"No," said Cooley, with a covert sneer, "the young lady is taking her time——"
Jimmy made an effort to put on an air of offended dignity.
"My niece is perhaps unaware," he said loftily, "that Mr. Cooley is waiting. I don't mind for myself——"
Mr. Ricaby was about to leave the room to investigate, when suddenly the door of the bedroom on the right opened and Paula appeared. Her face was pale, but she was cool and self-composed. The girl's manner gave little indication of the agitation within. These men who had come to see her against her will, she feared and abhorred. That they were her mortal enemies instinct told her, that they would stop at nothing to gain their ends, she had every reason to believe. This new proposal sugar-coated as it was with proffers of friendliness, could only cloak some sinister, covert design. She would have liked to communicate her fears to Mr. Ricaby, but this unexpected visit had so taken her by surprise that there was no opportunity. But she would be on her guard. They should get nothing from her.
"Thank God!" she murmured to herself, "this is a free country. They may annoy me, but they can do me no bodily harm."
As she came in the two men arose, Jimmy feeling more and more uncomfortable, Mr. Cooley beaming with smiles, Mr. Ricaby anxious.
"Miss Marsh," began Mr. Ricaby, "these two gentlemen—er——"
Paula advanced and bowed distantly.
"Yes—I know—Mr. James Marsh and—Mr. Cooley."
"Will you—er—sit down—Paula?" stammered her uncle.