CHAPTER XXVI
MR. MERRITT’S NEWS
It was growing late in the afternoon when the train ran into the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Depot at Washington.
Harcourt had still two hours to wait before he could get a train for West Virginia.
He determined to utilize this time by calling at the chambers of Mr. Amos Merritt to ascertain from him the present address of Roma Fronde, the probabilities of her receiving again the child who had been stolen from her, or if the lady’s views were changed in regard to protecting the orphan, what had changed them.
He secured his tickets for Logwood, checked his valise, because he could not well carry it to the lawyer’s office, and then took the hand of Owlet and led her from the building.
“Now, then, where are you going to carry me right away?” inquired that practical young woman, who was so largely endowed with common sense, and had so exalted an appreciation of its value.
“I am going to Mr. Merritt’s office to inquire where Lady is at present. You remember Mr. Merritt?” inquired Harcourt as they walked on toward Louisiana Avenue, for it is needless to say Harcourt could not afford to hire a carriage, nor indeed was one needed for so short a distance.
“Well, I should smile! Haven’t I been talking to you about him? He is one of them old gentlemen Lady will have to marry if you don’t marry her.”
“My dear child, do not talk that way,” said Harcourt.
“Isn’t Lady at Goblin Hall?”