"A gentleman to see Mr. Robert Baxter," he said quietly.
Betty looked at Horatio in surprise. "Why, Mr. Merle! How queer you look! Are you taking Parker's place?"
Horatio bowed respectfully. "Yes, Miss Thompson, I am."
Betty laughed. It never occurred to her that Merle was speaking seriously. She picked up the card and glanced at it. "Mr. Grimes," she read, and Hester's face went white. "From Scotland Yard," she continued, studying the card. "Scotland Yard? Isn't that the place where they——"
"I think he's a detective," murmured Horatio, the brilliance of his eyes revealing his intense interest in the matter.
"A detective! Indeed! Is Mr. Robert Baxter out?"
Horatio inclined his head gravely. "Mr. Robert Baxter is out with the car. I told Mr. Grimes and he asked to see Mr. Baxter's secretary. He says it's important."
Miss Thompson frowned impatiently. "It's most annoying. I'm engaged in a serious matter, and—— Oh! Very well! Show him in."
But now the tortured penitent broke out in an agonized cry: "No! You mustn't see him. Let me speak to you—alone."