“What are you going to do?” asked Tholbin, bluntly. “Give me away?”
His eyes were looking straight into those of the old attorney. Parker Noyes continued to smile, and Tholbin was amazed to detect a sign of approval.
“If I intended to end your game,” said Noyes quietly, “I would not summon you here. I have simply mentioned that you do not, on your past and present reputation, come up to the standards set by either Tobias Waddell or myself. There are certain tangible objections to your marriage with Betty Waddell. I have brought you here to learn if they can be eliminated.”
THOLBIN was puzzled. He could think of no reply. Noyes paused and stared easily past the young man’s shoulder. A book moved slightly outward from the middle shelf of the bookcase. The same volume moved again. Noyes smiled.
“Let me see.” The attorney’s tone was speculative. “As I remember it, Mr. Waddell and his daughter intend to sail for Europe within a few days. Are they going on the Bremen?”
“The Bremen sailed to-day,” corrected Tholbin. “They are sailing on the Galathia.”
“Ah, yes. So I recall. Were you, by any chance, intending to take the same boat?”
“Yes.”
“I think that Mr. Waddell is going directly to Paris. Was that your destination also?”
“Yes.”