It was answered by Mrs. Armstrong in person, who regarded him with no very friendly eye.
Orton Campbell, knowing his own treachery, and conscious that it was also known to the lady before him, asked, in some embarrassment, "Is Miss Douglas here?"
"No, sir."
Orton Campbell looked surprised. "I—I thought she might be here," he stammered.
"Were you the person who lured her from my house yesterday by a false letter?" demanded Mrs. Armstrong, sternly.
"No," answered Campbell, unblushingly; "it was an agent of mine, who has deceived and betrayed me."
"Then, you had nothing to do with the disappearance of the young lady?"
"Certainly not," answered Orton Campbell, boldly. "I assure you it has given me great concern, and I have been riding hither and thither this morning in search of her."
"Won't you come in, sir? Perhaps we may be able to throw some light on this mystery."
"She believes me," thought Orton Campbell, congratulating himself on the effect of his duplicity.—"Certainly," he answered; "I shall be most happy to do so."