“Truly an enterprising young lady!” But what could he do?
“I’m so glad to see you, Mr. Vance! I’ve not forgotten my promise. I called to-day on Mrs. Gentry,—found her in the depths. Miss Murray has disappeared,—absconded,—nobody knows where!”
“Indeed! After what you’ve said of her singing, I’m very anxious to hear her. Do try to find her.”
“I’ll do what I can, Mr. Vance. There’s a mystery. Of that much I’m persuaded from Mrs. Gentry’s manner.”
“You mustn’t mind Darling’s notions on slavery.”
“O no, Mr. Vance, I shall turn her over to you for conversion.”
“Should you succeed in entrapping her, detain her till I come back from Natchez, which will be before Sunday.”
“Be sure I’ll hold on to her.”
Mr. Tremaine came in, and began to talk politics. Vance was sorry he had an engagement. The big clock of the hall pointed to seven o’clock. He rose, bowed, and left.
“Why,” sighed Laura, “can’t other gentlemen be as agreeable as this Mr. Vance? He knows all about the latest fashions; all about modes of fixing the hair; all about music and dancing; all about the opera and the theatre; in short, what is there the man doesn’t know?”