"I haven't seen him since he left for Chicago to look into the express robbery," returned Nell. "Haven't you met him?"
"No. Strange he did not write if he meant to be gone long," remarked Elliston. "You were about to dine, I see."
"Yes; will you keep me company?"
"With pleasure."
"I thought Dyke would be with me ere this," proceeded Nell, as they discussed the edibles. "When he goes for a long stay she usually drops me a line."
After the lunch, Mr. Elliston left his chair and crossed the room to glance from the window, at the same time plucking at his short beard in an apparently nervous manner.
Nell was on the point of removing the ware from the table, when Mr. Elliston turned suddenly, and resumed his seat at the table.
"Sit down, Nell, I wish a word with you."
The girl sank once more into a chair, wondering what was coming.
Laying both hands on her shoulders, Harper Elliston looked her in the eyes and said: