D’ENNERIS slid reassuring hands under the elbows of his fair companions.
“You really must control yourselves,” he admonished. “The game’s up if you’re going to give way like this at the start.”
The old butler was hobbling a little way in front of them, out of earshot. Van Houben, who, with Béchoux, had stolen after them into the courtyard, breathed in the latter’s ear:
“I was the wise bird all right. It’s a good thing we’re here. . . . Look out for my diamonds, and don’t take your eye off d’Enneris.”
They crossed the court with its wide, uneven flags. The bare, blind walls of neighbouring hôtels flanked it right and left. Set back there, the lofty house of Mélamare presented an impressive appearance.
They went up a flight of six steps, and Régine Aubry exclaimed:
“If the hall floor i
