“Oh, I am not asking you to do so—certainly not,” I hurried to tell her. “I shall do all my business directly with him. But to do so I need his address in the city. I have come to ask you for it. I suppose he left it.”
“Oh yes—so that I may send his mail.” She looked relieved and gave me the name of a hotel.
I had not presumed to sit down, though I was sure that Celene’s eyes had asked me. I bowed and backed toward the door.
“I thank you. That’s all I wanted. I am sorry I was obliged to intrude.” I felt that I was certainly doing that little thing well. “I may be obliged to call again, if you will allow me.”
Mrs. Kingsley hesitated.
“Of course you may call,” blurted Celene.
“I may have to consult with you in a matter similar to this errand to-day,” I explained. “I’m sorry the judge is not here; in that case I would not be bothering you.”
“I tried to prevail on my husband to stay at home—he is not at all well—there are so many matters which need his attention here,” complained Mrs. Kingsley. “If we can help you with any information we’ll be glad to doit.”
I went away on that, and I guess I left a good impression that I was strictly business!
Feeling sure that the two of them were watching me, I put a lot of business snap into my gait when I returned to the tavern.