Alix was leaning against the end of the hall-seat, watching him as if fascinated. He bent an ardent, significant look upon her, and her eyes widened slightly under the contact.
"I'll get some water ready for you in the kitchen, and a—" began Mrs. Strong, but Alix, suddenly alive, intercepted her with a cry.
"No! I will go, Aunt Nancy,—I insist!" And before Mrs. Strong could offer a word of protest, she flashed past her and was running up the stairs.
A look of chagrin leaped into Courtney's eyes. He had counted on another minute or two alone with her. Under his breath he muttered an oath.
Alix's bedroom door opened and closed. Mrs. Strong was still looking in astonishment up the staircase.
"I—she's pretty badly upset, Mr. Thane," she said at last. "That face in the window,—and everything."
"Good Lord,—you don't mean to say you saw him?"
"Yes,—looking in that window over there. Only for a second. You must have scared him away."
"Then, by George, you can identify him!"
"He had a mask on. Didn't you see his face?"