“There was no criminal act,” retorted Baron. “Nothing is really wrong. Have him up!” His tone seemed to say: “Assert your right! I’ll back you up!”
He went to the head of the stairway. “Come right up, Addis,” he called. He tried to throw a great deal of cordiality into his voice.
Flora’s hands went to her temples in a gesture of despair. “You invited him here in mother’s absence—you know you did!” she cried.
“I didn’t. But I wouldn’t care if I had. I’d have done it if I’d had the wit to think of it. Why shouldn’t he come?”
“I won’t have him come in this way. Until mother—” She slipped from the room without finishing her sentence.
“What do you intend to do?” demanded Baron.
“There’s only one thing to do. I think I may be needed elsewhere just now. I’m going up into the attic.”
But as she made her escape she glanced down the stairs. Somebody was coming up. There was the stubborn black hair, the ruddy cheeks, and the close-cropped black mustache——
But she was gone.
Mr. Addis mounted the stairs with the determination of one who goes more than half-way to meet destiny.