He smiled. "Why last night, of course."
I drove home and found my sister in the deepest distress on my account. She was overjoyed to see me, and declared that she and Althea had passed a night of terrible agitation and suspense.
I did not tell her what had occurred, but merely that I had been detained and unable to send word.
"We thought you had been arrested, Paul; and Althea insisted upon rushing off to the police this morning. Herr von Felsen came early, and again this evening, and is with her now in the drawing-room. I must run and tell her the good news;" and she was rushing out of the room when I stopped her.
"Don't tell her yet. I'll change and go into them. Von Felsen may be glad to know I'm back."
"Oh, how I loathe that man, Paul! Had he anything to do with this?"
"My dear child, how could he?" I replied as I hurried off to get into some decent clothes.
I was not more than a few minutes making the change, and I went down to the room where the two were together. I paused a moment on the threshold in doubt whether I should not after all let Bessie announce my arrival.
"Yes, my solemn word on it. Bring him back and I will do all you wish."
It was Althea's voice and I could not help hearing. It decided me, and I opened the door and entered.