“Who is it?”
“I did not mean to disturb you,” came the answer, and with a sense of relief Viola recognized the voice of Colonel Ashley. “But I have just returned from New York, and, seeing a light under your door, I thought I would-report, as it were.”
“Oh, thank you-thank you!” the girl exclaimed, relief evident in her voice.
“Is there anything I can do for you?” the colonel went on, as he stood outside the closed door. “Has anything happened since I went away?”
“No—no,” said Viola, rather hesitatingly. “There is nothing new to tell you. I was sitting up—reading.”
Her glance went to the desk where the letters were scattered.
“Oh,” answered the colonel. “Well, don't sit up too late. It is getting on toward morning.”
“Have you anything to tell me, Colonel Ashley?” asked Viola. “Did you discover anything?”
There was silence on the other side of the door for a moment, and then came the answer, given slowly:
“No, nothing to report. I will have a talk with you in the morning.”