“No time for tea, I’m afraid,” said Old Lilias sternly, then queried, “Who is your friend?”

“Una’s an artist who I have every reason to trust,” was Kat’s pointed answer. “Now what happened? And how come you have the Cup of Justice? Do you know Maria?”

“Do I know Maria!” Old Lilias entire frame shook with a sudden burst of uncontrollable laughter. “I know her like the back of my hand! A daughter that I never had is what Maria has always been to me. And now the poor child is in great danger!”

“What kind of danger?” Kat and Una exclaimed in one voice after doing a double-take.

“Ah, it’s her ex-fiancé’s good-for-nothing brother,” uttered Lilias under her breath. “The wheeler-dealer knows the true value of the Cup. And he desperately needs it for his unsavory schemes. So Maria thought it best to give it back to you for now. That’s why she asked me to meet her in the chestnut grove in the city park where she handed the Cup of Justice to me. But I think the louse could have trailed Maria from her place to the park and witnessed our encounter. Therefore, I think time is of the essence, Kat!”