"Oh, Francis, what is it?"
"Did I frighten you, dear?"
"Oh, I knew it was you, immediately. But what has happened to bring you here?"
"Is your father at home?"
"No—he may be back at any moment, though. But come in!"
He removed his hand from hers resolutely, though her touch thrilled him with delight. "Wait!" he commanded. "First, can you get the keys to that trunk?"
"Trunk?" she questioned, puzzled.
"Yes, the trunk you told me about—with the wedding-clothes in it—I must see it!"
"Now?" she asked wonderingly.
"Yes, immediately. Please do as I say, and don't ask why, yet. Everything depends upon it. Hurry, before your father comes!"