"No, ma'am," answered the girl. "She and her aunt are in Oakdale to-night. We expect them any minute now."
Grace groaned inwardly.
"What shall I do?" she asked herself. "I must get that money away from there to-night. To-morrow may be too late, and besides I feel sure that that dreadful man won't return to-night. This is our opportunity and we mustn't neglect it."
The maid eyed her curiously. "You are Miss Harlowe, aren't you?" she asked.
"Yes," said Grace. "May I wait here for Miss Savelli?"
"Certainly, miss. Let me take your rain coat and cap. It's a terrible night, isn't it?"
Before Grace had time to answer the click of a latchkey was heard, and the maid said, "There they are."
Eleanor stepped part way into the hall before she became aware of Grace's presence. A look of surprise, followed by one of extreme dislike crossed her face. Drawing herself up, she was about to speak, when Grace exclaimed: "Don't say a word, Eleanor, until you hear what I have to say. I came here to-night to discuss a very personal matter with you, but something so strange has happened that I must defer what I had to say until another time and ask you if you will help me to-night."
"I don't understand," said Eleanor coldly. "Please explain yourself."
"Eleanor," Miss Nevin interposed, "Miss Harlowe is evidently very much agitated over something, therefore do not waste time over useless formality. I knew you, my dear, from the picture I saw of you at Mrs. Gray's," she added, turning to Grace, with a winning smile, that caused the young girl to love her immediately.