“What can it mean?”
“I have no idea, unless some one disappointed somebody else by remaining alive, when he–or she–ought to be dead. That sometimes happens.”
“It is very mysterious,” and she looked into the eyes of the miniature as if for enlightenment.
“Very, indeed; but on the other hand, certain things are pretty evident. Such as the character of our host, and various points in his career.”
“You mean that he is a hermit with a history?”
“Yes, and more specific than that!” Then, 87turning about in his chair and surveying the room: “He is an aristocrat, to begin with. These works of art are ancestral. They are no amateur’s collection. Moreover, he left France because he had to. A man of his position does not bring his treasures into the wilderness for the fun of it. And when he settled here he had no intention of being hunted up by his friends–or by his enemies.”
Elinor, with averted eyes, listened politely, but with no encouraging display of interest.
“But let us be sure he is not within hearing,” Pats added, and he stepped to the door and looked about. “Not a sail in sight.”
At this point Solomon renewed his efforts to get his master to follow him, but in vain.
“Why don’t you go with him?” said Elinor. “He may have made an important discovery, like the graves, perhaps.”