They reached it without further incident, climbed in, closed the blinds and set off for the hotel. But just before they got there Marcus told the coachman to stop.‘I’ll get out here,’ he said. ‘You mustn’t be seen tonight in my company. Indeed, you should not be seen again in Paris. There’s always the chance that Coker or one of the others might catch sight of you, and that would never do. Stay indoors till I get in touch with you.’ He looked at her. His face was as stern as she had ever seen it. ‘I will say nothing about tonight’s escapade. Knowing you, it was fairly predictable. But I don’t think I need tell you that the consequences could have been severe indeed.’‘I know,’ Francesca said miserably.His expression softened slightly. ‘Don’t look so cast down, Francesca. I think we have avoided detection. But you must now do exactly as I say until you are safe in England again. I shall not come to your hotel myself, but will contrive to send messages daily.
