bent above it.
At the sudden intrusion of Barker she looked up.