"Yes, and deed, sir; she's got company, and can't see no one fur de present," cried the grinning negress, quickly.
"Company? A lot of chattering girls, I suppose?"
"No; a young gemmen——"
"A gentleman?"
The frown that blackened the brows of Harper Elliston was not pleasant to see. He was not pleased that Nell should receive other male company than himself.
"I will enter. I think she will see me when she knows who has come," said he, pushing past the negress, and entering the front room.
He seated himself in an armchair, and proceeded to coolly await the coming of the mistress of the house.
Soon Nell Darrel came in. Her face was suffused with smiles, which evidenced that she had heard good news. Elliston, however, flattered himself that it was his coming that caused the pleased look on the face of the detective's sister.
"A pleasant day, Mr. Elliston."
"Rather."