Mrs. Plumer also left the room almost immediately after his departure. Sligo Moultrie seated himself by his companion.
“My dear Grace, did you see that look?”
“Yes.”
“He suspects the truth,” returned Sligo Moultrie; and he might have added more, but that his lips at that instant were otherwise engaged.
Abel more than suspected the truth. He was sure of it, and the certainty made him desperate. He had risked so much upon the game! He had been so confident! As he half ran along the street he passed many things rapidly in his mind. He was like a seaman in doubtful waters, and the breeze was swelling into a gale.
Turning out of Broadway he ran quickly to his door, opened it, and leaped up stairs.
To his great surprise his lamp was lighted and a man was sitting reading quietly at his table. As Abel entered his visitor closed his book and looked up.
“Why, Uncle Lawrence,” said the young man, “you have a genius for surprises! What on earth are you doing in my room?”
His uncle said, only half smiling,
“Abel, we are both bachelors, and bachelors have no hours. I want to talk with you.”