“I’m sorry—this is Mr. Compton’s secretary speaking—but Mr. Compton told me to call you at eight o’clock. He always comes in for breakfast at this time—here he is.”
“Hello! How are you? What time did you get in?” Gregory’s voice was elaborately polite and as eager as any lover’s of yesteryear.
“Are you interested?” Ida’s heart beat thickly, but her tones were crisp. “I arrived at midnight. Really, I expected you to meet me. That is generally considered the decent thing to do.”
“Oh! I’m sorry it was impossible. I can’t leave the mine at present. How did you like the house?”
“I am enchanted with it—and with the limousine. When are you coming in?”
“I can’t say at present. I dare not leave for a moment. You will find a deposit to your credit at the Daly bank.”
“Thanks. Would—shall I run out?”
“Better not. There is always danger of rows.”
“But of course I’m wild to see the mine. You forget how famous it is.”
“Better wait awhile. It really isn’t safe.”