Whenever the doorbell rang she stopped and waited for Ardelia's heavy foot upon the stairs as she toiled up with the telegram or special delivery. But the morning passed, plus half the afternoon, with no word from him. She went down to the post-office herself in the hope that the late mail would reward her. There was nothing for her.
The next day brought only a note from Strong congratulating her enthusiastically, and prophesying a great success for the Jocelyn family. She spent a restless day waiting for the postman, afraid to leave the house for fear she would miss a wire. She grew so nervous that she scolded Ardelia and fussed at the Professor. Night found her entirely discouraged. Something had happened. Frohman had changed his mind, or Jarvis had refused. She had known all along that it was too good to be true. She tossed all night, sleepless, her mind running around like a squirrel in a trap, planning another trip to see the manager.
The early morning found her pacing the paths of the frostbitten garden, where the Professor found her later.
"Why, good morning, Bambi mia," said he, in surprise.
"Good day, Herr Vater!"
"What brings you forth so early, lady-bird?"
"My hateful thoughts! Oh, daddy, there's a crick in the secret."
"A crick? Dear me, what a pity!"
"If it doesn't get itself straightened out to-day, I shall go to New York again, to see what I can do."
"The companionship of a secret is often corruptive to good habits, such as sleep and appetite. Better tell me this mystery."