Colonel Ilse actually blushed through his tan. "It was in a fit of jealousy that she did so," he explained hurriedly. "That is, she--well, it is too long a story to tell you. But I have placed the matter in the hands of Miss Toat, and lately she has told me that she thinks she will be successful in finding my daughter."
Audrey shook her pretty head gravely. "It is a long time after the loss to think of finding her."
"I have been in India for many years," said the Colonel, who seemed to be singularly frank in his conversation, "and a military man has scanty time to attend to his own affairs. But lately I have retired, and as I have come in for a fortune, owing to the death of my uncle, I greatly wish to find my child, so that she may be my heiress."
"I hope you will be successful," said Audrey, sympathetically.
"I hope so too, and I think if we can trace this hospital nurse that the truth will become known. The nurse has-- Oh!"--Colonel Ilse stopped explaining as the door opened to reveal Perry Toat--"here is the lady. Miss Branwin, I shall leave you to discharge your business first. My interview can come later." And the Colonel bowed himself into the outer room.
Perry Toat took off her gloves and sat at her desk. By this time the effect of Madame Coralie's improvements had worn off more or less, and the detective was rapidly becoming the drab, unlovely personage she actually was. But Audrey liked her better without the mask of fictitious loveliness, as she had an honest if ugly face. The girl felt that she could absolutely trust her. And she wanted someone to trust, now that Ralph had failed her.
"Do you like Colonel Ilse?" asked Miss Toat when the door closed.
"Very much," said Audrey, frankly. "He seems to be a very nice man, but sad."
"Ah! it is my task to turn his sadness into joy," said the detective, looking keenly at her client.
"By finding his daughter?"