"I thought the engagement between Mrs. Stanhope and Crabtree was off."
"It was—for the time being. But it seems Mr. Crabtree isn't going to give her up—he is too anxious to get hold of Dora's money," and with this remark Dick hurried to the parlor.
"Oh, Dick Rover!" cried Mrs. Stanhope, when he entered, "do tell me what has become of Dora."
"Dora!" he repeated in bewilderment. "I don't know, I am sure.
Has she left home?"
"She hasn't been home since she answered your note yesterday afternoon."
"My note? I sent her no note."
"But I found it lying on the dining-room table last evening, when I came from my room. You see, I had been lying down with a headache."
"Mrs. Stanhope, I sent Dora no note. If she got one that was signed with my name it was a forgery."
"Oh, Dick Rover!" The lady had arisen on his entrance, now she sank back into a faint.
The youth was greatly alarmed, and at once rang for one of the servants and also for Captain Putnam.