Hanson took a seat and Mrs. Brown resumed her own.
“Miss Fronde was the bosom friend of my sister, and something nearer and dearer still to myself,” said Hanson, with an air of claiming the lady as his betrothed. He dared not go further than that then, for he could not know how much or how little this Mrs. Brown might know of Roma’s position.
“Oh, indeed, sir!” exclaimed the janitress. “I am delighted to hear it. But how is it that we never saw you here all winter?”
“I have just returned from a long sea voyage, a voyage of many months.”
“Ah! And to think Miss Fronde never mentioned your name to me! But then some young ladies are so reserved,” said Mrs. Brown meditatively.
“Yes, and she among the most reserved. I expected to find her in Washington, but it appears that she has left the city. Can you tell me where she has gone?”
“Certainly, sir. She has gone to her own country seat in Maryland—Hobgoblin House, I think they call it. But I will tell you who can give you exact information—Lawyer Merritt.”
“Humph! He was a great friend of Miss Fronde, I believe?”
“Oh, yes, sir; a very great friend indeed.”
“And a frequent visitor?”