“Scott, you have not heard it all. Do not make your decision until you have done so.”
At that moment a servant announced Mr. Le Moyne.
“I have sent for you for the promised interview,” said Scott. “Allow me the honor of presenting Miss Elsworth, the authoress.”
Mr. Le Moyne was a polished gentleman, but he failed to hide from the penetrating eyes of Scott the look of surprise which passed over his face, as his eyes fell on the gay dress in which Zula was robed. The sound of voices at the hall door soon attracted the attention of Zula, and waving her hand to Scott by way of explanation, she stepped behind the thick folds of satin which shaded the bay window near which she sat.
“You may send my mother and Mr. and Mrs. Horton to my room,” Scott said to the boy who had waited on Meg and Crisp at the door.
Mrs. Wilmer looked her surprise when she saw the ill-looking persons before her, but she made no inquiries.
Old Meg threw off the coarse shawl which she wore, and looking around the room she said, in a creaking voice:
“It seems to me you got a good many to keep your secret, but I’m sure I don’t care. You promised me gold, and so you let me go with that I don’t care.”
“Meg,” said Scott, “you have promised to tell me all you know of Irene, and when you have done so I will give you the price you have asked, and remember that 318 nothing but the truth will satisfy; for, bear in mind that I have some facts.”
Meg took a deep breath, and clasping her long bony hands together, she began: