"To solve the mystery of those girls' lives."
"Oh!" was Edgar's short exclamation.
"I thought I might get at it by learning about the father, but nothing seems to give me any clue."
Edgar rose with a restless air.
"Why not do as I do—let the matter alone?"
"Because," cried Frank, hotly, "my affections are engaged. I love Hermione Cavanagh, and I cannot leave a matter alone that concerns her so nearly."
"I see," quoth Edgar, and became very silent.
When Frank returned to New York it was with the resolution to win the heart of Hermione and then ask her to tell him her secret. He was so sure that whatever it was, it was not one which would stand in the way of his happiness.