Mistral was relieved at her aunt’s decision. She also was ready to leave, for she had experienced too many conflicting emotions this evening for it to have been in any way a happy one. Emilie had already paid the bill and now she led the way across the room, choosing a moment when the band was not playing and the floor was clear of dancers.

Their exit was dramatic and well-timed, with everyone’s eyes directed on them. Mistral tried to move slowly and with dignity across the empty polished boards, striving as usual to think of other things, to forget both herself and the people watching her.

She could not, however, forbear to give one quick glance towards Sir Robert’s table. He was not looking at her, instead he was paying the bill which a waiter was presenting to him. Lady Violet appeared to be irritated, drumming her fingers on the table, her mouth drooping sulkily, and Mistral quickly looking away again wondered how she could be anything but happy when she was with Sir Robert.

Emilie and Mistral reached the entrance hall of the Restaurant, where attendants ran in search of their cloaks and the linkman outside was instructed to call a carriage.

They waited for a few moments and then were informed that the carriage was outside. Emilie swept out on to the steps. A carriage was drawing up and an attendant hurried ahead to open the door. Several other people came crowding out behind them, and Mistral noticed one of the dark-skinned men who had dined with the Rajah. She met his eyes and looked away hastily. There was something in his expression which made her feel uncomfortable.

Emilie moved forward to step into the carriage. As she did so, the man who had been with the Rajah pushed past Mistral and put his hand on Emilie’s arm. He whispered something in her ear, but Mistral could not hear what it was. She only saw her aunt start violently and heard the man say ominously,

‘You must hear me, Madame.’

Emilie turned her head and saw Mistral listening.

‘Get into the carriage,’ she commanded.

Mistral did as she was told, though surprised at the order. She wondered what the Rajah’s friend could possibly have to say to Aunt Emilie.

It was dark inside the carriage, and she seated herself at the far side leaving the seat nearest to the open door for Aunt Emilie. Suddenly the door was closed and almost instantly the horses started off, moving at first slowly and then quicker and quicker. Mistral gave a little cry.

‘Wait!’ she called. ‘There is someone else to come! A lady has been left behind!’