"Well, we shall soon see," said Howell, as he rang Miss Elliott's bell.
[CHAPTER XVII]
There was an atmosphere of suppressed excitement about the place that struck Lyon as soon as they were admitted to Miss Elliott's. There was a sound of voices, of shutting doors, that was like the buzz of an excited hive. The maid who took their cards for Mrs. Broughton looked startled and hesitating, but departed on her errand without remark.
"She's gone all right," murmured Lyon to his companion.
In a moment Miss Elliott appeared, severe and formal and angular as ever, but with a nervous flutter in her voice that told its own story to Lyon's quick ear.
"It is impossible for Mrs. Broughton to receive visitors," she said. "The maid brought your cards to me, but I am authorized to say that Mrs. Broughton cannot see anyone."
"It is a matter of some importance,--a legal matter," said Howell.
Miss Elliott shook her head. "I am sorry,--it is impossible."
"Do you mean that she has not yet returned?" asked Lyon, gently.
Miss Elliott turned to him with a start. "Do you mean that you have seen her? Oh, where was she? When was it? Why did she go?"