“I see,” said Lord Hastings, and became silent.
The time passed slowly; but it passed. Frank waited eagerly, for he was anxious to see the girl again. Jack noticed the look on his chum’s face and remarked:
“Now just be patient. Marie will soon be here.”
Frank smiled.
“It’s not as bad as that, I assure you,” he returned.
Came the sound of light footsteps without. A key turned in the front door and the footsteps came toward the parlor.
“You have company, mother?” asked the girl’s voice as she tripped forward.
“Some gentlemen to see you, Marie,” was the reply.
In the doorway the girl stood spellbound for a brief instant, as she made out the faces of the callers. At first she did not recognize Lord Hastings and Jack, but she knew Frank instantly.
“Lieutenant Chadwick!” she exclaimed.