‘Instead of thinking about food, listen to me,’ Chrissie said. ‘The Rajah is crazy about you.’

‘You said that before.’

‘You didn’t reply.’

‘It didn’t seem to need a reply,’ Stella smiled. ‘We shouldn’t be here if he wasn’t fond of me.’

‘I know that,’ Chrissie said. ‘People get crazy about you,

Stella, but they don’t stay crazy. If you lose the Rajah, I think I’ll murder you with my own hands.’

Stella laughed.

‘Then you’d better start eating more and getting your strength up,’ she said. ‘Do you know how many women have stayed in this Villa before us?’

‘I don’t know and I don’t care,’ Chrissie answered.

‘Well, François will tell you.’ Stella said. ‘He says the Rajah gets bored with women quicker than anyone he’s ever met, and he’s worked for several Rajahs and Maharajahs. He was telling me what they have to eat. Goodness, Chrissie, you wouldn’t believe that people could eat so much and yet be able to walk about on two legs.’

Stella, will you pay attention to what I’m saying to you?’ Chrissie asked, her voice almost ominously quiet.

‘Go ahead, I’m all ears,’ Stella replied, selecting another chocolate with care, this time one decorated with crystallised rose leaves.

‘This is our one chance,’ Chrissie said, ‘and maybe our last – who knows?’

‘Chance of what?' Stella asked, her mouth full.

‘Of security, of being unafraid in the future, of knowing that whatever happens we shan’t starve,’ Chrissie said. ‘The Rajah is generous, Stella, there’s never been a man like him, not in your life at any rate. Do you know how much that diamond necklace is worth, the one he bought you in Paris?’

‘I’ve no idea.’

Stella’s voice was quite indifferent.

‘Nearly a thousand pounds,’ Chrissie said. ‘Think of it, Stella. A thousand pounds! Then there’s the bracelet he sent you the first night and that brooch he gave you last week. I haven’t had them valued yet, but the cash I’ve got safe. There’s the bit left over from the dressmaker’s bill, the discount I got at the hat shop and what you’ve brought back from the Casino – altogether four thousand and twenty francs.’

‘That reminds me,’ Stella remarked, ‘I want some money this afternoon. I’ve got to buy myself some perfume.’

‘Buy yourself!’ Chrissie ejaculated. ‘Are you mad? Ask the Rajah for what you want. He’ll give it to you. If you think you’re going to touch one penny of the money I’ve got safe, you’ve got another think coming. Ask him for your perfume and for a lot more things besides.’

‘He may say no!’