“I cannot see them,” said Mr. Manning, settling himself back comfortably in his chair. “They are probably begging.”
The maid went down-stairs to a small reception-room, and gave the strangers Mr. Manning’s message.
“Return to your master, and say that I request an interview with him on the subject of business,” said Eugene firmly.
The maid felt the strange power that the lad exerted on all those who came in contact with him; and throwing him a glance of veiled admiration, she again went up-stairs.
“Tell the boy that I talk business in my office,” said Mr. Manning shortly. “Let him go there in the morning.”
Eugene was not daunted by this message. “Repeat carefully my words,” he said to the amused maid; and his eyes flamed as he looked at her. “To-morrow I shall be on my way to France. I have now a last chance to see the gentleman of this house. If he refuses, he may regret his loss.”
The maid once more bent her footsteps toward the staircase, and on the way met Bridget, with whom she had a whispered colloquy.
“It’s the little French boy, sir, that plays with Miss Virgie,” she said on returning to Mr. Manning.
“Is it?” said the gentleman with a laugh. “He is going to get on in the world, whoever he is;” and he hurried down-stairs.