“But you wanted to know about your grandfather.”
“You mean he alone can tell me?”
“No, J.C.X. could tell you nothing of that. But it is through your coming meeting with him that you will learn all that you seek to know and more.”
“But why all this intense mystery about it?” Josephine Stone plucked up courage to demand. “I confess I am at a greater loss now than ever to know what all these complications mean—where they lead to.”
There came frank concern into his face. “I only wish it were in my power to tell you—now,” he said. “But it is out of my province to say more. In a week, or likely less, the appointed time will arrive.
“Meanwhile, I have to go east on urgent business,” he added. “I will return as quickly as possible, but before I go I am going to ask you if you will put yourself in my care without question as to the reasons.”
“You mean to leave here—with you?”
“Exactly. Oh, but you may bring your chaperon, Mrs. Johnson, with you. It will be all perfectly proper. Only, I must ask you to leave without notifying a soul, not even your Indian servants. There’s a reason.”
“A reason? Another unexplained reason?”
“No, I may tell you this time. I fear for your safety during the next few days while I am away.”