“Well then, good-night, dear Uncle Peter; we must be going to bed.”
They tripped off through the darkness; and the Captain put on his considering cap with a vengeance.
CHAPTER XXXII.—THE BEGINNING OF THE SHADOW.
The day of the party dawned on the world as sunshiny as day could dawn. The fierce heat of the sun was tempered by just the right amount of breeze. The sultry weather of the past ten days had given place to a fresher and clearer atmosphere. All the world ought to have been in the best of spirits on such a glorious day in early autumn.
About eleven o’clock Captain Richmond appeared on the scene, carrying a square box in his hand. He entered the library, where Miss Roy happened to be alone.
Miss Roy’s face was preternaturally grave, and when she saw the Captain she uttered an exclamation of relief.
“I am so glad you have come!” she said. “I want to speak to you badly.”
“What is it?” asked Captain Richmond.
“Will you shut the door and turn the key? I don’t want any of the children to overhear us.”
“Where are the children?” asked Captain Richmond.