“Drive slowly through Rock Creek Park until I tell you to return,” she ordered the man when they had passed beyond the station; then withdrew into a corner of the taxi, and busied herself with her thoughts.
It was almost two hours later that she gave him the Collingwood as a destination.
At the Collingwood she dismissed the taxi, and without sending up her name passed directly up to Mrs. Chartrand’s apartment.
Miss Williams, who was on duty at the telephone desk, saw her—and whistled softly. The instant the elevator door clanged shut, she rang Harleston.
“If you can come down a moment, Mr. Harleston,” she said softly, “I have some interesting information for you; it may not be well to—you know.”
“I’ll be down at once,” Harleston replied.
When he appeared, it was with his hat and stick, as though he were going out.
“If anyone calls, Miss Williams,” he remarked, pausing by her desk, “I’ll be back in about half an hour.”
“Very well, Mr. Harleston,” she replied. Then she lowered her voice. “Your slender lady of the ripples, of the other night, has just come in. She’s young, and a perfect peach for looks.”
“Who is she?” he asked.