"Please, Miss Nell," he implored, "don't think I'm going to peach on you! Whatever you do, I'll stand by you. Only I thought, perhaps, you might need a friend."
"I have a friend!" she retorted furiously. "If Harold Phipps had received my telegram last night, nothing in the world could have stopped him from meeting me—nothing!"
Then the defiance dropped from her eyes, leaving her small sensitive face quivering with hurt pride and an overwhelming doubt. She bit her lips and turned away to hide her tears.
Quin put a firm hand on her arm and piloted her back to her suit-case.
"What we both need is breakfast," he said. "Come to think of it, I haven't had a mouthful since yesterday noon."
"Neither have I; but I couldn't swallow a bite. Besides, I've got to find Harold."
"Well, you can't do anything till he gets back to the hotel. If you'll come in with me while I get a cup of coffee, we can talk things over."
She followed him reluctantly into the dining-room, but refused to order anything. For some time she sat with her chin on her clasped hands, watching the door; then she turned toward him accusingly.
"Did you see Rose's telegram?"
"No."