She was too clever for that. Her house
was conducted in a most respectable manner. It was situated
in Golden Square, and was a fine old mansion of the days when
that locality was fashionable. Her servants were all neat and
demure. Maraquito received a few friends every evening for a
quiet game of cards, so on the surface no one could object to
that. But when the doors were closed, high play went on and
well-known people ventured large sums on the chances of
baccarat. Also, people not quite so respectable came, and it
was for that reason Scotland Yard left the house alone. When
any member of the detective staff wished to see anyone of a
shady description, the person could be found at Maraquito's.
Certainly, only the aristocracy of crime came here, and never
a woman. Maraquito did not appear to love her own sex. She
received only gentlemen, and as she was an invalid and
attended constantly by a duenna in the form of a nurse, no one
could say anything. The police knew in an underhand way that
the Soho house was a gambling saloon, but the knowledge had
not come officially, therefore no notice was taken. But
Maraquito's servants suspected nothing, neither did the
gossips of the neighborhood. Senora Gredos was simply looked
upon as an invalid fond of entertaining because of her
weariness in being confined to her couch.
Jennings had appointed a meeting with Mallow in this
semi-respectable establishment, and looked round when he
entered the room.
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