“Done what?”
“Got disinherited and packed off by Mrs. Paxton-Steele, and if you can explain why he didn’t pack himself back home, you must know a great deal more about him than the rest of us.”
“I can’t explain it, Elinor,” replied Billie. “I can’t even try. But I still believe he’s honest and I’d rather wait a little longer before I pass judgment. There may be some explanation.”
Elinor could not but admire her friend’s loyalty, which was one of the strongest characteristics in her fine nature.
“What a trump you are, Billie,” she said. “You are the truest friend in the world.”
“The chauffeur wishes to speak to one of the ladies,” announced a bellboy. “He is at the side entrance.”
“Elinor and I will go, Cousin Helen,” said Billie, promptly seizing the opportunity which had come so quickly.
Edward was waiting for them in a passage leading to one of the side exits. He was in his chauffeur’s suit and was singing to himself as they approached the song he had dedicated to Elinor: “On thy fair bosom, silver lake.”
“I came for orders for to-morrow,” he announced cheerfully. “I have a good many engagements, and I was afraid I would be filled up if I didn’t see you this evening.”
“Engagements for what?” demanded Elinor.