"Yes, sir. Master and Missus are going to America."
"The deuce they are," murmured Herries rather perplexed, "Now what does that mean? I wish I could find Gowrie. I wonder if he has been kidnapped also," he added smiling, and little knew how near he was to the truth. "Well, I'd better utilize the time at my disposal and call on Armour," and he turned away.
The next words of Alice arrested him.
"Please, sir, won't you see the lady, sir? She's in the parlour waiting for you."
"A lady. Who is she?"
"Oh, the most beautiful lady you ever set eyes on. She came here an hour ago, and said that she wanted to see you, sir."
"Mr. Herries?"
"Yes, sir, and I know you're Mr. Herries, 'cos I saw you when you was arrested for----"
"There--there," interrupted the young man wincing, for he did not like to be reminded of that ugly episode. "Take me to the lady. I expect it's Señora Guzman, or Maud."
The stuffy parlour looked a duller apartment than ever as Herries opened the door and stepped in. He half expected to see Maud, but instead faced a tall lady with the look of a queen, who rose and smiled as he entered. From the description given by Kind, Angus had no doubt but what this was the daughter of the Indiana ex-president.