“About me?”

“Yes.”

“Goodness! I was not aware I was so important!”

“I talked to him plainly, and I fancied my words had some impression. I was astonished when I saw you entering that place in company with him to-night.”

“Oh, Mr. Merriwell!” cried the girl, in confusion; “is that a bad place? I didn’t know. I never was in there before! I didn’t know anything about it.”

“I believe that is the truth, for you did not seem at all at home in the place. I noticed that while watching you.”

“Mr. Dunton said it was a respectable restaurant, and he was so kind to ask me to have a little lunch with him, and he seemed so much like a perfect gentleman, and I didn’t like to refuse, and you did not even give me a look this afternoon, and—and——”

“There, there! You have explained it all. I understand it perfectly, my dear Miss—Miss——”

“Dow—Dora Dow.”

“Dora?”