“That’s the real flaw in Ursula’s otherwise admirable character. She is too reticent.”
“That’s better than being a gusher,” exclaimed the young man vehemently.
“Yes,” smiled Josie, amused at the suddenness with which Teddy had veered around concerning Ursula, “but it is hard on a detective, who is trying to unravel a mystery, when the persons interested give one nothing to go on. I had a terrible time worming out of Ursula that there was such a person as you and even when she told me there was she gave no intimation that you were—well, a tolerably good-looking young man who had leanings in her direction. She grew pale when she mentioned your name, which led me to think that you were small and dark, with maybe a hare lip.”
Teddy laughed and spoke to his horses.
“And the multi-millionaire?” he asked.
“It’s a lie! I cannot see how you could believe Cheatham. I am sure he has not known where Ursula was until lately, and he has never communicated with her in any way, nor has she with him, since she left Louisville. Has not your mother received a letter from Ursula? She wrote one not long ago and hoped it would reach her before Christmas. I persuaded her that she was wrong to keep silent any longer. Ursula has been cowed by this terrible stepfather until she is afraid to do anything but just hide away. You do believe me, don’t you?”
“Of course, Miss Friend, I can’t help trusting you. I want to trust you so much. I’ll tell you I have been very unhappy over Ursula, but I was determined to overcome my love for her because I felt she was not worthy of my regard. I believed all Cheatham said. He is a pleasant, plausible fellow and he has pretended so much feeling for my family because of Ursula’s behavior.
“I see it all now! What fools we have been! Father doesn’t like Mr. Cheatham but Father is such an old-fashioned gentleman that when anyone is in his house he is as polite as can be. Cheatham has been in our house a lot lately, too, when I come to think of it. By Jove, he is coming to dinner today! You’ve simply got to see him. You said something awhile back about detectives. Are you really one?”
“Yes, but don’t give me away. I’m supposed to be out here hunting up rag rugs and hand-made brooms for my arts and crafts shop.”
“Give you away, indeed! I’m too excited about what you have told me and too anxious to help. As for detectives: I read all the stories about them I can get hold of and always think I could have managed the cases better than they did.”