"Who is it, Nelly?" she asked, merely for appearance sake, for she fully expected to see Mr. Belkhap.
"He didn't give his name, Miss, but said he come by appointment. It's the same gentleman as called a few days ago."
"Oh! then he won't detain me long," said the young lady, a resolute look coming into her eyes. "Auntie, I'll be with you again in a very few moments."
"He won't be very graciously received," was Mrs. Aliston's mental comment. "I know that gleam of the eye, and what it means."
But Mrs. Aliston was mistaken for once.
"Oh, Mr. Belknap," Constance said, sweeping into his presence with her proudest air, and smiling upon him her sweetest smile. "I am glad you have come."
"Promptness is our first lesson in my profession," replied he, with an affable smile.
"Yes! and have you learned anything new since Monday?"
"Nothing of importance. The party under suspicion has been entertaining a friend, and has been out very little."
"Oh!"