"Can't I see you for a few minutes, Miss Melody?" said Ben over the wrathful Carder's shoulder. "Miss Upton sent me to you. My name is Barry."
"No, you can't, and that's the end of it!" shouted Rufus.
Ben's smile had vanished. His eyes had sparks in them as he looked down at the shorter man.
"Not at all the end of it," he returned. "Miss Melody decides this. Can you give me a few minutes?"
As he addressed her he again met the wonderful, dark-lashed eyes that were beseeching him.
Rufus Carder looked around at the girl his thin lips twitching in ugly fashion.
"You can tell him, then, if he won't take it from me," he said, "and mind you're quick about it. We ain't ready here for guests. Miss Melody don't want to receive anybody. She's tired and she's recuperatin'. Tell him so, Geraldine."
The girl's lips moved at first without a sound; then she spoke:
"I'm very tired, Mr. Barry," she said faintly. "Please excuse me."
Rufus turned back to the guest.