“I suppose,” he said, walking toward the parlor, “that it’s all right for John Eaton to come when he pleases, but not for me.”
“That was very different; he rang the bell and the maid let him in! And he came on a business matter. You can’t stay, Billy; you understand that. You must go at once!”
“Well, I came earlier, but saw Eaton’s silk hat bobbing in and I’ve been hanging around waiting for him to go. I didn’t care to meet him here; and as far as business is concerned, maybe mine’s just as important as his. You’ll have to take my word for that.”
His manner and tone were amiable. There clearly was nothing to be gained by debating the question of his right to be there, but she remained resolutely in the parlor door, trying to devise some means of getting rid of him.
“You’ll have to be quick, then,” she said, without relaxing her severity.
“Yes; I understand that, Nan,” he agreed readily. “It’s about the property—no—don’t stop me!” he exclaimed as she cried out impatiently. “You have certain rights and it’s the business of your friends to see that you get them. Another day and it will be too late.”
“I’m to see Mr. Thurston to-morrow; everything’s in his hands; you have nothing to do with it!”
He took a step toward her and his voice sank to a whisper.
“That’s just it! Everything is not in his hands. That’s what I want to tell you.”
She stared at him blankly. His excited manner aroused her curiosity as to what he might have to say, but it was unlikely that he knew anything of importance about Farley’s affairs.