There came a discreet knock on the door.
“Come in,” growled Ray. It was his servant, a man who came by the day.
“Will you see Miss Bassano and Mr. Brady, sir?” he asked in a hoarse whisper, and glanced significantly at Ella.
“Of course he’ll see me,” said a voice outside. “Why all this formality—oh, I see.”
Lola Bassano’s eyes fell upon the girl seated by the window.
“This is my sister—Ella, this is Miss Bassano and Mr. Brady.”
Ella looked at the petite figure in the doorway, and, looking, could only admire. It was the first time they had met face to face, and she thought Lola was lovely.
“Glad to meet you, Miss Bennett. I suppose you’ve come up to roast this brother of yours for his disgraceful conduct last night. Boy, you were certainly mad! It was your father, Miss Bennett?”
Ella nodded, and heard with gratitude the sympathetic click of Lew Brady’s lips.
“If I’d been near you, Ray, I’d have beaten you. Too bad, Miss Bennett.”