She met his eyes, placed a note in his hand and turning sped away, while the detective chuckled to think what a cunning little god Fortune was after all.
CHAPTER XVIII
FORTUNE’S FAVORS
At least luck favored him and Eric could not say anything against the sudden whirl of the wheel that had left him in such an advantageous position.
He was naturally anxious to scan the note he held and learn its contents.
Looking around he saw a candy and ice cream saloon near by, where many ladies and few gentlemen passed in.
He believed, as the fall day was warm, that he could enjoy a plate of cream, so he entered, selecting a table in a corner that was isolated.
Here he gave his order, and while enjoying his cream opened the note.
It was sealed in the envelope, but the gum had stuck poorly, and he could easily open it with his knife blade.
Once the contents lay open before him he read: “To-night then it shall be. We are to have company at our house. I cannot get my trunk out without arousing his suspicions so I have sent everything to the place you named in packages by my maid. Have the carriage around the corner. I will slip out while the gayety is at its height, meet you at the door and in a minute we will be beyond his reach. He has been cruel to me, I fear him, and yet I love you, Paul, and will be yours forever.”
This time no signature.