“But, great Heavens! I didn’t take that out in the street with me,” exclaimed Lane passionately. “I tell you what it is, Miss Eleanor, I must see Cynthia and explain this terrible tangle. Can you help me meet her?”
Eleanor considered for a moment. “I have already urged Cynthia to see you, but she has been so unnerved, so unstrung, that I could not make her see matters in a reasonable light. I think the best thing for you to do is to meet her when she least expects it.”
“Capital! Can you arrange such a meeting?”
“My uncle, Colonel Thornton, has asked Cynthia and me to go to his house in Georgetown to-morrow and spend Sunday. I think Mrs. Winthrop will permit Cynthia to go, and, if that is the case, you can call there to-morrow night.”
“Good.” Lane paced the walk restlessly for a minute, then returned to Eleanor’s side. “It’s pretty hard to wait so long before seeing her,” he said, wistfully.
Eleanor held out her hand. “Don’t be discouraged; Cynthia loves you devotedly.”
“God bless you for those words!” Lane caught her hand and raised her slender fingers to his lips.
“Miss Thornton,” said a cold voice back of them, “Mrs. Truxton is waiting for you,” and Eleanor flushed scarlet as she met Douglas’ eyes.