When he had gone, Leslie lay quiet, repeating over and over in her mind the words of Stanhope’s note, and feeling throughout her entire being a strong, new desire to live.
CHAPTER L.
MR. FOLLINGSBEE’S SOCIAL CALL.
“Holding this card so Leslie could easily scan its contents, he sat mutely watching her face.”—[page 359].
Five weeks have passed since the fateful masquerade. Five weeks since Vernet and Stanhope entered, in rivalry, the service of Walter Parks, the bearded Englishman. Five weeks since that last named and eccentric individual set sail for far-off Australia.
Matters are moving slowly at the Agency. Van Vernet is seldom seen there now, and Stanhope is not seen at all.
In his private office the Chief of the detectives sits musing; not placidly, as is usual with him, but with a growing restlessness, and a dark frown upon his broad, high brow.