“Pardon me,” apologized Miss Van Patten, “I didn’t know you were here.”

He rose instantly.

“Won’t you come in for a moment?” he pleaded. “Has Mr. Langdon gone?”

“He has returned for his music.”

“Oh, I see.”

“He plays very well.”

“On the flute?”

“The violin. He has studied abroad. He’s here for the summer visiting Dr. Merriweather.”

“And you—you play?”

“On the ’cello—but only a very little. I’m afraid this—this new complication is going to be rather embarrassing. I don’t like to tell Carl untruths.”