It was his opportunity. He immediately left the zone of the city desk for a telephone booth. But as he passed the line of desks and busy reporters he did not note the keen scrutiny of a smooth-faced, gray-haired man who stood at the side of Norton's desk awaiting the reporter's return.
"Why, Jones," cried the surprised Norton. "What are you doing all this way from home?"
"Orders," said Jones, smiling faintly as he delivered a note to the reporter.
"Anything serious?"
"Not that I am aware of. Miss Florence was rather particular. She wanted to be sure that the note reached your hands safely."
"And do you mean to say that you came away and left her alone in that house?"
Again Jones smiled. "I left her well guarded, you may be sure of that. She will never run away again." He waited for Norton to read the note.
It was nothing more than one of those love orders to come and call at once. And she had made Jones venture into town with it! The reporter smiled and put the note away tenderly. And then he caught Jones smiling, too.
"I'm going to marry her, Jones."
"That remains to be seen," replied the butler, not unkindly.