“Good afternoon, madam.”

“Is Mr Rollison in?” asked Olivia Cordman.

“Yes, madam, if you will please step this way—”

Jolly manoeuvred so that Madam Melinska came forward first. Rollison tried to glimpse the faces of both women, but he was most anxious to see Mrs Abbott’s. So far, she had no idea who was coming in.

Then Madam Melinska appeared.

Rollison saw her stop short; heard Mrs Abbott exclaim and saw her spring to her feet. For a moment he was afraid that he had done the wrong thing, that she would attack the other woman; but all she did was to stand by the chair.

Madam Melinska glanced towards her, her face expressionless. Then she saw Rollison, and the smile she gave him was gentle and quite delightful.

“I am very glad to meet you, Mr Rollison.”

Olivia Cordman, obviously puzzled, followed her. She looked at Mrs Abbott, started to speak, and then thought better of it, obviously thinking it wise to await events.

Then Mona Lister appeared.

Rollison realized on the instant that Mona Lister both knew and feared Mrs Abbott. He saw her expression of astonishment, the way she stood stock still, hands raised as if ready to fend off an attack. Olivia Cordman’s eyes sparked with interest. Lucifer took two long strides forward.

Then Mona cried: “Don’t let her touch me! Keep her away? She cowered back against an astonished Jolly.

Mrs Abbott actually raised the cup, as if to throw it, but Rollison stepped forward swiftly and knocked her arm aside. The cup fell on to the carpet but did not break.

“Take that girl out of here,” hissed Mrs Abbott. “Take her away or I’ll choke the life out of her.”

She took a step forward, as if to prove that she meant exactly what she said.

CHAPTER FIVE

Protection

Rollison watched with bated breath, keenly aware of the reactions around him: Olivia Cordman’s fascinated interest, the calmness of Madam Melinska, the anger of Mrs Abbott, the fear of Mona Lister.