"Captain Manuel? Oh, indeed. Also from Peru?"
"Yes, he came over to see Donna Inez, who is a relative of his, and, for the last three months, has been a constant visitor at Wray House."
"May I ask a question?" said Darrel at this moment.
Torry threw an inquiring glance in the direction of his friend and nodded. "If you like," he said graciously, wondering at Darrel's meaning.
"In that case," said Frank, looking at the secretary, "I shall ask Mr. Vass if there are any love affairs at Wray House."
"Love affairs?" stammered Vass plainly taken aback. "I do not quite catch your meaning."
"Oh, that is your romance," cried Torry with a sly hit at Darrel's imagination.
The novelist shook his head. "Two young men--two young women," said he, solemnly. "It is not in nature that there should not be some love spring up between the four."
"Well, sir," said Vass, smiling a little, "I don't say but what you are not right. Captain Manuel is paying his address to Donna Maria, and I must admit that Miss Hargone is greatly admired by Mr. Blake."
"I thought so," said Darrel triumphantly, and signed to Torry to continue his examination, which the detective did without further remark.