But when she entered the room, and perceived no one, she was more astonished still.
Her surprise was not, however, of long duration; for Curtis, having peeped through the fringe and ascertained who the new-comer was, suddenly emerged from his hiding-place.
"Oh! dear me, sir," exclaimed the young woman, "what a fright I have been in, to be sure!"
"And what a pickle I have been in!" cried Frank sulkily.
"You cannot say that it was my fault, sir," observed Charlotte reproachfully.
"Nor more I do, my dear," answered Curtis, warming himself into a better humour by means of a kiss or two on the lady's-maid's red lips. "But, I say, my dear," he continued, after a few moments' dalliance of that sort, "you must come to meet me this evening; because, independent of my desire to chat with you and all that sort of thing, you can be of service to me."
"Lor'! sir," cried Charlotte, astonished at this intimation.
"Indeed you can: but I must not stay to explain myself now," returned Curtis. "Here, my dear—take these five guineas as an earnest of what I will do for you; and mind and be punctual in Conduit Street at seven o'clock this evening."
"I shall not fail, sir," replied Charlotte.
"And in the meantime," added Frank, "watch Miss Mordaunt well. Don't ask me any questions now—I will tell you all about it this evening. But mind you watch her; and if possible, get into conversation with her. Should she ask you to do her any service—no matter of what kind—promise her that you will; and leave the rest to me. Do you hear?"