“Presently will be time,” he said.  “We will speak together, all three of us, before you leave.”

The woman struck the table with the palm of her hand.

“There is nothing which you need say!” she exclaimed.  “It is finished, this fine scheme of yours!  See, he is here himself.  This afternoon we go to warn those whom you would rob!”

Once more that look flashed between Louis and Delora, and this time there was borne in upon me the swift consciousness of what it might mean.  Delora returned to his place opposite Felicia.  I bent across the table to Lamartine.

“Lamartine,” I said, “there was a man who came here once—­a companion of that woman—­Bartot.  He came to make trouble with Louis, and he dined here once.  He dined nowhere else on earth!”

Lamartine was suddenly grave.

“Would Louis dare!” he muttered.

“Why not?” I answered.  “See, Louis is watching us even now!”

Lamartine half rose from his seat.  I pushed him back.

“No!” I said.  “It is not for you!  It is I who will arrange this thing.”

I left my place and walked towards the table where the two were sitting.  I saw Delora lay down his knife and fork and watch me with fixed, intent gaze.  I saw Louis’ lips twist into a snarl.  He glided to the table even as I did.  I held out my hand to the woman.

“You have not forgotten me, I hope?” I asked.  “I am very glad indeed to see you in London.”

She gave me her hand, and smiled her most bewitching smile.  I turned and stared at Louis.  He had no alternative but to fall back a pace or two.

“Madame,” I said, bending towards her, “it was here that Bartot came and dined.  I have heard it whispered that it is not safe to eat here if you are not a friend of Louis’!”

For a moment she failed to grasp the significance of my words.  Then the color died slowly out of her cheeks.  Her face was like the face of an old woman.  Fear had come suddenly, and she was haggard.

“You mean that he would dare, monsieur?” she said—­

“It is easy,” I answered.  “A dozen or more of these waiters are his creatures.  From what I have heard I gather that your visit here with this gentleman is for a purpose inimical to some scheme in which Delora and Louis are interested.  I warn you that if it is so, you had better change your mind about lunching.”

“We will go at once!” she answered.  “You are very kind.  I came to confront Louis and that other with me,” she declared, nodding vigorously at her companion.  “I came because I would have them understand who it was that had ruined their plans, because they made use of me—­of Bartot and me—­and threw us aside like gloves that were finished with.  But it was a foolish thing to do, monsieur.  I see that, and I thank you now for your warning.”

She gathered her things together for her departure, and leaned across towards her companion.  What she said to him I do not know, for I returned to my place.