A week had passed, and Adaline's mother had returned home. Throughout that time, Adaline had been unsuccessful in reaching Altezza. After his return from Kansas, he had gone to Singapore for his business affairs, as informed by Duncan, his secretary.

Adaline looked at Joanna with fear. Her friend always gave her sharp and piercing looks. Adaline knew Joanna was concerned about her fate, but she was also grateful that Joanna hadn't done anything dramatic like telling the truth to her mother or ...