M. Elgin might be insulted; he might be struck in the face, and thus be compelled to fight.
And, without considering this absurd plan, he hurried to Circus Street. Although it was barely eight o’clock, Miss Brandon’s house looked as if everybody were asleep. He rang the bell, however; and, when a servant came to the door, he inquired,—
“M. Thomas Elgin?”
“M. Elgin is absent,” replied the servant.
“At what hour will he be back?”
“He is not coming home to-night.”
And whether he had received special instructions, or was only acting upon general orders, he added,—
“Mrs. Brian is at the theatre; but Miss Brandon is at home.”
Daniel’s wrath changed into a kind of cold fury.
“They expected me,” he thought.