“Grandpapa, you amaze me, you astonish me! Where in the world did Cecil Grant get the money?”
Amber’s surprise was grandly acted. She was a consummate actress, and met his keen gaze with innocent eyes of wonder.
“I have no idea where he got it,” the judge rejoined, testily. “But he borrowed it, I suppose. He gave me a check on a Washington bank where he said the money was on deposit.”
“I have never had such a surprise in my life!” declared Amber; but her further protestations were interrupted by a knock at the door.
A servant appeared, saying that there was a strange man at the door, who would not come in, but wished to see the judge on particular business.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
JUDGE CAMDEN TAKES A STRANGE JOURNEY.
Amber could not understand the uneasy thrill that went through her at the mention of this stranger wanting to see the judge. She sank almost terrified into a chair, while the old man went to the hall-door to receive the visitor.
Yet there was nothing unusual about the matter, nothing that could possibly affect her, she thought over and over, to allay her strange excitement; but when her grandfather returned, she sprang up, pale and trembling, dreading she knew not what.
But he spoke very quietly:
“Amber, I am summoned to the bedside of a sick friend in Washington, and shall start at once. If I do not return until to-morrow, you need not be alarmed, as I may be obliged to remain even longer. Good-by,” and he bustled away, leaving her to the company of her own thoughts.