“Why is Mr. Keefe coming here?” asked Maida.
“Mr. Stone wants to see him,” Appleby informed her. “You know, Keefe is more or less of a detective himself, and Mr. Stone thinks he may be helpful in finding the criminal. Miss Lane is coming also, she begged to, mostly, I think, because she took such a liking to you.”
“I liked her, too,” returned Maida; “she’s a funny girl but a sincere, thorough nature.”
“Yes, she is. Well, they’ll only stay over a day or two, I can’t spare them longer. Of course, they may be of help to Mr. Stone, and they may not. But I don’t want to miss a trick in this investigation. What a queer little chap that boy of Stone’s is!”
“Fibsy?” and Maida smiled. “Yes, he’s a case! And he’s my devoted slave.”
“As who isn’t?” exclaimed Appleby. “Oh, Maida, do give me a little encouragement. After this awful business is all over, mayn’t I come back with a hope that you’ll smile on me?”
“Don’t talk that way, Sam. You know I’m engaged to Jeffrey.”
“Oh, no, you’re not. I mean, it can be possible for you to change your mind. Girls are often engaged to several men before they marry.”
“I’m not that sort,” and Maida smiled a little sadly.
“Be that sort, then.”